Michigan freshman Caris LeVert continues to impress in practice, but still on track to redshirt

Michigan coach John Beilein says he still plans on redshirting freshman guard Caris LeVert, but nothing is set in stone just yet. Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com

ANN ARBOR -- Michigan basketball coach John Beilein continues to see fine development from Caris LeVert, but as of now, he still plans to redshirt the freshman guard.

Beilein maintained earlier this week that the 6-foot-5, 170-pound Ohio native remains impressive in practice, but for now, he'll stick to the sidelines to preserve an extra season of eligibility.

"He's really playing well, he's really doing well," Beilein said. "He makes a difference with our scout team with defense, and he gets to where he wants to offensively."

Beilein said he used LeVert as a scout team point guard leading into the North Carolina State game, doing his best to simulate 6-foot-5 Wolfpack floor leader Lorenzo Brown against 6-foot Trey Burke.

Obviously something helped, as Burke put up 18 points and 11 assists against a much taller, longer defender.

Beilein never likes to fully stamp a player as a redshirt candidate, generally opting for the "never say never" approach. And, with LeVert, it seems that the decision is a bit harder than he originally thought.

Though Michigan's logjam at the off-guard, small forward spot likely makes it easier.

"So far (the plan is still to redshirt him)," Beilein said. "So far. But he's been really good.

"There's no reason why we have to make a (definite) decision yet."