Michigan basketball announces return of guard Corey Person for fifth year of eligibility
If there was one glaring weakness for the Michigan basketball team heading into next season, it was proven leadership.
On Wednesday, that gap was closed considerably.
Michigan announced that senior guard Corey Person will return for a fifth year and will be a member of the 2012-13 roster.
"It has been a great honor to be a part of this program and to return is just a blessing," Person said in a statement. "Coach (John) Beilein and the staff have given me a great opportunity to continue my career and to be a leader for this team -- something I take very seriously.
"I look forward to helping this program reach all of its goals."
Michigan guard Corey Person was granted a fifth year of eligibility by the school Wednesday, and will return to the program next season.
AnnArbor.com file photo
One of Michigan's off-court leaders last season alongside co-captains Zack Novak and Stu Douglass, Person appeared in 10 games off the bench -- scoring 11 points.
Never a member of Michigan's in-game rotation, Person was routinely praised by Beilein for his vocal presence in the locker room and ability to lead the scout team during practice sessions.
"Corey has ingrained himself in this program, and we were thrilled to extend him the offer to return," Beilein said in a statement. "There are so many great intangibles Corey brings to the program -- leadership, attitude and character. With a very young team, we feel it is very important that Corey bring these intangibles back for one more season."
Michigan's roster will now feature four seniors next season, as Person will join Matt Vogrich, Blake McLimans and Josh Bartelstein as the club's elder statesmen.
The Wolverines will welcome in five freshmen next season, and are expected to receive heavy minutes from underclassmen Tim Hardaway Jr., Trey Burke, Jordan Morgan and Jon Horford.
Through statements released from the program, Person said he often hoped last season that Beilein would offer him a fifth year spot on the roster, but wasn't sure if it would happen.
And now that his return is official, he says it's time for him to get down to business.
"One of the main purposes of me coming back (was) to be a leader," Person said. "We have a lot of guys returning, so not to say that other guys cannot do it, but I really feel like Coach Beilein saw a quality in me -- leadership.
"A lot of talent with no leadership doesn't go anywhere, so you need somebody to help set an example for all of the young talent that we're going to have this year."
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
Comments
fjord
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 12:56 p.m.
Glad to see him back, and maybe he'll see a bit more playing time this year. It was apparent from the few times I saw him on the court that he has the game to play Big Ten basketball. C'mon, Beilein, find some minutes for Corey.
Engineer
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 4:59 a.m.
Perhaps he can fire the guys up to beat a MAC team in the NCAAs!!!! That would be nice.I would say sweet 16 or bust! Anything less will be a HUGE disappointment. Final four more appropriate for the time this staff has had to turn things around. Big ten champs alone this year too Baby!
michboy40
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 8:22 p.m.
This article says he did not appear in a game last year, then says in the next sentence that he appeared in 10 games and scored 11 points. I assume the later is wrong, or he would not be eligible?
48104
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 10:32 p.m.
Didn't appear in a game in 2008-2009 is what I see. Changed?
Raoul
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 8:09 p.m.
". . .expected to receive heavy minutes from underclassmen Tim Hardaway Jr., Trey Burke, Jordan Morgan and Jon Horford. " Correction: Hardaway, Morgan, and Horford will all be juniors in 2012-13 (Morgan a redshirt junior). Glad to see that Corey Person will be back. Possible team captain.