MICHINGAN WOLVERINES MEN BASKETBALL TEAM COACH HAS BEING FIRED.....

Lauren Hansen, a guard from Michigan, enters the WNBA Draft.

After completing a season with the Michigan Wolverines, Lauren Hansen, a graduate student guard, has decided to enter the WNBA Draft, as indicated by her inclusion on a WNBA.com roster of players choosing to forego their remaining collegiate eligibility.

During her sole season with the Wolverines, Hansen emerged as a significant contributor, starting in all 34 games and ranking as the team’s second-leading scorer. Hailing from Long Island, she maintained an average of 11.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, demonstrating proficiency with shooting percentages of 42.3% from the field, 37.5% from beyond the arc, and 85.5% from the free-throw line. Hansen’s impressive performance earned her recognition as an All-Big Ten honorable mention from both coaches and the media.

Notably, Hansen showcased her talent during critical moments, tallying double-digit points in 11 of Michigan’s last 13 games. Among her standout performances was a recent game against Indiana, where her 16-point contribution played a pivotal role in a comeback victory that secured Michigan’s place in the NCAA Tournament. Hansen’s clutch three-pointers in the latter stages of the game were instrumental in sealing the triumph.

If Hansen is selected in the WNBA Draft, Michigan would see a player drafted into the league for the third consecutive season. Previously, standout center Naz Hillmon was chosen 15th by the Atlanta Dream in 2022, followed by Leigha Brown, who coincidentally was also drafted 15th by the Atlanta Dream in 2023.

Looking ahead to the next season, Michigan’s head coach, Kim Barnes Arico, anticipates adjustments due to the absence of key contributors like Hansen, along with post player Cameron Williams and sharpshooter Elissa Brett. Despite these changes, Barnes Arico expressed optimism during a recent interview with Maize n Brew, citing a solid group of returning players, including leading scorer Laila Phelia, and the program’s highest-ranked recruiting class as reasons for excitement.