NCAA Should Make Exception and Allow Charles Matthews to Go Back to Michigan Should He Wish
By Charles Nason
After tearing his ACL in a workout with the Boston Celtics, former Michigan guard Charles Matthews will likely see his draft stock take a significant drop. More importantly, he'll also probably miss the majority of what would be his rookie season.
Matthews was a projected second-round pick before his injury. Now he's unlikely to be drafted at all. The injury is a massive setback for Matthews, who could've theoretically returned to Michigan for his fourth and final year.
Michigan’s Charles Matthews who is in the Draft has a torn ACL, his high school coach confirms. Previously reported by ESPN.
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) June 10, 2019
Unfortunately for Matthews, the deadline for players to reverse their draft decision has passed (May 29). That means that the only scenario in which he could return to Michigan is if the NCAA made an exception, which seems rather unlikely.
NCAA proposed a new rule that undrafted players invited to the combine (i.e. Charles Matthews) could return to school for exactly this situation.
— Dylan Burkhardt (@umhoops) June 9, 2019
The rule is *not in effect* this year because it hasn't been certified. So by the book, there is no option for CM to return. https://t.co/w0lNAm4tqY
If Matthews were to return to Michigan, he would be able to not only further his education, but also receive medical treatment from the school and potentially even begin playing as early as January.
It'd be beneficial for the player and the sport, as adding another top-tier player to the Big Ten would only increase its watchability.
Can confirm the news of Charles Matthews’ turn ACL. I was told the date of return being batted around is January, at the earliest.
— Brendan Quinn (@BFQuinn) June 9, 2019
I am told Matthews did consider the possibility of returning to U-M for his final year after learning the severity of the injury.
Although returning to Michigan would be the best scenario for Matthews, it probably won't happen. Instead, he'll most likely have to sit out his nearly his entire first year if he does get drafted or signed by an NBA team.
In any case, hopefully Matthews can get the best treatment possible, make a full recovery, and return to playing as soon as possible.