Caris LeVert

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

LeVert's path to the NBA began at Pickerington High School Central, where he led the team to a 26–2 record and the 2012 OHSAA Division I state championship. Despite being named the 2012 Columbus Dispatch Metro Player of the Year, he was not heavily recruited, with Alabama State as his only official visit before committing to Ohio State in November 2011. His path shifted when coach John Groce left for Illinois following an upset victory over Michigan; LeVert subsequently withdrew his letter of intent and committed to Michigan. At college, he arrived weighing 162 pounds and initially sat behind Stauskas and Robinson on the depth chart. As a freshman in 2013, he made his first start against Central Michigan on December 29, contributing 9 points and 5 assists in a lineup of three freshmen that combined for 48 points. By his sophomore season in 2014, LeVert had become a key contributor, posting career highs of 25 points against Wisconsin and recording his first double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds against Purdue. He was named a second-team All-Big Ten selection and earned spots on the All-Midwest Regional team after Michigan's Elite Eight run.

In Their Own Story

LeVert's junior season at Michigan began with high expectations, earning him first-team All-Big Ten preseason honors and a spot on multiple All-American lists. Named co-captain alongside Spike Albrecht, he opened the season with 9 assists against Hillsdale College and set a career high with 32 points in an upset loss to NJIT. However, disaster struck on January 17 against Northwestern when he reinjured his foot, which had required surgery just months prior in May 2014. At the time of the injury, LeVert led Michigan in scoring (14.9), rebounds (4.9), assists (3.7), steals (1.7), and minutes (35.8). After a recovery period on crutches until early March, he faced a critical decision regarding his draft stock. Consulting the NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee, he chose to return for his senior season in 2016 rather than risk being drafted in the second round. His senior year featured a historic triple-double against Northern Kentucky on December 15, where he recorded 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, becoming the fourth player in program history to achieve the feat.

Reader's Guide

LeVert's college career was defined by resilience and statistical versatility. As a senior in 2015–16, he posted another triple-double against Northern Kentucky and earned Co-Big Ten Player of the Week honors alongside Malcolm Hill after a 13-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist performance. He also recorded a 22-point, 10-assist double-double in Michigan's Big Ten opener against Illinois. Despite missing four games due to a lower left leg injury and slumping in shooting percentages during a loss to SMU (1–13 field goals), he remained a central figure for the Wolverines. His development included training with teammate Nik Stauskas during the 2013 offseason, where they focused on perimeter defense and weight room work. LeVert's journey from an unheralded recruit to a multi-time All-Big Ten selection and triple-double producer showcased his ability to adapt as a playmaker, eventually leading him to the NBA draft after four seasons in Ann Arbor.

Did You Know?

• LeVert was not heavily recruited in high school and his only official visit was to Alabama State before committing to Ohio State.
• As a freshman, LeVert never scored in double digits, though he did score 8 points each in wins over Illinois, Michigan State, and Syracuse.
• He underwent surgery for a stress fracture in his foot in May 2014 but returned just before the team's trip to Italy later that summer.
• In December 2015, LeVert became only the fourth player in Michigan program history to record a triple-double.