A few years ago, I was faced with a choice.
I had to choose between two options – and both of them were actually very attractive to me.
First of all, I received an offer to play professional basketball in my hometown of Alba Berlin. I knew I would be happy if I chose this option – it was a great honour to play in the Bundesliga as a professional. I'm more used to living in Germany, which is certainly a comfortable option.
Another option is that I received another invitation from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. My brother Moritz-Wagner also played there and he certainly gave me some useful advice. Yes, I had a great conversation with Coach Juvan Howard and his coaching staff. But...... I basically didn't know anything about going to college in the United States. Once that happened, I would have to fly halfway around the world and live alone in a completely different culture – the opposite of the word comfort. That meant I had to take a brave step.
After months of much thought, I made the decision to go against the advice and expectations of almost everyone in my family. The decision wasn't because of my brother — it was because I wanted to choose the way I wanted it to. I took this brave step.
I decided to go to the University of Michigan.
I think it was the best decision I've ever made.
And now, two years later, I'm about to make another decision.
I decided to run in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Honestly, I'm excited, hopeful, more excited than anything I've ever done — playing in the NBA has always been my biggest dream and a goal I've been working towards. After talking to my coach and family, I knew I was ready. From a basketball perspective, that's what I'm going to do now. (Also, I mean, since my brothers can play in this league — obviously they'll welcome and accept anyone.) ）
But it was still a tough decision.
And I think the decision was tough for me for one reason: I love Michigan so much.
Brothers, I really enjoyed my time with you at the University of Michigan.
So, that's why I want to write this letter. I don't want to just say "goodbye brother" simply. I want to express my gratitude to you and to this time of my life.
One of the things I'm most proud of in my college career is that we've shown people that university of Michigan basketball is going to continue to be strong — and there were a lot of skeptics about it after Coach John Behring left. They question whether the basketball culture here will decline. I think Coach Howard and some of our veteran players – like Xavier Simpson – have given us the mentality that we're never going to let that happen. It became a task: We didn't just want the basketball culture here to decay — in fact, we were going to push our basketball team forward.
I think we've been using our performance on the field to express these points. For example, let Coach Howard coach start with seven consecutive wins, win the title in the NCAA's Big10 League the following year, and win the top seed ranking for the first time since the Michigan Five Tigers era. I know I've only been here for two seasons, but I still hope you see me as part of the tradition here. It is we who declare to the world that the fire of basketball at the University of Michigan will not disappear.
Personally, I'm really proud of my growth in the last two years. Off the court, I feel like I've grown into an adult – I've learned to take care of myself, you know what I mean? (Also, I'm all starting to grow my beard now.) What an amazing perseverance. And on the court, I think I'm more well-rounded than I was when I first came to Michigan. I know it's important to have a full range of players in the NBA right now, and players have to show guard-like skills while having a forward-like body. And I think that's exactly what I'm going to develop that type of play.
But at the same time, I will always be the harshest critic of myself – I know that if I'm going to achieve my goals, I have a lot to do and improve. I knew I had to constantly push my limits, but I was born for that challenge. I never wanted to be satisfied with my current situation.
Before I wrap up this letter, I have to say a few words of thanks to some people.
First of all, I have to thank Coach Howard and everyone associated with the University of Michigan basketball team. Our coach was a special person – from the moment he came looking for me (it was a tournament in Greece), I knew it was amazing to know him. He gave the best basketball education I could have asked for... But at the same time, he wasn't just coaching me as a coach, he was more focused on my life. It can be said that this team is in the hands of a very good person.
Next I have to thank my teammates. Most readers should already know that our results this season have not been very good. Brothers, I don't want to lie, and I had a tough few weeks after that. It hurts me so much. It's not just because it's painful to lose, because I'm very competitive, but also because it makes me feel like I've let everyone down. The most unfortunate thing is that those seniors in college are because I didn't hit a shot... Their basketball career at the University of Michigan came to an end. I'm very strict with myself. But those guys were so supportive of me – they supported me like real brothers. They will be my brothers for the rest of my life.
Finally, I must thank the entire Michigan family once again.
I'm sure a lot of people feel that "big family" is a bad word to use, especially in places like teams and schools. But honestly, that's how I feel here. I feel like I've found a second home – it's full of these wonderful people who I'm still one of them even after I left school.
Sadly, this time has arrived. It's time to say goodbye to Ann Arbor and take on a new challenge for the NBA.
I don't know what my future holds in the NBA... But I'd love to know. Like I said — I've always been pretty sure of one thing: I'm very proud to be a part of the University of Michigan basketball team.
Thank you all.
Go Blue, forever.