Olivier Nkamhoua will be out for the remainder of the season after undergoing left surgery this week, Michigan announced on Wednesday morning.

The injury essentially ends Nkamhoua’s collegiate career, as he is out of eligibility following the 2023-24 season. The graduate transfer spent 4 years at Tennessee before arriving in Ann Arbor.

Nkamhoua said in press release that he played through the injury until that was no longer possible. He’s expected to be out for 3-4 months while he recovers from the surgery.

“Decisions like this are never easy,” Nkamhoua said in a statement. “Playing with this injury became taxing and we knew something had to be done. I feel like I wasn’t able to finish what I came here to do; however, the support and love from the coaches, my teammates and everyone involved with this program has been so amazing.

“Coming to Ann Arbor and having the opportunity to play for a coach like Coach Howard has been something I will cherish. I cannot thank Chris (Williams) and his training staff for all he has done for me throughout this season and going forward in my recovery. I am proud to be able to say I was part of this great university. I am proud to be a Michigan Wolverine.”

Nkamhoua is Michigan’s leading rebounder and second-leading scorer on the season. His emergence after transferring Tennessee has been one of a few bright spots for a Wolverines team that has had a difficult season overall.

“This is not how things were meant to be for Oliver,” Howard in a release. “From the moment he stepped on campus, he brought maturity, class, insight and leadership. I truly feel blessed that I was able to learn a tremendous amount from him both on and off the court. He was a true warrior playing with this injury; however, it was just time to do something. We know this will pass and he will return to have a successful playing career. We are so grateful to have been a small part of his journey.”

Nkamhoua chose to transfer from Tennessee after spending 4 seasons with the Vols as a key player in Rick Barnes’ squad. He appeared in 112 games for Tennessee in his career and averaged 6.5 points per contest.

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