Michigan freshman Austin Hatch will move to a medical scholarship next season and serve as an undergraduate student assistant.
Full University Press Release below:
University of Michigan men’s basketball head coach John Beilein and freshman guard Austin Hatch announced today (Monday, April 27) that Hatch will alter his position with the men’s basketball roster by moving to a medical scholarship and becoming an undergraduate student assistant.
“This is, and has been, a very difficult decision; one that we have been discussing with Austin over the last few months,” said Beilein. “Together, we made this decision at the end of the season and have been waiting for approval from the Big Ten for his status change. With the request for a medical exemption waiver approved (April 27), we are ready to move forward with the next steps in Austin’s career.”
“Over the past year, we closely observed Austin’s academic and athletic progress. In the end, Austin and our staff agree that the waiver is the proper next step. This change allows Austin to devote the necessary time he needs to be successful in his studies and obtain a Michigan degree. We also wanted to be sure we continued our commitment to Austin keeping his full scholarship in place for the next three years. This waiver allows for both.
“What makes this move equally important is, with NCAA rules, it allows Austin to continue to be a valuable asset to our team as a leader, mentor and assistant. As a student assistant coach, Austin will be allowed to continue to be engaged in our practice and training and to travel with us when it can fit into his academic schedule. The only real change will be that he will no longer be on our active roster or allowed to play in games.
“Austin remains an important part of our program and culture, even if we do not have that chance to see him compete again.”
“Basketball has always been a huge part of my life, however, it is what I play, not who I am,” said Hatch. “It was a goal of mine to return to the game that I love so much and I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to play for Michigan. After all that I have been through, it was a dream come true for me to put on a Michigan jersey and get into a game at Crisler Center.
“As I have progressed through this first season, I know that I am not where I want to be, both academically and athletically. My priority is academics and I feel that it is in my best interest to devote more time to my studies. This decision honors my father, and it is something that I know he would agree with and be proud of me for making.
“Coach Beilein, the staff and my teammates have been so understanding of my situation. They have supported me through everything I have been through and I now view them as part of my extended family. My words cannot, and would not, adequately express my gratitude for all they have done and continue to do for me.
“I am honored to be, and will be, a part of the Michigan Basketball program going forward — in whatever capacity my studies allow me to be. I am a Michigan Wolverine for life. Again, I am honored and truly grateful that I am in a position to say that.”
A well-documented survivor of two plane crashes, Hatch came all the way back after sustaining life-threatening injuries to enroll at U-M this past fall. He made his return to the basketball court official in his third game of the season against Coppin State (Dec. 22). Hatch entered the game and recorded his first career point on a free throw after being fouled. He played in a total of five games this season.
