Donaldson was a key bench piece for the Tigers, and can be that for the Wolverines.

The Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball roster got a complete makeover this past week, with one of the incoming transfers being former Auburn guard Tre Donaldson.

Donaldson started in 10 of Auburn’s 35 games this past season, averaging 6.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 19.3 minutes per game. He shot 47.1 percent from the field, 41.2 percent from three and 78.4 percent from the free throw line.

Highlights don’t tell the full story of a player’s game, but until we see Donaldson play in Ann Arbor, let’s evaluate what fans can expect from him in the coming seasons.

Scouting Report

It wouldn’t be surprising for Donaldson to become a fan favorite because of his play style. He uses his quickness to dart to the lane and can finish over taller defenders despite of his 6-foot-2 frame. He reminds me of former Michigan guard DeVante’ Jones in the way he finishes through contact, bouncing off defenders like a running back.

Donaldson is also lightning quick on the break, making the right decision with the ball more often than not and thriving in an up-tempo offense. He has a reliable three-point shot with a high release and deep range. He’s not afraid to shoot a three-pointer off the dribble in the pick-and-roll if the defense gives it to him. One of his most reliable tools is his mid-range pull-up off the dribble, which is automatic. He also utilizes a floater when getting into the lane.

For an NBA comparison, there’s a lot of Mike Conley in Donaldson’s game in the sense he is able to score multiple ways while also possessing excellent court vision and passing chops.

In 2023-24, Donaldson led the Tigers with 112 assists and was their seventh-leading scorer. Classified as a role player this past season on a team that finished fourth in KenPom ($), Donaldson ranked 101st in the country out of 2,261 players with an assist rate of 28.4 percent, meaning that despite playing less than 20 minutes per game, he accounted for more than a quarter of Auburn’s assisted baskets.

Donaldson uses the ball screen well, which is great for the ball-screen heavy offense Dusty May ran at Florida Atlantic. He dribbles tight off the screen as a guard should. He keeps his head on a swivel once he hits the free throw line, looking for open cutters while diagnosing the defense. He’s a three-level scorer, and his ability to keep defenses guessing off ball screens is what makes him a dangerous scorer.

One of Donaldson’s best games of the season came against Alabama. In the win, Donaldson scored 14 points, grabbed six rebounds and dished four assists. He showed his excellent court vision, while controlling the pace of the game in transition. He thrives playing at a quick pace.