As Michigan basketball gears up for the 2025-26 season, the spotlight naturally falls on the big names—Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney returning, transfer portal standouts like Moustapha Thiam, J.P. Estrella, and Jalen Reed, and five-star freshman Brandon McCoy. But according to assistant coach Mike Boynton Jr., the real story might be two unsung heroes already in the program.

"Both of those guys are names people should just right now pencil in and keep their eyes on early in the year," Boynton said on the "Hail Yes!" podcast. He's talking about Oscar Goodman and Ricky Liburd, holdovers from Michigan's national championship team who have been flying under the radar.

Goodman, a 6-foot-7, 235-pound forward from New Zealand, has been in the program for two years and knows the system inside out. Last season, he was buried behind a crowded frontcourt featuring Aday Mara, Morez Johnson Jr., Yaxel Lendeborg, and Will Tschetter. But when he saw the floor in 16 games, he didn't look out of place—averaging 1.4 points and 1.3 rebounds in just 5.2 minutes per contest, with a few high-flying dunks that hinted at his potential.

Boynton sees Goodman as a versatile rotational piece who can bring energy, rebounding, and defensive flexibility. "Think of the energy and versatility that we were able to use Will Tschetter with," he said. "Shoots it well, brings great energy, tough enough to guard multiple positions." Goodman is strong enough to play the four but athletic enough to slide to the wing, giving Michigan the kind of lineup flexibility that made last year's team so dangerous.

For fans looking to stock up on Michigan gear ahead of the season, keep an eye on these unsung returners—they might just be the glue that holds it all together.