The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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14 THE WOLVERINE ❱ APRIL 2024 ❱ INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS Jackson Selvala got to live out a dream during his time with the U-M men's basketball program, ascending from student manager to walk-on. After Selvala spent two seasons helping the team out in practice in his manager duties, head coach Juwan Howard made him a full-time member of the program before the 2022-23 season where he served as a key member of the scout team and late-game substitution. He was honored prior to Michigan's regular-season finale versus Nebraska on March 10 alongside guard Nimari Burnett, forward Terrance Williams II and guard Jaelin Llewellyn. Sel- vala entered the game late in the 85-70 loss, hitting a pair of free throws to close out his regular season. "Jackson is my locker buddy right next to me. He's a legend himself," Burnett said after the game. "I'm saying that as a joke because we say that to each other. It's also serious. The way he goes about every day, the reps he's taking on the scout team, and giving us a good look for the five men on the oppos- ing team are impressive. "He comes in each day with a mindset to help us and also create a brotherhood. He's somebody I call my brother now and for the rest of my life. I'm grateful for what he's done for me and his team." Williams and Selvala formed a bond over the last few sea- sons, referring to their friendship as a brotherhood both on and off the court. "Jackson is one of a kind," Williams said. "He comes in ev- ery day and puts in the work on the scout team. When we're doing our drills, he gives it all at all times. You can count on him to bring it every single day in practice. Whenever he gets in the game, he's going to bring it too. "That's my brother. We spend a lot of time together hanging out. I was at his house watching the [College Football Playoff] National Championship. This is more than what you see on the court. He went from a manager to walk-on, and that's very hard to do. I'm very proud of him and of his journey, which has inspired many people in the program." Selvala made 17 game appearances during his career and finished with with 6 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. His ascension from manager to Division I basketball player is one he still is wrapping his head around. "It's been just a surreal experience to go from being a man- ager to being a player," Selvala said. "My whole perspective on not only the game, but this university and this program has changed so much. "It means everything to me to be able to come to the gym with guys like Nimari and T-Will. They are just great basket- ball players, and they're really going to be successful in life. That's what's important." Selvala graduated from U-M's College of Literature, Sci- ence and Arts in April 2023 with a political science degree and is enrolled in the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning and working on a Real Estate Development Certificate. — Anthony Broome Selvala, who went from manager to Division I basketball player, made 16 regular-season appearances during his career with 6 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. He scored the last basket of U-M's 2023-24 season in the Big Ten Tournament loss to Penn State March 13. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL ❱ Student-Athlete Of The Month Men's Basketball Graduate Forward Jackson Selvala