When Caris Levert decided to return to school instead of entering the NBA draft last spring, Michigan coach John Beilein promised that promising shooting guard's "best is yet to come."

That may yet be the case but unfortunately it won't be in a Wolverines jersey.

LeVert's college career ended Tuesday with Michigan's announcement that he will sit out the rest of the season to try and recover from the “lower left leg injury" he suffered Dec. 30. The senior guard tried to come back on Feb. 14 against Purdue, however, he did not return to the floor after a scoreless first half and has not played since.

"After some prayer and talking it over with my family, Coach Beilein and the medical staff, we all feel it is best for me to concentrate on getting fully healthy," LeVert said in a statement. "There is still some discomfort that does not allow me to help this team the way I want."

The absence of LeVert is a huge reason Michigan is fighting just to make the NCAA tournament this season rather than contending for a top-four Big Ten finish. LeVert averaged 16.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 15 games this season, numbers that suggest he would have lived up to preseason projections that he would be among the Big Ten's best players if he were healthy.

The one advantage for Michigan is that the Wolverines no longer have the distraction of constant questions regarding whether LeVert will or won't return. Perhaps that will help Michigan get in the mindset necessary to secure a marquee win in its regular season finale against Iowa or make a run in the Big Ten tournament.

At 20-10 overall and 10-7 in the Big Ten, Michigan would probably sneak into the NCAA tournament field if the season ended today, but three losses in its last four games have it in a precarious spot. The Wolverines are very 3-point dependent without LeVert's ability to slash to the rim and they don't defend particularly well.

While noting that LeVert's long-term health was too important to rush him back, Beilein acknowledged he is disappointed for the senior guard because he "has worked so hard to get back."

"Caris has been a pleasure to coach," Beilein said in a statement. "He is a wonderful young man with a brilliant future. I am confident he will have a very successful professional career because his talent, attitude, quickness and versatility make every team better."

- - - - - - -

Jeff Eisenberg is the editor of The Dagger on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at daggerblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

Follow @JeffEisenberg