By Lev Facher

Special to the Free Press

Caris LeVert published a heartfelt letter in the Players’ Tribune on Wednesday, telling the wrenching story of his father’s death before detailing his struggle to overcome a nagging series of foot injuries.

LeVert asked only one thing in the open letter: That an NBA general manager take a chance on him.

The dream was realized tonight, when the Brooklyn Nets, using a pick acquired from the Indiana Pacers, selected LeVert with the 20th overall selection in the 2016 NBA draft.

“I’m blessed to be here,” LeVert said at his post-selection news conference at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. “Through all the adversity I went through the last couple of years, I’m lost for words right now to be here.”

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A 6-foot-7 guard, LeVert averaged 16.5 points, 5.3 rebounds 4.9 assists per game in 2015-16, but played in just 15 games, missing the bulk of Big Ten play with an injury to his left foot. LeVert underwent his third surgery on that foot on March 22 in New York, and was unable to participate in basketball activities at the NBA draft combine in May.

Once thought to be a first-round pick, LeVert’s stock has suffered the last two years due as his reputation began to center as much on his injury history as his skill set.

In LeVert, Brooklyn receives a versatile backcourt player who, when healthy, provided the Wolverines with an impressive combination of three-point shooting, points in the paint, distributing, rebounding and lockdown defense.

"We are all so happy for Caris," said Michigan coach John Beilein in a released statement. "Despite the setbacks the last two years, he never wavered in his belief in himself and his future. Caris' future is so bright and the best is yet to come for that young man. He will always have a special place in my heart."

In LeVert’s four years with the Wolverines, Michigan played several games at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, LeVert’s new home arena. LeVert’s most recent surgery, performed by Dr. Martin O’Malley, also took place in New York.

“I know it's a great city — I played here a couple times in college,” LeVert said. “We played in this arena. I'm a Midwest guy, so I'm not from far away from here, but like I said, it's a great city and I'm glad to be here. I'm ready to work my butt off.”

LeVert has big shoes to fill when it comes to simply matching the rest of his five-member recruiting class at Michigan. Former U-M center Mitch McGary played for the Thunder in 2015-16, while forward Nik Stauskas and Glenn Robinson III finished their seasons with the 76ers and Pacers, respectively. The fifth member of that class is Spike Albrecht, who announced his transfer to Purdue last month after spending four seasons with the Wolverines.

Beilein now has now seen seven players he recruited to and coached in Ann Arbor reach the NBA, including Tim Hardaway Jr., Trey Burke and Darius Morris.

The Nets were among the NBA’s worst teams in 2015-16, finishing with a 21-61 record.

Free Press sports writer Mark Snyder contributed. Download our Wolverines Xtra app for free on Apple and Android devices!

Caris LeVert's winding road is about to reach the NBA