Hunter Dickinson receives hate for leaving Michigan over NIL money

Center Hunter Dickinson made a decision for himself this offseason.

After playing for three years for the University of Michigan, Dickinson decided that a change was needed. He decided that he had a chance to make more money via name, image and likeness deals with the Kansas Jayhawks -- arguably the biggest brand in college basketball and the 2022 NCAA men's basketball champion.

That decision came with backlash from Michigan fans, though. After playing a massive role in the program over the past three seasons, Dickinson still found himself a collection of critics.

He admitted on Barstool's "Roundball" podcast that he felt the hate wasn't justified, though.

"The people hating on me would leave their job right now for a $10,000 increase," Dickinson said, per ESPN. "I got, at Michigan, less than six figures. I got less than six figures at Michigan for the year."

Despite the backlash to his decision, the 7-foot-1, 260-pound big man did say that he still has good feelings toward the Wolverines.

"I still do love Michigan," he said. "I still love the school and everything. I love the program. That's why it was so hard to leave because I really didn't want to leave, I didn't. But I just felt like, man, it was the best decision for me. It took a lot of courage. I don't think people realize how much courage it took for a guy who was there for three years, an All-American for the team. I did have a legacy there and I basically gave that up to try to be selfish and do what's best for me and my career, not what's best for anybody else's career."

Dickinson averaged 18.5 points and nine rebounds per game last season for Michigan.

He projects to be a major part of Kansas' team in 2023.