The Michigan basketball program will be without four familiar faces next season.

A Michigan spokesman confirmed Tuesday that redshirt freshman forward Sai Tummala, a preferred walk-on, has left John Beilein's program.

The 6-foot-6, 190-pound Tummala, a Phoenix native, redshirted last season and did not appear in any games for the Wolverines.

A Michigan Athletic Academic Achievement honoree, Tummala accepted a preferred walk-on role with Michigan prior to last season after spending the 2010-11 campaign at Phoenix's Brophy College Prep.

Though Tummala never played a minute in a Wolverine uniform, he was highly praised by Beilein early last season for his athleticism.

After missing early portions of action last season with a concussion, including Michigan's trip to Maui, Beilein declared that Tummala might have been the Wolverines' best overall athlete.

"He may be our most athletic player," Beilein said at the time. "Aside from maybe Trey Burke, he's one of our quickest players and has really showed some good signs. I really like what he's done so far in practice."

Tummala is the fourth player from Michigan's 2011-12 co-Big Ten title squad to leave the program. Forward Evan Smotrycz transferred to Maryland, forward Colton Christian left for Florida International and guard Carlton Brundidge transferred to Detroit.

Arkansas home game set for Dec. 8

A Michigan spokesman also confirmed Tuesday that the Wolverines will host Arkansas for a previously scheduled non-conference game at Crisler Center on Saturday, Dec. 8.

The Wolverines fell 66-64 to the Razorbacks in Fayettville, Ark. last season. The game was played during the middle of Big Ten play on Jan. 21.

Michigan will also play host to North Carolina State on Nov. 27 as part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. In addition, the Wolverines will take on West Virginia at Brooklyn's new Barclays Center on Dec. 15.

The Wolverines also have a confirmed non-conference date at Bradley, and will also participate in the 2012 Preseason NIT.

Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.

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