Michigan Basketball Position Preview: Wings

Mar 3, 2015; Evanston, IL, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard/forward Aubrey Dawkins (24) reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first overtime at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The Northwestern Wildcats defeated the Michigan Wolverines 82-78 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

2014 Stats:

Last year’s team was heavily reliant on its freshman talent. Yet it was the most highly-touted freshman in the class who struggled the most.

Kam Chatman went into the year as a starter, and struggled to get anything going all season. He started every non-conference game, but only got two starts once Big Ten play hit.

Chatman had trouble with his shot all season, especially from behind the arc. He only reached double-digit points twice. He looked lost at times on defense. His shot seemed to get better late in the year, but his minutes mostly came because other players needed a break.

Chatman was a freshman thrown to the wolves his first season, and he has plenty of opportunity to improve. He can make an impact on defense. If he can get tougher and stay on his assignment, he has nice length that will help him get steals, boards and blocks.

Chatman had some nice moments as a freshman, but they were few and far between. Beilein is a great developer of talent, so it’s hard to not see him making at least some progress. If he still isn’t ready to start, he could become a solid role player off the bench.

Chatman might have the highest upside of any returning player if we can start to see some consistency.

Next: Aubrey Dawkins