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Michigan Basketball will be in a pickle at PF without D.J. Wilson

By Chris Peterson

Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5) reacts during the second half against the Oregon Ducks in the semifinals of the midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Oregon defeated Michigan 69-68. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5) reacts during the second half against the Oregon Ducks in the semifinals of the midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Oregon defeated Michigan 69-68. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan basketball better hope D.J. Wilson withdraws his name from NBA draft consideration. Otherwise, the power forward spot will be a big question mark heading into next season.

In just a few weeks, Michigan basketball player D.J. Wilson will decide if he’s going to coming back to Ann Arbor for another season, or forgo it for the 2017 NBA draft.

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Of course, any Michigan basketball fan in their right mind is hoping, praying even that Wilson returns. After all, 6-10 forwards that are super athletic, can dominate on both ends and shoot effectively from 3-point range aren’t sitting on every corner.

Wilson is a rare type of player. That’s why NBA teams and scouts are drooling all over him.  He can affect the game in so many ways. He can post up, he can pick and pop, he can drive, he has great touch and he can impact the game defensively too.

It doesn’t take a genius to know that Michigan basketball will miss him tremendously if he leaves. The Wolverines have no other player with his versatility or defensive prowess.

However, the thing that makes the prospect of Wilson leaving even worse, if that Michigan has no clear replacement for him at power forward.

Certainly, it would hurt it Moe Wagner left. But, the Wolverines could turn to Jon Teske, who saw some minutes last season or redshirt freshman Austin Davis. Neither is at Wagner’s level, but at least they have college experience.

Michigan Wolverines Basketball
Michigan Wolverines Basketball /

Michigan Wolverines Basketball

At power forward, Michigan basketball isn’t so fortunate. Sure, Davis could probably fit the role, but he would struggle defending athletic, stretch forwards.

Other options include incoming freshman Isaiah Livers, a 6-8 forward that is listed as a four-star by multiple outlets. He reminds me of Zak Irvin and if Wilson left, he might be the odds on favorite to start.

Duncan Robinson and Charles Matthews are two other wing players that could see some time at the four, the way Irvin and Glen Robinson III used to. Another option is a graduate transfer, someone like Cam Johnson from Pittsburgh, but even he isn’t a true four.

Thus, if Wilson leaves, Michigan basketball will be forced to return to its small ball ways.

One of the nice things about Wagner and Wilson, is that finally, Michigan could matchup inside and on the boards, instead of just being overwhelmed.

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It’s looking more and more like that will no longer be the case.

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