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Michigan Basketball: Depth won’t be an issue next season

By Chris Peterson

Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (12) dribbles the ball as Oregon Ducks guard Payton Pritchard (3) defends during the second half in the semifinals of the midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Oregon defeated Michigan 69-68. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (12) dribbles the ball as Oregon Ducks guard Payton Pritchard (3) defends during the second half in the semifinals of the midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Oregon defeated Michigan 69-68. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan basketball lost some talent, but it gained a lot too and depth shouldn’t be a concern for the Wolverines next season.

The Michigan basketball team has some questions it needs to answer before the 2017-18 season, but one of them shouldn’t be depth. The Wolverines have it, more than enough in fact.

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It’s true that Michigan isn’t incredibly deep at every position. The power forward spot is one that will give John Beilein some headaches this year, but even that isn’t as bad as it seems.

Duncan Robinson, who started at the four as a sophomore, will be the guy. And if needed, Moe Wagner can slip into that spot, while either Jon Teske or Austin Davis players center.

Isaiah Livers could also be an intriguing option at the four. The 6-8 freshman is a skilled offensive player and has the potential to be a pretty good shot blocker. If he can rebound and play decent defense as a freshman, he should get some run too.

When it comes to wings, Michigan basketball has plenty. Charles Matthews will be expected to fill Zak Irvin’s spot at the three and Jaaron Simmons will take over at point guard for Derrick Walton Jr.

Michigan Wolverines Basketball
Michigan Wolverines Basketball /

Michigan Wolverines Basketball

Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman will be back as the starting shooting guard and Ibi Watson, who played some as a freshman, can back up both spots.

Point guard should also be more than fine. Simmons could be one of the best in the Big Ten and his backup is more than capable.

Xavier Simpson, a sophomore-to-be, probably is good enough to start. He saw significant minutes as a freshman and is a standout defender. He will probably be the first guy off the bench.

Then, there is freshman Jordan Poole. The 6-4 wing is explosive and a scorer. Like Livers, his playing time will likely depend on defense. But, he should compete with Watson for minutes right away and be the primary backup to MAAR.

Eli Brooks, another freshman, could redshirt, but might be another option to backup Simpson and Simmons in a pinch.

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Certainly, having D.J. Wilson back would have been huge. However, this Michigan basketball team is still plenty talented and even without Wilson, depth shouldn’t be a problem.

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