Michigan Basketball: Projecting the Wolverines 2018-19 starting lineup
Although Michigan Basketball’s improbable run in the NCAA Tournament has ended just two days ago, there are already some questions marks regarding what next season’s squad will look like.
It is already certain that Duncan Robinson, Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, and Jaaron Simmons will graduate and lose eligibility before the start of next season. What’s still uncertain is the decision that Moe Wagner and Charles Mathews have to make concerning their futures’ with Michigan basketball.
Both Matthews and Wagner are draft eligible, and may decide to forego their remaining years of school to pursue a career in the NBA. Wagner flirted with the NBA Draft last year and competed in the NBA combine before deciding to return to Ann Arbor for his junior season. Knowing that there is a strong possibility Wagner and Matthews may not be back, lets take a look at how Michigan basketball would line up without them.
Starters
Point Guard: Zavier Simpson
Although he didn’t have the greatest NCAA Tournament, Zavier Simpson has shown notable improvements this season. He has proven that he is this team’s No. 1 point guard by displaying his special passing and driving capabilities. He only averaged 7.3 points per game this season, but did have games where he shined as a scorer. His one big weakness is his free throw shooting. Simpson will have to improve from his 52% free throw mark in 2017
Shooting Guard: Jordan Poole
Jordan Poole has demonstrated some impressive play as a freshman this season. Whether it was his highlight reel dunk over 6’10” Julian Moore or the unbelievable buzzer beater to send the Wolverines to the Sweet Sixteen, this kid knows how to make the big play. I wouldn’t be surprised if Poole ends being Michigan’s best player next season.
Guard/Forward: Isaiah Livers
Like Simpson, Livers may be the only other returning starter on the team. He was not an essential part of Michigan’s offense this season, but may very well be next season. He only averaged 3.4 points per game, but was sharing minutes with Duncan Robinson and Jordan Poole. Look for Livers to really turn it up on the offensive side of the ball this year.
Forward: Brandon Johns
Much is unknown of Brandon Johns because he has yet to be enrolled at Michigan. The incoming freshman is a highly respected recruit, ranking No. 74 in the country according to 247sports.com. He plays very fast and athletic for his 6’8″ frame and seems prepared to take on college basketball’s big names. It will also be good to add some height to the lineup along with Teske.
Center: Jon Teske
For much of this season Teske’s role was to simply relieve Moe Wagner off the bench. After his breakout game in the Big Ten Tournament, people started to realize that this kid could potentially contribute heavily next season. He may be the only experienced big man on the team if Moe declares. Teske will be a crucial piece to the puzzle in 2019.
Bench Contributors
Guards: Eli Brooks, Ibi Watson
Eli Brooks and Ibi Watson will have to step up coming off the bench next season. In 2017 neither player averaged more than 10 minutes per game. Now they will have to fill the role that Duncan Robinson and Jordan Poole held this season. Expect both players to have a few breakout games come December.
Forwards: Austin Davis, Ignas Brazdeikis
After only playing in 16 games this season Davis may have to step up and be the No. 2 big man. After Teske and Davis, the Wolverines don’t have tons of length. On the other hand Brazdeikis is an incoming freshman that has great potential. 247sports has him as the No. 75 ranked recruit in the country. Expect Ignas to share time with Johns and Livers.
Next: Top 15 Michigan quarterbacks of all time
Even if Matthews and Wagner go into the draft, Michigan basketball should be strong again next season with some talent returning and a highly-ranked recruiting class, giving the Wolverines a good chance of keeping this run going.