Michigan Basketball: 5 predictions for the Wolverines 2018-19 season

Michigan basketball opens the season for real tonight against Norfolk State inside Crisler Arena and here are five predictions for the 2018-19 season.

It has been a long time since the Michigan basketball team has been on the floor for a real college basketball game. Yes, the Wolverines have played in Europe and they even played an exhibition game last week, however, tonight, the season starts for real.

Obviously, the matchup with Norfolk State isn’t Duke vs Kentucky or Michigan State against Kansas, but for Michigan basketball fans, it’s the start of another journey, hopefully, one that ends with a Big Ten championship, a regular-season one this time.

There are lots of reasons to believe this Michigan team could be special. It is missing some key players from last season, namely Moritz Wagner. Yet, Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Duncan Robinson also played vital roles.

But even though the Wolverines lost some talent, they have some experience too. Of the five guys starting, four played significant minutes last season. Isaiah Livers, who looks like he will come off the bench, also started last season and Eli Brooks, even as the ninth or 10th guy, saw minutes in critical games. Austin Davis is another that played in the NCAA Tournament when it mattered, not just in garbage time.

And of course, John Beilein is back to coach the team after a brief flirtation with the Detroit Pistons of the NBA. That more than anything should give Michigan basketball fans hope. The maestro is back and as long as we have him, we have a shot.

At any rate, here are some predictions and thoughts on the upcoming season.