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

This freshman class will prove to be the real deal

John Beilein has done a great job recruiting over the years, but this season is one of the best classes he has ever had. When it was all said and done, the five-player class ranked 12th in the nation and third in the Big Ten according to 247sports.

And Michigan basketball is going to reap those rewards right away. When the Wolverines opened with their exhibition last week, freshman Ignas Brazkeikis was the starting power forward and for much of the European trip this offseason, he was the team’s leading scorer.

He is going to be wearing No. 13 like Wagner but his game is different. He’s a 6-foot-8 forward who can penetrate and shoot. He will help will the void though left by Wagner. Another who could help in that is Colin Castleton, a 6-foot-10 center who should see some playing time behind Jon Teske.

Brandon Johns and David DeJulius should also be part of the regular rotation. All four of those guys are going to make an impact and with Beilein running the show, expect them to have a positive impact early and often this season.