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

Michigan’s defense will be stout once again

One of the big reasons why Michigan basketball cut down the rets in the West Region and reached the National Championship game was the defense. It was far and away the best defense of the Beilein era and that end of the floor will be a strength again in the 2018-19 season.

Last season, Michigan allowed just over 63 points per game, which ranked the Wolverines eighth in the nation. Losing Wagner will hurt, but his defense wasn’t always great and he had a tendency to commit some silly fouls. In that regard, the defense will be better with Teske on the floor more.

He can affect a lot of shots and his presence inside will be an asset. He’s also a very good rebounder and his offense is coming around. Matthews is another elite defender and we all know what Zavier Simpson can do.

Add in Poole, who has improved his defense, Livers and some athletic freshman and Michigan basketball should be fine. In fact, they should once again have one of the best defenses, not only in the Big Ten but in the country.