Michigan Basketball: 5 ways Wolverines can improve from within

Johns and Castleton need to make a greater impact

Brandon Johns and Colin Castleton both flashed potential last season in their freshmen campaigns but the Wolverines will need much more from the former four-star recruits to make noise in 2020.

Johns scored only 22 points last season but in one game against Indiana, he managed eight points and eight rebounds. He was used basically as a reserve center last season, however, he is much more than that.

Johns can shoot from deep, he can handle and attack the basket. It’s possible he could start next season, with the Livers at the three. If not, he will play a critical role off the bench.

Castleton is another guy that could push for a starting job if he can develop more consistency and with Beilein’s ability to bring along players — see what he did with Teske — both should be consistent contributors.

With Castleton at 6-foot-11 and Johns at 6-foot-8, Michigan basketball will have more size than in the past but with the versatility to play small ball too. If these big guys can take a step forward like so many others have under Beilein, the different lineup combinations available are intriguing.