Michigan Basketball: Brandon Johns development will be key in 2019-20

Many Michigan basketball fans are excited about the addition of Franz Wagner, yet another key for the Wolverines will be the development of Brandon Johns.

Much of the talk surrounding Michigan basketball recently has been about the commitment of key recruit Franz Wagner for the 2019 class.

The 6-foot-9 wing from Germany, who also happens to be the younger brother of former Michigan basketball standout Moritz Wagner, has played the two and three positions throughout his career in Germany and he could be a candidate at both spots with UM.

Part of it depends on what Juwan Howard wants from his starting lineup. It will also depend on the development of young players such as Brandon Johns Jr.

Johns saw action in 28 games for the Wolverines in the 2018-19 season, yet his role was minimal, playing just 114 minutes and seeing more than 10 minutes in just four games. One of those games was against George Washington. He had five points, two rebounds and one 3-pointer.

Then, against Indiana, Johns, who was sort of miscast as the backup center last season, played 13 solid minutes, making 4-of-5 shots for eight points, in addition to grabbing eight rebounds. He also blocked a shot and three of his rebounds came on the offensive end of the floor.

That offered just a small glimpse into what Johns could do and this season, it’s possible the 6-foot-8 forward plays his way into the starting lineup. But even if he doesn’t his development will be key if the Wolverines want to be a contender in the Big Ten.

Coming out of high school, Johns was the No. 2 player out of Michigan in the 2018 class and the Wolverines landed him out of East Lansing. While he was used mostly as a center last season, his high school highlights show a lot more versatility.

In fact, here is part of the evaluation Dylan Burkhardt of UMHoops ($) gave Johns when he committed, calling him a perfect stretch four for the Wolverines:

"He’s a prototypical stretch four at the college level and has the ball skills to easily step into that spot and play it in Ann Arbor. It is easy to watch Johns on film and see him as an almost perfect four man for the Wolverines."

Wagner may not be an ideal fit at the two, but if he can play that role, with Zavier Simpson at point guard, Isaiah Livers on the wing and Jon Teske in the middle, Johns could thrive as Michigan’s four. He only made one triple last season, however, he’s a good spot-up shooter that can also attack the basket. He has even drawn comparisons for D.J. Wilson.

“He has a lot of DJ Wilson characteristics,” UM assistant Saddi Washington told UMHoops ($). “Just that he’s a big, strong, athletic kid and he’s still growing in his game, and just embracing the physicality of the game.”

Burkhardt’s assessment also leads you to believe Johns would be an ideal fit to play alongside Simpson and Teske, who should see tons of pick-and-roll opportunities this season. Here is more from the UMHoops scouting report ($):

"“Johns scores most of his points in spot-up situations — either by attacking closeouts or off the catch and shoot — in transition, or cutting to the basket.”"

If Michigan were to play Johns, Wagner and Livers around Teske and Simpson, that would give the Wolverines three talented shooters and scorers to surround their best pick-and-roll duo. Both Teske and Simpson need to improve their own scoring abilities but that has been a focus.

Simpson must be dedicated to becoming a better overall player. A big part of that is becoming a better perimeter shooter, which will give him more options coming off screens. Howard also said he expects Teske to have a bigger role offensively.

Whether that means more post-up opportunities or more chances in the pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop, having an offense filled with shooters is key and Johns can help make that a reality.

When it comes down to it, Johns, the No. 70 player in the 2018 class, might be one of the most underrated players on the roster. Under Howard’s watchful eye, he could take a huge step forward next season and if so, he would make an ideal stretch four.

Not only can he shoot and score off the dribble, but he’s also disruptive on the defensive end. Johns has already had a year to develop under John Beilein and Washington, who also helped Moe Wagner become an elite big man and if all goes to plan this season, he could easily be next.

And if he lives up to that potential, a lineup of Simpson, Wagner, Livers, Johns and Teske sounds enticing. It might also be enough to make Michigan basketball an elite team in the Big Ten again.