Michigan Basketball: 3 players that need breakout seasons in 2019

Brandon Johns

One of the most pivotal players on the roster is Brandon Johns and that’s because if he is used in the right way, he could be a dynamic fifth starter for Michigan basketball.

After John Beilein played Johns mostly as a backup center, it seems a lot of people have forgotten just how talented and versatile the 6-foot-8 forward is. When you watch his highlights, he looks much more like a stretch four or even a three, than a five.

So as brilliant as Beilein is, he may have made a mistake there. However, Howard is in a great position to remedy that. The Wolverines are still in search of a fifth starter, assuming Wagner gets a spot and Johns is an obvious candidate.

If he can have a breakout season and prove to be a force at the four, one capable of playing 25-30 minutes a night, UM could trot out a starting lineup of Simpson, Wagner, Livers, Johns and Teske. Not only is that lineup long with four guys 6-foot-7 or taller, but it also has three versatile wing-type players in Wagner, Livers and Johns, who also has a solid shot from the perimeter.

Michigan assistant Saddi Washington, who worked closely developing Moritz Wagner and D.J. Wilson, compared Johns to Wilson, a former first-round pick, who emerged in one season from no-name on the bench to first-round draft pick. Here’s what Washington said via 247 sports:

"“Cause I take his maturation process very similar to how DJ Wilson’s was. And I think going into this year, not that he has to have a DJ Wilson type year, but he needs to be trending into that direction.”"

As Washington said, it’s asking a lot for Johns to be D.J. Wilson, at least next season. However, he does have tremendous potential and if he shows real improvement, he makes the most sense as the fifth starter.