Michigan Basketball: 5 Bold predictions for Wolverines 2019-20 season

Wolverines will get at least an eight seed in the NCAA tournament

I said bold, not insane. I’m not saying Howard will coach this team to a one or two seed, but come tournament time, Michigan will be slotted as an eight seed at least.

There were so many years under Beilein where he lost so much talent, and yet he comes back and strategized and schemed his way to a deep run in the Big Ten Tournament and a solid performance in the NCAA tournament.

Take 2015-16 to 2016-17, for example. The 16-17 team was without the groups leading scorer from the year prior, Caris LeVert and without the other future first-round pick D.J. Wilson. Surprisingly, the team was seeded even higher without the dynamic duo.

https://twitter.com/JuwanHoward/status/1176519056599289856

Or even better, just one year ago, the team fought on without the older Wagner or Duncan Robinson and still, the team found themselves as a two seed.

If the first two predictions come true, there’s no reason to doubt this squad. They can keep up with the best defensively, and the offensive issues will be fixed with Simpson’s increased three-point shooting and contributions from the freshman Wagner.

Although, even if the team does make it to the tournament, how far can Howard take them? I answer that next.