Michigan Basketball: Evaluating Franz Wagner in the Battle 4 Atlantis

Semi-Final vs. #6 North Carolina – 33 MINS, 3 PTS, 5 REBS, 3 ASTS, 2 STLS, 4 TO

Wagner’s most underwhelming performance throughout the entire week was against the Tar Heels.

Wagner’s looked overwhelmed at times, mishandling easy passes which led to turnovers, taking ill-advised shots, and was rather sloppy when taking the ball to the basket, leading to missing a few open layups.

Although Wagner was struggling offensively, Howard was still trusting his prized freshman due to his play on the defensive side of the ball.

The Berlin native was a hound defensively, helping limit the Tar Heels to shooting just 42% from the field and 16% from behind the arc, while also, clogging the passing lanes, finishing the night with two steals.

Wagner’s only points came at the end of the 19-0 run by Michigan basketball, when he drilled a three from downtown, forcing UNC head coach Roy Williams to call a timeout and talk things over.

Diagnosis: Despite the lackluster performance when he had the ball in his hands (shooting 1-6 from the field), it was a positive that Howard and the coaching staff were still relying on him during crunch time. This was clearly one of those games for Wagner, yet, was still able to make an impact for the Wolverines. Finally, his only field goal of the game could not have come at a more opportune time, as the Wolverines’ 19-0 run was the dagger for UNC.