Michigan Basketball: Who will step up during Liver’s absence?
By Ryan Kraus
Michigan basketball will be without Isaiah Livers, the Wolverines leading scorer for an indefinite amount of time and here’s who will need to step up.
Michigan basketball‘s leading scorer Isaiah Livers is “out indefinitely” with a groin injury. Livers suffered the injury in the game against Presbyterian while attempting a dunk. Everyone breathe, the basketball season will still go on.
The injury to Livers means that he is likely to miss at least the start of Big Ten play against the Spartans and maybe more.
Replacing Livers
Coach Howard must now replace the scoring, shooting, and leadership that Livers brought to Michigan basketball. Livers leads the team in scoring at 13.6 PPG and he does it efficiently with a .50/.50/.90 slash line. Howard will look to replace that production with multiple players.
The two options that come to mind immediately for Howard are David Dejulius and Brandon Johns Jr. They have been the most consistent bench contributors for the Wolverines. When either player checks in, they add a spark to the lineup.
If Howard wants to go with a 3 guard lineup, Dejulius will get the call. The rising sophomore Dejulius has been instant offense for the Wolverines. He is not afraid to shoot the ball and with good reason, he shoots 42.5% from behind the long line.
Michigan Wolverines Basketball
Injecting Dejulius in the starting lineup will help replace the shooting of Livers. It also gives the Wolverines another ball-handler on the court with Simpson.
The one concern with the three-guard lineup will be size. Brooks is the tallest of the group at 6-foot-1. In conference play, Michigan basketball will see some bigger teams that could take advantage of the smaller lineup.
The other potential addition to the starting five is Brandon Johns Jr. He, like Dejulius, is a sophomore. He has taken advantage of the increased playing time that he has earned this season.
Johns is a big energy guy. When he comes into the game, he makes an impact that doesn’t show up in the box score. He is diving for loose ball’s, setting screens, and being a presence on the defensive end of the court.
Coach Howard may differ to Johns because he gives the starting lineup more size and length. Johns can also help set the tone on the glass early and help the team to fast starts. If John’s can replicate the game that he had vs Oregon he will make Juwan Howard a very happy man.
Ryan’s final thought
There is no easy way to replace Isaiah Livers. Every player is going to have to step up in his absence. Dejulius and John’s will get the first crack to show what they got but don’t be surprised if Coach Howard is continually tinkering with the lineup to see what works the best.