Michigan Basketball: 3 predictions for Wolverines against Minnesota

More time at the four helps Franz

A lot of Michigan basketball fans were unhappy with the way Wagner started his career and while the frustration was understandable, it really wasn’t fair.

Wagner came to Michigan with lofty expectations, both because of his brother Moritz Wagner and his success as a Wolverine, but also due to his potential as a future pro. Yet, an injury to his wrist got his freshman season off to a rocky start.

It took some time for him to find his stroke, but after a 4-of-7 showing from deep against Oregon, Wagner has been much more consistent. In his last five games, he has averaged two 3-point makes per game and is shooting 38 percent (10-of-26) from beyond the arc. He’s also averaged just under 11 points a game.

Wagner is also 5-of-12 from deep in the two games without Livers. He’s the primary shooter from deep and if the Wolverines are going to have a chance to win, he needs to make at least 2-3 from downtown. I think he will and continue his upward trajectory, helped by more minutes at the four, leading to more open looks.