Michigan Basketball: 4 Realistic expectations for remainder of season

Wolverines finish third in Big Ten

UM was on fire when the season began.

Juwan’s coaching was off the charts and the team’s performance made you forget they lost three starters.

Just when everything was going right, the hangover set in. It started on the road against Louisville and the headache was compounded by the loss of Isaiah Livers. His groin injury halted offensive production and since his absence, Michigan has lost three of their last five games.

The Wolverines are fourth from the bottom in the Big Ten standings and without a timetable for Livers return, the future appears bleak.

As the days go by, however, Isaiah’s injury slowly fades.

“He’s getting better,” Howard said. “He’s improving.”

Expectation No. 2: When the breakout star does make his way into the starting lineup, the plummet from the rankings will cease, and Michigan will find it’s way back to relevance and finish third in the Big Ten.

While it may be easier said than done, the Wolverines are at a heavy disadvantage with their top three-point shooting sitting on the bench in sweats, and with him anything is possible.

There’s still a long way to go and if the crew can take care of business against inferior teams, UM should be towards the top of the conference.

After all, if Rutgers can rise that high, it’s not even that much of an accomplishment.