Michigan Basketball: 3 players who need to be healthy for March Madness

Eli Brooks

One of the hardest things to do before the season began was to put together a depth chart, particularly the shooting guard position. There isn’t anyone that fits the bill other than Adrien Nunez, who has had the opportunity to take over at SG, but he has struggled both shooting the ball and on defense.

When anyone suggested Eli Brooks as the potential starter, the casual fan noted his height wouldn’t allow it. No team can run around with that short of a lineup.

Brooks dispelled that narrative quickly as he posted a dominating performance in the very first matchup with Appalachian State. He’s had his ups and downs, but when Eli finds his shot, there is no one better to give the ball to.

Without Eli, Michigan basketball regresses to this sleepy, stand around, and lifeless offense that allowed a home loss to Wisconsin. There was no ball movement other than the hot potato four on the court were participating in; waiting for Simpson to get open for a pass. Zavier and Franz Wagner were the only two to hit double-digit scoring and the only two capable of keeping up with the Badgers on defense.

Speaking of Franz Wagner…