Michigan Basketball: Wolverines land Mike Smith, here’s how he fits
With David DeJulius transferring, Michigan basketball needed depth at point guard. Columbia’s grad transfer Mike Smith is the perfect fit for Juwan Howard’s offense.
It’s that time of year where the Michigan basketball roster begins to take shape. The NBA draft is right around the corner, so colleges are jostling for position with those in the transfer portal. Today, the Wolverines won their battle against Arizona, Seton Hall, and Gonzaga when they landed Columbia’s scoring point guard, Mike Smith.
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Mike averaged (Ivy League-leading) 22.8 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.1 rebounds over 37.7 minutes-per-game. Breaking down his stats even further, Smith shot 34 percent from beyond the arc, 47 percent from inside, and 81 percent from the free-throw line.
Mike will be tested for the starting PG spot (depending on the rest of the offseason) by Eli Brooks and incoming freshman Zeb Jackson, and Smith with have one year of eligibility to earn playing time.
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Adding Smith means the Wolverines are left with only one remaining scholarship spot, which is predicted to be taken by the 10th overall high school star, Joshua Christopher. If he takes it and Juwan attracts someone else to the program, they’ll be back to square one.
Could there be additional attrition?
Many suspected Cole Bajema as a transfer candidate. Colin Castleton and David DeJulius have already added their names to the portal, and their overall outlook was as bleak as Cole’s or slightly better. But Michigan was always the school Cole desired, and he might stick it out, and as a newcomer, getting playing time is always tricky. Although, it proved nearly impossible during Bajema’s first season – outside of garbage time.
What will the lineup look like?
Mike Smith will be expecting to take control of the offense on the spot, and he looks talented enough to do just that. Zeb Jackson and Eli will most likely backup at this position with Eli getting a majority of the minutes.
At SG, Joshua Christopher, should he commit, will become a starter either here, or at the wing. Behind him will be Eli Brooks at SG and Terrance Williams at the wing.
At SF, It could be Christopher, or Williams, or Isaiah Livers, or Franz Wagner. That will all depend on who stays and who goes; who comes and who doesn’t.
At PF, it’s anyone’s guess. If Isaiah Todd commits, he’s likely to start or Livers, or Wagner.
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At C, it’s anyone’s game. Hunter Dickinson will get a shot, but if Juwan wants to go big, Austin Davis could start. There’s also Brandon John’s Jr., who could play at the five or the four, and Todd could fill the position if Howard decides to go with a smaller lineup.