Michigan Basketball: Previewing the starting 5 for Wolverines

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Austin “Big country” Davis didn’t have to come back for another year, and Howard didn’t have to allow him back. With the team already a scholarship or two over the limit and with time to spare, Howard pulled a surprising move by telling the media Davis would be back. He could have waited and left Davis hanging, contemplating the grad transfer process, but Juwan saw something in Davis that not even his predecessor could see.

Davis, when given time, instruction, and confidence, can become a force to be reckoned with. Austin might not be the starter by the end of the season, but he’s a veteran, he’s loyal, and he’s as tough as they come.

Next on the list is just who you’d expect: Hunter Dickinson.

Hunter is a massive human being, standing at 7-foot-2 and weighing 255-pounds. He was built in the mold of Jon Teske, although, he’s a much more sought after prospect that Jon.

Hunter was ranked 32nd overall for the 2020 class, the 6th best center, and 2nd out of Maryland. He’s a borderline five-star with a 9867 composite rating.

Here’s 247 sports’ Jerry Meyer with the evaluation:

"Big body who can occupy space. Not an explosive athlete. Good basketball IQ and positional defender and rebounder. Effective in the high/low game. Knows how to seal his man and can also deliver a pass from the high post. Has reliable jump hook with his dominant left hand. Can make a face-up midrange shot. Should end up being a second-round draft choice."

Matt’s musings

No, it wasn’t fun going into Monday thinking U-M would, potentially, have the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation and then waking up Wednesday and seeing the loss of Todd dropping the class to 12th.

That doesn’t mean anyone should expect any less of this team. The Wolverines are getting a direct injection of three top 100 recruits, and Juwan, in his first year, magically coached a group of guys he barely knew to 19 wins and would have reached the 20 win mark if the season were allowed to continue.

Projected Starting five

PG Mike Smith

SG Eli Brooks

SF Franz Wagner

PF Isaiah Livers/Brandon Johns Jr

C Austin Davis

Follow Matt on twitter @MattHelmkamp