Michigan Basketball: Short season not satisfactory, Franz Wagner back for another

Michigan basketball will return for another season with a Wagner on the roster after Franz announced he’s back.

Moe Wagner was one of the more interesting and outgoing Michigan basketball players in quite some time. His signature move of sticking his tongue out following a big play is something that was missed, along with his professional level basketball skills.

Once his third season culminated in a loss in the National Championship game, he decided it was time to move on to the NBA. He averaged 14 points and seven rebounds per match during his final year.

When his little brother decided to head to the states as a Michigan commit, many basketball analysts thought he might be better than his older sibling. Better around the rim, better from deep, better from short, and a better defender.

Franz Wagner quickly lived up to the hype, averaging 30 minutes per game, 11 points, and five rebounds. And those numbers don’t take into account how well he developed later on in the season, including the 22 point night over Purdue, and the double-double deep in rivalry territory down in Columbus.

Once the pandemic kicked into full gear and the remainder of the basketball season was canceled, the rumors of the younger Wagner reuniting with Moe in the pros began. Isaiah Livers had already said he was testing the waters with the ability to return if he doesn’t like what he hears.

Crickets. Crickets.

Nothing from the Wagner camp.

“University of Michigan men’s basketball guard Franz Wagner announced Thursday (April 23) he will return for his sophomore season and not apply for early entry into the 2020 NBA Draft.” The official release stated.

Here’s the quote from Wagner:

"“It’s important for me to thank Coach Howard and the staff for not only giving me the time to think about this decision, but also help me gather as much information as I could. Returning to Michigan is the right step for me not only as a basketball player, but as a person, too. This first season was a transition, competitive, fun and one of growth. I am very much looking forward to getting back to Ann Arbor and living that again.”"

Head coach Juwan Howard showered the German native with praise, which is well deserved considering the circumstances that lead Franz to this Ann Arbor (On his way to visit when John Beilein left).

“Franz and I have had many wonderful conversations since the end of the season. He really took the opportunity to look into everything he could before making his final decision — a decision we are elated for,” said Howard. “His leadership, work ethic and desire to make not only himself, but his teammates better is incredible. I have said Franz is an emerging basketball talent; however, it is his demeanor, integrity and character that I love even more. Beate and Axel have raised two wonderful young men.”

In other news

Fifth-year senior Austin Davis underwent should surgery and is recovering well, according to the official statement from UM.

Sophomore Colin Castleton transferred which creates added minutes for the big man affectionately known as “Big Country”. A sleeve was required for Davis to perform during 2019-20, so it will be interesting to see how much better Davis is when completely healthy.