Michigan Basketball: 3 bold predictions for Franz Wagner next season

Wagner will be the Wolverines focal point

If Livers returns to Michigan basketball, he is going to play a big role in the offense as he did last season. Livers is a dynamic 3-point shooter and he’s athletic enough to get to the basket, especially against bigger power forwards.

But his game has a lower ceiling to it than Wagner, who is going to be drafted into the NBA at some point. Most believe that will come after this season, following the second-year leap many expect Wagner to take.

Franz shooting the ball better from deep is one reasonable expectation, however, if he really wants to show he’s improved, he will need to start developing other ways to score.

Last season, Wagner was really good at using back cuts and other off-ball action to get open, in addition to running the floor and being active in transition.

But according to UMHoops ($), Wagner created just 14 buckets out of ball screens. Eli Brooks had 45 according to the website, so that shows how much room Wagner has to grow. But like Nik Stauskas, he has the tools to develop into more of a threat, especially with others in mind.

Wagner is a great shooter, but he’s a solid passer and while his ball handling needs some work, he’s skilled enough to excel with more ball-screen opportunities next season. Ultimately, in a more featured role, I expect him to average 15-16 a game, leading all scorers, while at least doubling his number of assists.