Michigan Basketball: 3 bold predictions for Wolverines in 2020-21

More than one freshman will start before the year’s end

Find a Facebook group or a Twitter poll concerning the starting center position for UM. Half the people will say fifth-year senior Austin Davis is certainly the clear choice, the other half will convince you beyond a reasonable doubt that incoming freshman Hunter Dickinson is destined for the role.

Dickinson is coming in ranked 33rd nationally, according to 247 sports composite rankings. He is a 7-foot-2 monster that is the crown jewel of the class. It’s easy to make a case he’s the guy.

Although, Juwan knew he could be facing a scholarship situation if Joshua Christopher and Isaiah Todd intended on becoming Michigan men, even if just for a short stint. Knowing that, and without a complete picture as to who may transfer, Howard honored Davis’ scholarship, bringing him back to lead the team.

Neither man is terribly athletic. More athletic than most of their peers, but they’re going to be sprint around the court in the same fashion as Zavier Simpson or Brooks. The winner of the gig will benefit greatly from the speed of the guards and forwards while operating as a traditional big man.

What’s likely is Hunter eventually usurps Davis and becomes the first freshman starter. Who’s next?

Zeb Jackson, the 68th best basketball player for the 2020 class.

David DeJulius saw the writing on the wall, with Juwan targeting graduate-transfer point guards for the upcoming season, and transferred, leaving Eli Brooks, a reliable point guard, at the helm.

Then Mike Smith, the point guard from Columbia with a knack for dropping buckets in baskets, transferred in pushing Brooks to the starting shooting guard spot.

But there’s a storm brewing. A competition that will be so heated some may never recover. Zeb Jackson will seize control of the remaining guard position, becoming the second freshman starter.