Michigan Basketball: 3 Thoughts on Cole Bajema entering transfer portal

Young guys have to step up

What the departure of Bajema just about ensures is that incoming freshmen such as Zeb Jackson and Terrance Williams will be counted on to play right away.

Unless Adrien Nunez takes a big step forward, both as a shooter and on the defensive end, it’s hard to see him getting minutes over Jackson, who can create, shoot and defend.

Jackson, Eli Brooks and Mike Smith should see most of the minutes in the backcourt and now, Jackson is going to have to see time at the two, at least more than he might have.

The loss of Bajema should also lead to more time at the two for Franz Wagner, which in turn, should lead to more run early in his career for Terrance Williams. A lineup of Dickinson/Davis, Livers, Williams, Wagner and Brooks or another guard could be possible at times.

Williams reminds of Livers. He doesn’t do any one thing spectacularly, yet he’s tough, can rebound and can shoot the ball. If he can shoot consistently from 3-point range, he might actually be one of the first guys off the bench next season.