Michigan Basketball: Updated starting lineup projection for Wolverines

Starting small forward: Franz Wagner

While there is some level of uncertainty about the other four starting jobs, mostly because of not knowing who will be eligible for next season or not, there isn’t about doubt about the three.

Wagner found his groove in the second half of his freshman year and averaged 11.6 points per game. His 3-point percentage was disappointing, but that should improve this season, along with his ball-screen offense.

Missing out on Christopher definitely puts the onus on Wagner to be the go-to guy offensively. He’s the most talented player on the roster and the most likely to be a first-round pick someday, so if the Wolverines are going to be a Big Ten contender, Franz needs to be an All-Big Ten player.

His defense isn’t spectacular, at least man-to-man, but he can get in passing lanes and cause disruption with his length. He also rebounds the ball well and is a tough matchup for other teams at the four.

Brown should get some run here too, along with Livers and also Terrance Williams. But it’s Wagner’s job for as long as he wants it.