Michigan Basketball: 3 Things to expect for Wolverines 2020-21 season

Transfers and freshman lead the way

Speaking of freshman and transfers, with the 13th best class for 2020, and a heavy dose of transfers, the Wolverines are certainly going to be a completely different look than they had last season.

Mike Smith is expected to lead at PG and SG is up in the air with Eli Brooks a top contender, unless Chaundee Brown, who has an excellent case for immediate eligibility, can play right away.

Then there’s Franz Wager at the wing and (potentially) Isaiah Livers coming back at forward. In his absence, Brandon Johns Jr has a phenomenal resume; albeit inconsistent. Without progress, Johns could relegate to the bench in favor of the shorter Terrance Williams, a four-star and top 100 prospect.

At center, a battle is brewing between the giant Hunter Dickinson, a top 50 prospect standing at 7-foot-2, and the senior Austin Davis. If not right away, Hunter will become the starter with Davis in a supporting role again.

Also, if Nojel Eastern isn’t held back, he’s someone to keep an eye on going forward. What he lacks on the offense end, he more than makes up for on the other end of the court as an elite defender.

That’s two transfer starters, a starting freshman (possibly two), and only one returning player in the starting five.