Michigan basketball: Depth chart update without Nojel Eastern

Point guard

Who among the candidates will become the next floor general?

Starter: Mike Smith

Backups: Zeb Jackson, Eli Brooks

Mike Smith is the obvious choice here as a grad transfer from Columbia with vast experience at the helm of the offense in college. He is a mad man on O and a more than capable defender. Very few point guards around the league can keep up with him, and he’s never backed down, no matter the competition. Smith may try to transform into an assist specialist, but it’s unlikely as he will never forget his scoring ways.

Next up is freshman Zeb Jackson, who is also a scoring specialist from all three levels. Zeb switched between SG and PG and could play either at the next level, but he’s needed at the point for depth and will be utilized more and more as the season goes on.

There’s also Eli Brooks, who drops to third in line if he’s the starter at SG. If not, Eli sits behind Smith in succession. Eli is excellent from outside the arc and efficient driving and pulling up, but he can sometimes lose the handle costing turnovers.

Don’t forget about transfer Brandon Wade. He didn’t showcase his range at Duquesne, but if he progresses and can hone in his ball-handling and shooting skills, he could become an asset with time. Don’t count him out just yet.