Michigan Basketball: Breaking down battle for starting center
The case for Dickinson
High school kids ranked in the top 50 for their class don’t expect to sit during games at the next level.
The No. 1 point guard in the country usually won’t commit to a school with a returning starter at their position because they know they will have to wait it out. When your good enough to be a one-and-done, you don’t wait your turn.
Hunter Dickinson, a borderline five-star, shouldn’t have to wait his turn.
Per 247 sports composite, Hunter is 41st nationally, the ninth-best center, and No. 2 from the state of Maryland.
Dickinson is as talented as they come, and standing at 7-foot-2, he will have no trouble getting rebounds and dunking at the next level.
Dickinson will undoubtedly have his work cut out for him, but at the end of the day, he’s just too talented not to get the starting role if not immediately, then sometime before the completion of the season.
Matt’s musings
I’ve long held the belief that despite Dickinson coming in, Davis is the guy next year, at least until Hunter adjusts to the college game. As long as Austin can make incremental improvements, he can fend off the frosh for a few games.
By season’s end, however, Dickinson will be getting scouted heavily by NBA teams, and instead of packing up his things for the summer with the intent of returning, he’ll be waiting for the June draft.