Michigan Basketball: Way-too-early 2021 depth chart prediction

Starter: Hunter Dickinson

Backup: Efton Reid

Hunter Dickinson needs no introduction. As the crown jewel of the 2020 class, the 7-foot-2 giant is a replica of Michigan’s former big man Jon Teske. Here’s his scouting report from 247 sports:

"“Big body who can occupy space. Not an explosive athlete. Good basketball IQ and positional defender and rebounder. Effective in the high/low game. Knows how to seal his man and can also deliver a pass from the high post. Has reliable jump hook with his dominant left hand. Can make a face-up midrange shot. Should end up being a second-round draft choice.”"

That evaluation could apply to either Dickinson or Teske, which is why the transition will be extremely smooth. Juwan had an old-school big and recruited an old-school big to replace him because Juwan Howard is an old-school big.

Who will backup Hunter is a mystery.

Michigan isn’t leading with anybody even though they desperately need a backup since Hunter is currently the only center for the 2021-22 season. The person who fits here and is a target of the program is Efton Reid, a member of Team Takeover, where Dickinson and Williams played. Reid transferred to IMG Academy in SEC territory, which could gain him more exposure and attention from southern schools.

The breakdown

Here are the starting five for 2021-22

PG: Jalen Warley

• Brandon Wade
• Kobe Bufkin

SG: Zeb Jackson

• Adrien Nunez
• Kobe Bufkin

SF: Terrance Williams

• Jace Howard
• Isaiah Barnes

PF: Brandon Johns Jr

• Will Tschetter

C: Hunter Dickinson

• Efton Reid

Matt’s Musings

As mentioned, the Wolverines are working on several prospects that could drastically alter the depth chart as it stands. Should Trevor Keels commit, he could fit at the two or three, which might move Williams to PF ahead of Tschetter, or he could fit at the two sending Zeb Jackson to backup PG.

Another recruit that Michigan has a chance with is Charles Bediako, who could backup Hunter if Reid goes elsewhere, or he could join Reid and move to PF. Should Brandon Johns have an efficient season, the Wolverines will be looking for their next starting four while they develop Tschetter.

At the end of the day, it’s really early, but there is a very good chance this could be the rotation in 2021.