Michigan Basketball: 3 Takeaways on the return of Isaiah Livers

Franz can develop naturally

One player the return of Livers should help is sophomore-to-be Franz Wagner. Obviously, fans and experts alike are expecting a big leap from Wagner in year two.

But if Livers wasn’t back on the roster, not only would Wagner be expected to take a leap statistically, he would also be expected to be the Wolverines’ best player overnight.

He’s certainly capable of being Michigan basketball’s best player and he still could be this season, but now he can grow into that role more naturally.

Livers can still play a huge role in the offense with his ability to shoot from deep and also late in the shot clock since he can rise up over just about anyone.

In my eyes, Wagner has the chance to be a legit candidate for Big Ten Player of the Year. The way he played down the stretch last season showed that. But these things take time and forcing too much on Wagner too soon could have hindered him in 2020-21.

Now, with Livers back in the fold, that won’t be an issue and Wagner won’t have to carry the load by himself early in the season while the new team starts to gel.