Michigan Basketball: 2020 Depth chart prediction for Wolverines

Starter: Mike Smith

Backups: Eli Brooks, Zeb Jackson, Brandon Wade

Columbia knew what they had immediately with Mike Smith, which is why he found his name atop the depth chart right away. In year one, Smith averaged 13.6 points and 3.5 assists in a little over 31 minutes per game.

By his final season in the Ivy League, those numbers inflated greatly. As Juwan watched Mike’s tape, he saw a guy that dropped over 20 points and 4.5 assists per game. Sometimes it wasn’t against the greatest competition, but Smith did show up in the big games. As long as his game translates to the Big Ten, Smith should be the starter.

The next man on the chart is entirely dependent on the status of Wake Forrest transfer Chaundee Brown. If Chaundee is ruled ineligible, Eli Brooks won’t be needed at the point. But if Chaundee is eligible, Brooks will split time with Smith until one of them outshines the other.

In the scenario where Brooks is at the two, Zeb Jackson will fill the backup role. Zeb is a combo guard and a Beilein recruit that will fit perfectly into Howard’s positionless system.

Finally, there’s Brandon Wade, a transfer from Duquesne. Brandon had to sit out last season and his development as a valuable member of the practice squad will determine how much court time he receives.