Michigan Basketball: Franz Wagner poised for a huge sophomore season

Michigan basketball fans, get ready for a monster season from Franz Wagner.

Last season was a roller coaster for Franz Wagner. He missed the first part of the season with a wrist fracture that clearly had an impact on his jump shot for much of the season. He showed flashes of brilliance early in the season with big games against Iowa and Oregon.

But he also showed flashes of being an inexperienced true freshman. Wagner really struggled with his jump shot at times and was often loose with the ball while attacking the rim.

Every time that Franz Wagner struggled in a game, I tried to remind Michigan basketball fans about this quote from head coach Juwan Howard.

As the season went on and Wagner got healthy and more comfortable with the pace of the college game, it was clear that he was going to be a star.

Over his last seven games, he averaged 15.9 points per game and 6.4 rebounds per game. He did that while shooting 58 percent from the field and 38 percent from deep. That is not only very productive, but also very efficient.

After the season, Franz Wagner tested the waters and got NBA Draft feedback. In a recent Interview with Rick Pizzo from the Big Ten Network, Franz spoke on the draft process.

"“For me, I just wanted to see how the committee evaluated me. I heard what I wanted to hear, and was just ready to get back to work with Michigan. I heard that I was at least on the radar, a couple teams had me in the second round. That’s kind of what I expected.”"

I’m not the only person excited for Franz Wagner this season. In an interview with Sam Webb and Tim McCormick from The Michigan Insider, freshman Jace Howard had this to say about Franz Wagner:

"“Franz is that dude. He might be 6-10 right now honestly. I don’t even think he’s 6-9 anymore. He’s just taking one dribble to the basket… it’s a hard it’s a hard defend for sure. He has put a lot of work in. You could tell he’s been working on his finishes and stuff… bringing out new finishes, step-backs, fadeaway… I’m not trying to give away his whole tool bag (laughter). But he’s definitely a tough guard, but I love it because that’s what I’m here for.”"

Former Michigan PG and current Graduate Assistant Jaaron Simmons had similar things to say. In an interview that I did with Jaaron last week on the Wolverine Weekly Podcast, Simmons said this about Wagner:

"“Franz is a competitor. He’s never going to let anyone out compete him. I feel like this season, a lot of people are going to see a new Franz. He was very good last year but this year I just know that he’s going to take it to the next level. He puts in a lot of work. He has improved, we’ve seen it in all these small group workouts that we have been able to do, and I’m excited for everyone else to see it too.”"

2020-21 Stat Predictions

Wagner should be option number one for the Wolverines this season. He will be called upon not only to get open and slash off the ball, but he should be relied on to initiate much more offense this season on the ball. A 6-foot-10 wing with guard skills could be lethal in the pick and roll.

With the return of Isaiah Livers, many Michigan basketball fans automatically slotted him in to be the top scorer for the Wolverines this season. But I do not think that will be the case.

Wagner should have a higher usage in the offense which will allow him to lead the team in scoring. Here’s how I see his stats looking for the upcoming season.

17 PPG
8 RPG
4 APG

Those would be First Team All-Big Ten type numbers and would likely give him a shot to win conference player of the year. But with his skill set, role in the offense, and it likely being his final season in Ann Arbor, Franz Wagner should have a big season.

If Juwan Howard is right about Franz Wagner being one of the best to ever play for Michigan, his sophomore year is going to have to be special.