Michigan Basketball: Predicting UM’s starting five for 2020-21 season

Starter: Isaiah Livers

Michigan basketball got a huge bump back in July when Isaiah Livers announced that he would be returning to Michigan for his senior season.

Livers does it all for Michigan. He is by far their best shooter and floor spacer. He is capable of being a plus defender and rebounder and has gotten significantly better at creating his own shot.

You could make a case that he was the Wolverine’s most important player a season ago. He was the glue guy that truly made the team connected. Last season, Livers led the team in scoring at 12.9 PPG. But his season was drastically affected by a groin injury last December.

Even when Michigan got him back, he was not 100% and you could see how much the injury had an impact on him. He will be coming into this season healthy and looking to be the star that Michigan fans know he can be.

Isaiah Livers knows he will be a focal point on this team. His shooting and experience will be counted on. But Livers is also heavily focused on being a leader this season. He spoke to WMMT and talked about his role as a leader.

"“I was super excited to come back because it’s like high school. You’re an upperclassman now, you are the guy that people look to for answers, or just helping someone out or giving someone a hand. I feel like I am the perfect guy to do that. I have played with a lot of leaders, and I feel I can take what they taught me and just try and lead my team as best as possible.”"

Michigan basketball has plenty of options behind Livers at the four spot. Brandon Johns is going into his Junior season and looking to breakout. Johns filled in very nicely for Livers last season when he was injured.

As mentioned before, freshman Terrance Williams will also play both wing spots. Williams reminds me a lot of Livers. They are both undersized power forwards that are deadly from deep. They can both play either wing spot and are crucial for floor spacing.