3 Biggest questions for Michigan Basketball heading into 2020-21

I just finished a piece that will be published on the site this weekend that ranks the top ten Michigan basketball players since 2010. Spoiler, Xavier Simpson was on that list and his presence will be missed on this team.

The starting point guard spot is completely up for grabs as practices start to get underway. Columbia transfer Mike Smith may the favorite to win the job. Last season, Smith averaged 22.8 points and over 4 assists per game. When Michigan lost DeJulius to a transfer, Juwan Howard knew he had to bring in some point guard help.

Also battling for the job is senior Eli Brooks. He started all of last season at the shooting guard spot but is more than capable of being an on-ball guard. His defense and spot up shooting are both very good and it will earn him minutes no matter what guard spot they play him at.

Both of these players are experienced, productive, and high character. But they both having question marks as well. For Smith, will his game translate to the Big Ten? Can he defend well enough to earn significant minutes? And can he adjust to a new role where he is not the first option in the offense?

For Brooks, Can he be effective on the ball? Can he attack and create plays for other? Is he more effective as an off the ball shooter? These are real questions that will need to be answered.

Whether or not Wake Forest transfer Chaundee Brown is granted his waiver will also play a role in who starts at PG. If he is eligible to play, he could start at that off guard spot. If he’s not eligible to play, we would likely see Brooks and Smith start in the back court together.

Michigan has to figure out the point guard position in the next few week’s of practice. Brooks and Smith both have potential. Juwan will have to figure out which is a better fit for his offense.