Michigan Basketball: Final starting five and depth chart predictions
By Max S.
Starter: Eli Brooks
This is a toss up. Eli Brooks and Mike Smith have been battling for the starting point guard spot for the last month and I’m not completely confident in this prediction. Mike Smith, the Columbia transfer, will have a big role on the team this year even if it means coming off the bench.
His shooting and natural scoring ability will be crucial to the success of Michigan basketball in 2020-21. I give Eli Brooks the slight edge here because of his experience in the Big Ten and his defense.
Brooks has progressed nicely in his three years at Michigan so far. Each year we have seen growth not only in his game, but also his leadership as well. Everyone in the program has raved about his leadership in the weeks leading up to this season. I think Brooks is ready to run the show and bring lock down defense and timely shooting to Michigan’s point guard spot.
If Brooks is given the starting spot, Smith will still be asked to play high minutes and bring scoring off the bench. Eli Brooks will also play some minutes at the two spot which will free up additional minutes for Mike Smith at the one.
True freshman Zeb Jackson is also expected to see some minutes at the point guard spot. Jackson has been described by his teammates and coaches as one of the shiftiest players they have ever seen. The sky is the limit for Jackson and he will get a shot to prove himself as a freshman.