Michigan Basketball: 3 Bold Predictions for Wolverines in 2020-21
Franz is Big Ten POY runner-up
Michigan basketball fans might be sick of hearing of the Franz Wagner hype, but get used to it, because it’s probably only going to ramp up in the next couple of weeks.
Wagner was the first recruit Howard really landed and he was still a huge get. Now, after scoring 11.6 points a year ago on 31 percent 3-point shooting, Wagner should be more comfortable and more importantly, the 6-foot-10 wing will be the focal point of the offense.
One of our writers, Wolverine Corner, has been predicting that Wagner is going to be the first player since Trey Burke to score 18 points a game and he might be right.
Here’s a little Michigan basketball bold prediction this morning.
— Idiot With So Many Followers Corner (@WolverineCorner) November 24, 2020
We haven’t had an 18 PPG scorer since Trey Burke in 2012-13. I think Franz Wagner averages 18+ PPG this season.
Last year, Wagner scored almost 12 after shooting poorly (for him) from 3-point range and really just being a secondary option. He basically shot spot-up and transition three’s, while also scoring on cuts and other action to the hoop. It’s not like Juwan was calling plays for him.
This year, that will change. His shooting percentage should improve, especially from beyond the arc and if he gets into the high 30’s and even the 40’s, he’s going to get in that 17-18 ppg range.
Wagner is a much better finisher than he gets credit for and with his improved size and strength, that should only improve. And lastly, if he can become effective in on-ball situations, then the sky is the limit for Franz this season.
Not only do I see him being First-Team All-Big Ten but he will finish runner-up in the Big Ten Player of the Year race and be a first-rounder in the 2021 NBA draft.