Michigan Basketball: Can Wolverines get by without Eli Brooks?

Michigan basketball might have to play in the Big Ten tournament without Eli Brooks. Can the Wolverines win the tournament title without him?

While it hurt for Michigan basketball to lose to Michigan State last Sunday, the worst part about that game was the fact that the Wolverines lost starting guard Eli Brooks.

Brooks doesn’t have eye-popping numbers and is averaging 8.7 points and three rebounds per game, however, as Michigan basketball fans know, Brooks does much, much more than that.

Not only is Brooks probably the best on-ball defender for the Wolverines, but he’s also a crucial part of the offense with his ability to move the ball and make open 3-pointers.

There hasn’t been much said about Brooks’ injury since the loss to Michigan State, but according to The Michigan Insider, Brooks is still in a walking boot and hasn’t taken part in practice.

Here’s what center Hunter Dickinson had to say about Brooks and his potential absence from the Big Ten tournament which starts Friday for Michigan:

"“Eli is such an important player for us offensively and defensively. Him and Franz are probably the best defenders on the team, so when you lose a guy like that it’s hard. Something I’ve always noticed is his leadership and that’s really … that’s something that we really miss. Whenever he’s physically possible to be back, he’ll be back with us.”"

The Wolverines won’t have to play until the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament and a No. 1 seed is for the NCAA’s is likely locked up, although another win for U-M certainly wouldn’t hurt.

Depending on what happens Thursday between Michigan State and Maryland, the Wolverines could have to face their arch rival for the third time in a little more than a week.

How Michigan can replace Eli Brooks

Chaundee Brown is the obvious starter for Michigan basketball if Brown is out but depth is one of the biggest issues as it messes up the entire rotation and forces someone like Zeb Jackson, who isn’t quite ready, to play more than needed.

Jackson again looked out of sorts against Michigan State and if Brooks isn’t able to play, Howard might just have to roll with his seven-man rotation as much as possible.

Brandon Johns could see more minutes at the three, maybe allowing Franz Wagner more time at the two. Either way, the solution doesn’t seem to be Jackson or another freshman such as Terrance Williams.

Hopefully, Brooks will return soon. Yet, if he needs to miss the Big Ten tournament in order to play in the NCAA tournament, then it will be worth it.