Michigan Basketball: Who are the Florida State Seminoles?

Conclusion

Florida State’s length and athleticism will give Michigan basketball fits early, and the start may look similar to the LSU game where Michigan must weather the storm and keep it close before going on a run of their own. The Wolverines will need to close out hard on threes but stay disciplined as foul trouble could be the difference in this game.

I think the game will be won on the wings. If Franz Wagner can maintain the level of play he showed in the final stretch of the LSU game, the Wolverines should advance. With Isaiah Livers down, it is time Franz shows on a national stage why he has begun to appear in the first round of NBA mock drafts. He will likely be matched up with a future NBA player in Scottie Barnes so this matchup will be a fun one to watch.

Another key will be a bounce-back game from Mike Smith. I do not expect him to lead the team in scoring by any means, but if he can get into the lane and create for others the way he did against Maryland in the Big Ten Tournament, the Wolverines’ chances rise exponentially. FSU is an even tougher matchup for Smith than LSU so his play could go a long way in determining the outcome.

Finally, Hunter Dickinson has to stay in the game. The Seminoles have two seven-footers in their rotation and, apologies to Austin Davis, Dickinson is Michigan’s best rebounder and inside scorer.

Against such a big team, scoring at the rim will come at a premium, and Dickinson provides the most potential and consistency down low. He absolutely must play smart and avoid any and all pointless fouls.

I believe Michigan will find a way to pull this one out and will advance to the Elite 8. The Wolverines take down the Seminoles by a score of 76-73.

Stay tuned for our next opponent preview right here at GBMWolverine.