Michigan Basketball: What’s next after season-ending loss to UCLA?

Michigan basketball saw its season end last night after a hard-fought battle with the UCLA Bruins. What’s next?

Not many Michigan basketball fans felt concerned about the Wolverines Elite 8 matchup with the UCLA Bruins, however, it seems like that was a mistake.  The Bruins may have an 11 next to their name, but that number is not indicative of their play lately.

UCLA led by as many as nine, and Michigan by as many as seven in a game where defense was crucial.  The Bruins led for most of the second half, but Michigan rallied late, taking a 47-46 lead with 4:30 left to play.  That would be the Wolverines’ last lead of the game, however, as shooting struggles plagued the Wolverines down the stretch.

Michigan had its fair share of chances late in the game but just couldn’t capitalize.  A Franz Wagner three, an Eli Brooks put-back, a Mike Smith three, and a final last-second heave from Wagner all missed the mark as the Wolverines finished with their lowest scoring total of the season.

Although this wasn’t the result the players, fans, or parents wanted, Michigan basketball still greatly overachieved this season.

The Wolverines won the Big Ten, which almost no one predicted. They were also a one seed in the NCAA tournament, no one expected that either, and advanced all the way to the Elite 8.  Michigan tallied a final record of 23-5, which equates to a 0.82 winning percentage.

If you would’ve told me before the season started, that that’s how the year was going to go for the Michigan Basketball team in year two of the Juwan Howard era, I would’ve taken that without a second thought.  It is tough losing to an 11 seed, and it is tough having a poor shooting night when it matters most, but it’s important not to forget all of the prior success this team had.

Now that the 2020-2021 season is in the rearview mirror, it’s time to look ahead and figure out what’s next for the future of Michigan Basketball.  Big decisions are looming for many of Michigan’s key players.

Mike Smith, Eli Brooks, Chaundee Brown, and Austin Davis must decide if they want to return to the program to play their extra season of eligibility, which the NCAA granted all players a few months ago.  In terms of scholarships, it’s nearly impossible for all to return, in fact, it’s likely only two would return at the most.

Franz Wagner, Hunter Dickinson, and Isaiah Livers will potentially have their eyes set on the NBA Draft, but all could still return as well.  While Wagner and Livers are projected to be taken in many mock drafts, Dickinson would benefit from another season under Juwan Howard and the staff.

Players will not be the only ones with choices, however.  Juwan Howard has made it incredibly clear that he will remain the Head Coach of the Wolverines, but there will undoubtedly be other opportunities for assistant coaches Phil Martelli, Saddi Washington, and Howard Eisley.

It’s too early to tell what the future holds for each of Coach Howard’s assistants, but don’t expect all three to be locks to return to the program next season.

As most Michigan fans know, Coach Howard signed the top-ranked recruiting class in the 2021 cycle, which includes five-stars Moussa Diabate and Caleb Houstan, four-stars Frankie Collins, Kobe Bufkin, and Isaiah Barnes, along with three-star Will Tschetter.

With six new Wolverines being welcomed into Ann Arbor, along with the irregular extra season, there will be many players who will not return to the program, whether that be by transfer or by graduation.

This team is going to look much different next year. Faces we are used to seeing at Crisler Center will no longer be there. New faces will emerge.  But it’s important to remember that this program is in good hands. Juwan Howard is here to stay and the Big Ten should be worried.

Once again, this is not the way anyone wanted the season to end.  But the future is extremely bright for Juwan Howard and the Michigan Wolverines Basketball program.