Michigan Basketball: Early predictions for this season’s stat leaders

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 30: Hunter Dickinson #1 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates during the second half against the UCLA Bruins in the Elite Eight round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 30, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 30: Hunter Dickinson #1 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates during the second half against the UCLA Bruins in the Elite Eight round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 30, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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(Detroit Free Press) /

Points: Hunter Dickinson

This should come as no surprise to anyone. Dickinson shocked the entire country a year ago and became Michigan’s best player and an All-American in his freshman season. After testing the waters to the NBA Draft, he’s back for his sophomore year and the expectations will be through the roof.

Despite a stellar freshman season, Dickinson still has areas of his game that need significant improvement. Two areas stand out above the rest, shooting and using his off-hand.

Dickinson has been in the gym all summer working on these two areas and we should see substantial growth from him.

Dickinson was one of the best bigs in the country last year and should be one of the front runners for Big Ten and National Player of the Year in 2021-22. His defense and mobility were better than expected and if he can consistently go to his right hand and knock down a mid-range jump shot, very few bigs in the country will be able to contain him.

With the losses of Franz Wagner and Isaiah Livers, Dickinson will likely see his usage go up this year and will be even more of a focal point in this offense.

Prediction: 16.5 PPG