Michigan Basketball: National analyst gushes about Wolverines

After watching Michigan basketball practice, CBS Sports college basketball analyst Jon Rothstein had some interesting things to say about the Wolverines. 

The Michigan basketball season is fast approaching and the first regular-season game is less than two weeks away.

Michigan recently held an open practice during its media day and also hosted CBS national college hoops analyst Jon Rothstein, who offered some really interesting thoughts on the Wolverines — some that will make Michigan basketball fans very happy.

First, he predicted Michigan’s starting lineup. We also did this summer and came out with the same projection as Rothstein but here it is:

DeVante Jones has certainly been a positive addition, according to all accounts this offseason but it will be interesting to see how he handles the Big Ten but all signs are good so far.

Rothstein also really liked what he saw from freshman Kobe Bufkin. Much of the talk centers on Caleb Houstan and Moussa Diabate for good reason. Each was a five-star recruit but Bufkin was also a McDonald’s All-American and also won Michigan’s slam-dunk competition.

It sounds like he could also have an impact right away for the Wolverines.

While Hunter Dickinson was the Big Ten Freshman of the year and the centerpiece of the 2021 recruiting class, he’s not the only talented player from that group and one that’s ascending is Terrance Williams.

Williams played some off the bench last season and while he struggled to shoot the ball, he’s a tough defender, a solid rebounder, and a really good passer especially in the high-low.

Williams is a glue guy and if can find some consistency with his jumper, he’s going to be really hard to keep off the floor.

And lastly, Rothstein had some very high praise for Diabate, who isn’t expected to start for Michigan this season but should have an immediate impact — on both ends of the floor.

This team is filled with really talented players who are going to have to be satisfied with limited minutes off the bench.

If you look at the starters and then the bench with Williams, Diabate, Zeb Jackson, Bufkin, and likely Frankie Collins — this team is loaded and it’s no wonder it is opening the season ranked No. 2 in the Kenpom rankings.