Michigan Basketball: 5 bold predictions for Wolverines in 2021-22

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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Syndication: Detroit Free Press /

Hunter wins Big Ten Player of the Year

Last season, Dickinson was dominant and was the easy winner of the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award after scoring 14.9 points per game and grabbing seven rebounds.

Dickinson isn’t necessarily a shot blocker but his interior defense and his length are still huge for Michigan plus he is an excellent passer.

During his high school days, Dickinson was known as a solid shooter and while he didn’t display that skill much last year, he shot well from the free-throw line (73 percent) which is a strong indicator that he can develop some sort of consistency with his jumper.

The other thing he needed to do was develop a right hand which he showed off against Wayne State. If he can score in the post with both hands — good luck defending him — especially if he gets confident in his perimeter shot again.

On top of all that, Dickinson is in better shape and he will be the best player in the Big Ten this season, which is why I feel confident about U-M winning one of the Big Ten’s two championships (regular season or tournament).

I also think he shows he can play against Kofi Cockburn and other bigs and that earns him Big Ten Player of the Year.

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