Michigan Basketball: 5 Wolverines who need to step up in 2022-23

Isaiah Barnes

There were rumors about Isaiah Barnes transferring out this offseason but he stuck around and that’s a good development for Michigan basketball.

One-and-done prospects are great, but in order to be a long-term winner, guys like Barnes and Terrance Williams have to develop into contributors, which they are more than capable of doing in the Big Ten.

Barnes was ranked 125th overall coming out of high school and at 6-foot-6, he’s exactly the kind of combo wing Michigan needs. His defense is an issue and it is for a lot of young players but as Phil Martelli explained in a recent interview, his offensive improvement last season was real.

"“His motor … and I think his IQ has really improved,” the Michigan assistant said. “And I think the back end of the year he was much more of a shot maker. At the beginning of the year, he was a shot taker. And his body changed. He got stronger. So, he can go, now. When he gets on a run and is scoring, it’s impressive. And again … when you flip it, who he’ll guard …”"

Martelli also addressed whether Barnes would see real minutes in the 2022-23 season after playing on six a year ago.

"“I’m not saying no, not saying yes. It’s a different setting when you’re scout team because the other team might run a drop coverage in ball screen [for example]. But he’s very explosive at the rim … very explosive at the rim. He can really finish and can dunk it.”"

Barnes can shoot the ball from 3-point range too and was sort of a late-riser in high school. The Wolverines could use more size, shooting, and scoring on the wing and if Barnes develops into a reliable option off the bench next season, that would be a huge win.