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Michigan Basketball’s Eli Brooks gets a chance with Indiana Pacers

By Chris Peterson

Mar 17, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Eli Brooks (55) reacts to making a three-point basket against the Colorado State Rams in the second half during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Eli Brooks (55) reacts to making a three-point basket against the Colorado State Rams in the second half during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Eli Brooks, a former Michigan basketball player, didn’t get picked in the 2022 NBA draft but he signed with the Pacers, and here’s why he could stick. 

When people think about Michigan basketball, Hunter Dickinson is likely the first player that comes to mind, at least in terms of the current roster.

That was true last year too as the sophomore, who earned All-American honors as a freshman, developed into one of the best big men in the country and one of college basketball’s top villains.

Yet, one player who was always overlooked was Eli Brooks.

Brooks came back to Michigan basketball for a fifth season in 2021-22 and it’s scary to think about what would have happened if he wasn’t around. The Wolverines wouldn’t have made the NCAA tournament or the Sweet 16.

Brooks didn’t get drafted in the 58 picks of the 2022 NBA draft on Thursday. Yet, that doesn’t mean that he’s not good enough to play professional basketball. He is, maybe even in the NBA.

Eli was recruited to Michigan basketball as a point guard and became more of a combo guard. That will still be his ticket to making it in the NBA. Alex Caruso is that sort of player. Of course, Eli is shorter but he’s a combo guard who can shoot the 3-ball and defend.

Caruso is 6-foot-4, while Brooks is 6-foot-1. Still, Eli has been a plus defender throughout his career and that should carry over to the professional ranks.

Eli Brooks can play pro ball

In addition, to playing both guard spots and guarding point guards, Brooks is a solid all-around defender and made at least 1.4 3-point field goals per game in each of his last three seasons.

Brooks averaged a combined 11 points per game the last three seasons and never shot worse than 36 percent from 3-point range. He also averaged two assists and just 0.9 turnovers.

Brooks is probably never going to be a great one-on-one scorer, but with his shooting, his defense, and his innate ability to make winning plays, he’ll make money somewhere playing basketball and I still wouldn’t be shocked if he wound up doing it with the Pacers or another NBA team.

The contract is an exhibit-10 contract according to Zach Shaw of 247 sports, and it can be converted into a two-way deal by the team.

Next on the agenda is impressing during summer league.

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