5 bold predictions for Michigan Basketball in 2022-23 season

3. Dug McDaniel establishes himself as next year’s starting PG

While everyone is expecting Jett Howard to make a big impact and be in the starting five next week, another freshman who’s going to make his presence felt for the Wolverines right away is Dug McDaniel.

Yes, McDaniel is undersized (5-foot-11) and that’s why he was ranked 82nd overall according to the 247 sports composite rankings. But he’s a much better player than that and he’s going to prove that in Ann Arbor starting this season.

The former high school QB isn’t afraid of contact and he’s not going to be intimidated by the Big Ten. He’s a shifty dude with great ball skills. His 3-point shot has continued to improve and he’s the ideal lead guard in Michigan’s offense.

Juwan and others have said Dug is going to play. When Llewellyn was added this summer, he was called a point guard that can play off the ball and that’s what will happen at times this season as Dug and Llewellyn should share the floor.

It’s a little worrisome on defense since Llewellyn is only 6-foot-2. However, Llewellyn is a stellar 3-point shooter and Juwan said this week that Dug has been among the biggest surprises in training camp.

"“He’s going to be an exciting player to watch this year. Michigan fans are going to really enjoy cheering for him, and that’s Dug McDaniel. The way that he’s picked up what’s asked of him, how to make his teammates better. He’s being another coach on the floor. I’m hearing his voice in practice. He’s like a little sponge, man. And then to be able to apply it, that’s pretty mature, but it’s also high level.”"

In terms of landing on a bold prediction, that was sort of tough. But I believe Dug is going to play even more than Zavier Simpson did as a freshman. I feel like he’s going to be in the eight-man rotation come postseason and that by next year, unless it’s for depth, Juwan won’t need a point guard in the transfer portal because Dug will be the clear starter going into 2023-24.