Michigan Basketball: D.J. Wilson has molded into Michigan's breakout star

D.J. Wilson has been a bright spot in what has been a disappointing Michigan basketball campaign to date.

This is D.J. Wilson’s third year at Michigan. But to the average fan, it’s the first year Wilson’s name has been relevant.

Wilson was a four star recruit coming out of high school, but seemed overmatched in his freshman and sophomore seasons. Lanky, yet smooth (as his twitter handle will tell you), he never seemed to be able to settle in between being a shooter and a post player.

In his junior season, he’s found the keys to the hybrid. And he’s breaking out like a man with a vengeance.

Wilson is playing nearly 30 minutes a game, averaging 10.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Along with Moritz Wagner, he’s been the most impressive player on the Wolverines.

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Michigan has struggled to match the play of several years back, and has not recruited like a team that nearly won the National Championship just four years ago. However, if this season has been any indication, some guys are just late bloomers. Wilson is shooting 46.5 percent from behind the arc. He’s 6’10″, 240 pounds. Once visibly hesitant on the court due to a lack of opportunity, the junior from Sacramento, CA is balling out in his breakout season.

Wilson made headlines earlier this year for wearing very retro shorts. Ironic, given that the Fab Five initiated the switch from short shorts to long shorts. If the throwback shorts help Wilson be more productive, I’m sure John Beilein and Co. will have no problem giving his forward what he wants.

Wilson has notched 14 rebounds in two games this season. Against Iowa, he dropped 28 points to go along with 14 boards. In fact, he’s scored in double digits in nine of his past eleven games.

Wilson has gone from afterthought to centerpiece in 2016-17. Michigan basketball has manufactured plays for him, as the Wolverines are in dire need of playmakers on the offensive side of the ball.

Next: Five reasons why Purdue will win it all

Michigan faces off against Wisconsin at the Kohl Center and will be heavy underdogs. If Wilson can put together a superstar performance, the Wolverines may be able to pull off a much-needed upset.

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Michigan Basketball: D.J. Wilson has molded into Michigan’s breakout star

By Brian Rosen | Jan 17, 2017

D.J. Wilson has been a bright spot in what has been a disappointing Michigan basketball campaign to date.