Starters
Jaaron Simmons
The 6’1 grad transfer from Ohio put up some big numbers in the MAC last year. He averaged 17.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 6.5 apg and will be the one-year replacement for Walton. His best performance was against rival Akron, where he dropped 38 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.
Muhammad Ali Abdur-Rahkman
This senior guard is a great defensive player who shot 38% from distance last season. He’s an overall efficient player, whose increase in minutes has equaled an increase in production. Abdul-Rahkman averaged 9 points per game last season.
Charles Matthews
The 6’6″ wing could be the best overall player on the team. Considered one of the top players available on the transfer market, Mathews chose Michigan over Xavier. He only averaged 10 minutes while at Kentucky, but left the program. Kyle Wiltjer did the same thing when he left for Gonzaga and we saw how well that worked out.
Duncan Robinson
The senior has come a long way to get a starting role on a top program. His defensive liabilities combined with the emergence of Wilson somewhat limited his minutes, but now it’s his turn. If he can continue his 42% shooting from distance, Robinson will be a giant asset.
Moritz Wagner
Besides Wilson, Wagner was the most improved player on the team last year. The 6’11” big man averaged 12 points and four rebounds and will need to work on getting more boards as the primary player down low. His 40% perimeter shooting makes him a dynamic pick-and-roll option, as well as his ability to stretch the floor. If he continues to improve then he’ll do more than just enter his name in the draft next time around. This is easily one of the best players in the conference.