Michigan Basketball: Top 5 non-conference games for 2018-19

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Head coach John Beilein of the Michigan Wolverines reacts against the Villanova Wildcats in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 31: Jordan Poole #2 of the Michigan Wolverines drives to the basket against Marques Townes #5 of the Loyola Ramblers in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

4. South Carolina, Home, December 9th

Michigan could be facing South Carolina for a second time on December 9th (more on the potential matchup later). After making the Final Four two seasons ago, South Carolina suffered a rebuilding season where they felt the losses of Sindarius Thornwell and PJ Dozier to the NBA. They were a solid team, but missed the postseason and finished towards the bottom of the SEC.

The Gamecocks are known for their stingy defense and ugly offense. Many of their games could be considered rock fights and this will likely continue this season as there are major question marks in the backcourt. Hassani Gravett and Tre Campbell are solid lead guards, but not ideal options for NCAA Tournament-caliber teams. AJ Lawson has immense potential on the wing, but is an unproven freshman. Justin Minaya had a strong freshman season and should continue to start after averaging 7.9 ppg last season.

South Carolina’s strength lies in the frontcourt where Chris Silva is one of the best players in the SEC. Silva averaged 14.3 ppg, 8.0 rpg, and 1.4 bpg last season and will become a more well-known player nationally as a senior. Joining him in a deep frontcourt is two-year starter Maik Kotsar, rotation piece Felipe Haase, and under the radar freshman Alanzo Frink.

Unfortunately, because this game is at home it might not even be a Quadrant 2 game for the Wolverines as South Carolina figures to straddle the top 75 cut-off for that grouping. This will be an awfully tough Quadrant 3 game if the Gamecocks fall into that range.

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