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Michigan Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Wolverines

By Brian Rauf

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 30: Head coach John Beilein of the Michigan Wolverines looks on during practice before the 2018 Men's NCAA Final Four at the Alamodome on March 30, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 30: Head coach John Beilein of the Michigan Wolverines looks on during practice before the 2018 Men's NCAA Final Four at the Alamodome on March 30, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 31: Ibi Watson #23, Jordan Poole #2 and Isaiah Livers #4 of the Michigan Wolverines react from the bench in the second half against the Loyola Ramblers during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 31: Ibi Watson #23, Jordan Poole #2 and Isaiah Livers #4 of the Michigan Wolverines react from the bench in the second half against the Loyola Ramblers during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /

Michigan Basketball has emerged as one of the consistent powers in the Big Ten. Can the Wolverines build on last season’s thrilling NCAA Tournament run?

The Michigan Wolverines are coming off another dream season in which they won the Big Ten Tournament for the second year in a row and made it all the way to the national championship game for the second time in five years.

This run has cemented head coach John Beilein has one of the very best in the entire country, but the 2018-19 season will be yet another test of his abilities.

The Wolverines are losing three starters, including star center Moe Wagner, who was the heart and soul of the team during the last two years. Michigan will have to find a way to replace his leadership along with the shooting of Duncan Robinson and overall production of Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman.

Luckily, NCAA Tournament star Charles Matthews opted to return after testing NBA Draft waters and is expected to be one of the best players in the entire country. Point guard Zavier Simpson is also back, and Michigan is hoping talented players like Jordan Poole and Isaiah Livers take big steps forward in larger roles.

Michigan is expected to keep their place as one of the Big Ten’s best teams and should start the season ranked in the preseason top 20. Will they be able to stay there? Here’s a full breakdown of the projected starters, key reserves, and non-conference schedule, along with where they stand nationally and in the conference as we preview their season:

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