Busting Brackets
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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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Key reserves

Ignas Brazdeikis

Brazdeikis might end up being the best freshman you don’t know about. The Ontario native was ranked as the No. 40 overall prospect in the 2018 class, yet many scouts think he would’ve been rated much higher had he spent most of his high school career in America. At 6-8 and 220 pounds, Brazdeikis is a gifted and skilled scorer who can fill it up from anywhere. Questions about his athleticism may make him more effective as a small four instead of as a small forward, but you can count on him to score a lot right away.

Eli Brooks

Brooks had a very minor role as a freshman, averaging just 10 minutes per game even though he started 12 games early in the year. The 6-foot, 170-pounder can play either guard position and is a competitive defender, which is the trait that earned him playing time last year. His role will increase a bit as an experienced option on Michigan’s young bench, but he’ll still be a bench contributor.

Brandon Johns

The East Lansing native opted for Michigan despite being in Michigan State‘s backyard and the Wolverines are excited about what the nation’s No. 70 overall prospect can do. Johns fits right into Beilein’s offensive system as a stretch big who can also play on the wing thanks to his shooting ability. He needs to get stronger – something that may limit his playing time – and improve defensively, but Johns is simply too talented to keep off the court.

David DeJulius

DeJulius, the No. 107 overall prospect, will average around 10 minutes per night playing as Simpson’s backup point guard. The Detroit native is much more of a scorer than Simpson and is certainly the better shooter, but that doesn’t take away from his playmaking responsibilities. As a senior at East English Village Prep, DeJulius averaged 27 points, eight assists, and six rebounds per game.

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