Michigan Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Wolverines

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SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 31: Charles Matthews #1 of the Michigan Wolverines dunks in the second half against the Loyola Ramblers in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four semifinal game at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Season outlook

Despite the offseason losses, Michigan has the talent and the pedigree to be a great offensive team again. However, their success will depend on their ability to replicate last season’s dominance on the defensive end of the floor.

The Wolverines finished 2017-18 ranked third in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency and made their tournament run on the back of that defense, holding opponents to just 58.6 points per contest before Villanova dropped 79 on them in the title game. ESPN projects Michigan to have the nation’s No. 9 defense this coming season, but that expects Poole and the rest of Michigan’s young players to consistently step up.

Next. Preseason Big Ten Rankings for 2018-19. dark

All in all, Michigan seems poised to take advantage of another down year in the Big Ten and should be Michigan State’s biggest challenger for the conference title. They may have more upside than the Spartans, too, assuming players like Poole, Livers, and Teske make the leaps they’re expected to.

I think Michigan will end up finishing second in the Big Ten and will be ranked for most of the season. Don’t be surprised to see them earn another Sweet 16 berth.

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