5. Michigan Wolverines
Record: 19-1 (8-1 Big Ten)
Last Week: No. 6
Sticking with the “Great Lakes State”, the Michigan Wolverines are the next team on my list. Headlined by the trio of Ignas Brazdeikis, Jordan Poole, and Charles Matthews, this is another top team in the nation. At 19-1 (8-1 Big Ten), they hold one of the best records even if their SOS holds back their potential seeding for the time being. Michigan might not be the most exciting team to watch in the country due to their deliberate pace but their defense is something special to watch.
Most notably, senior wing Charles Matthews might be the best individual defender in the entire country. He wins just about every individual matchup and his versatility cannot be understated. Additionally, the emergence of sophomore Jordan Poole as an electrifying scorer has taken some of the scoring burden off of Matthews’ (and freshman Ignas Brazdeikis’) shoulders.
The Wolverines are clearly one of the favorites to win the national championship and avenge their loss in the title game a year ago. This team is built slightly different overall but is one that no one will want to see in March. Granted…you could say that about just about every team in my top-25+ but that’s beside the point. This team is darn good.
(Tip: Don’t bet against John Beilein in March. It is a bad idea.)