Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball Recruiting: Early look at each program’s 2019 class

By Justin Thind

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 12: A general interior view of the empty court during the semifinals of the 2011 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 12, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 12: A general interior view of the empty court during the semifinals of the 2011 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 12, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 09: Head coach John Beilein of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with Charles Matthews as he leaves the game while playing the Wisconsin Badgers at Crisler Arena on February 09, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 61-52. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 09: Head coach John Beilein of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with Charles Matthews as he leaves the game while playing the Wisconsin Badgers at Crisler Arena on February 09, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 61-52. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Michigan Wolverines

The Wolverines have put together another magnificent season this year, as they will head to Chicago with a double-bye. To make this year’s success even better, Michigan should be primed to have another great season next year as well. Out of the primary contributors, the Wolverines would be returning Zavier Simpson, Jordan Poole, Isaiah Livers and Jon Teske for sure. There is also a pretty decent chance that Iggy Brazdeikis returns for a sophomore season as well. If Charles Matthews ends up being the only departure for UM, they will have as good of a starting lineup as any in the Big Ten next season.

This leads to Michigan’s needs being focused more on depth for the time being. This actually has been quite the problem for UM this year, as John Beilein has been using a smaller rotation than he would prefer almost all season. David DeJulius and Eli Brooks have given Zavier Simpson some rest this year, but there hasn’t been much reliable depth beyond the point guard position.

Fortunately, Michigan’s current recruiting class will help fulfill the need of perimeter depth. Two four star small forwards, Cole Bajema and top-50 Jalen Wilson, should be able to contribute fairly quickly. If Colin Castleton and Brandon Johns progress nicely over the offseason, Michigan could be looking at a fairly deep, possibly 10-man rotation next year.

This recruiting class looks to be finished, as there don’t seem to be any more 2019 targets left on UM’s board. Plus, space is limited as well due to the very few departures set to take place after the year. Overall, Wolverine fans should be very happy with the versatility of these new pieces and, thanks in large part to how these pieces fit the roster perfectly, Michigan looks to be set for the near future.

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