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Michigan Basketball: 3 reasons why Wolverines will make 2020 NCAA Tournament

By Adam Childs

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: The Michigan Wolverines huddle prior to the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament West Regional game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Honda Center on March 28, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: The Michigan Wolverines huddle prior to the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament West Regional game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Honda Center on March 28, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – DECEMBER 22: Zavier Simpson #3 of the Michigan Wolverines drives the ball to the basket as Sid Tomes #3 of the Air Force Falcons defends during the second half of the game at Crisler Center on December 22, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Air Force 71-50. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – DECEMBER 22: Zavier Simpson #3 of the Michigan Wolverines drives the ball to the basket as Sid Tomes #3 of the Air Force Falcons defends during the second half of the game at Crisler Center on December 22, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Air Force 71-50. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

1. Zavier Simpson

Yes, one player does not make a team and one player can not carry a team to the tournament, but without Simpson, the Wolverines would be in trouble. Having a coach on the court is an overused expression for players, but Simpson has truly developed into that type of player. He is experienced, runs the offense very well (yes it will be a new offense) and does not turn the ball over.

Simpson averaged 6.6 assists per game last year while only turning the ball over twice a game on average. He also averaged five rebounds a game and for a point guard with his size that is very good. He even recorded a triple-double and was overall their most important player.

You could argue that he isn’t a great shooter and that is true, but he has improved every year and even then he seemed to understand his limitations. He worked hard and developed an almost unstoppable hook shot and has learned how to use his lack of size to his advantage. He may not score a lot of points, but he maximizes his talent and is the true leader of this team.

With that, he has made the players around him better. Jon Teske thrived last year because of the pick and roll game with Simpson. Without Simpson, Teske might not have made the leap in play that he did last year.

Simpson does that with a lot of players and with him leading the way it should open up things for Isaiah Livers and Franz Wagner to be the shooters they hope they will be. Simpson is the player that drives the Wolverines and with him leading the way they will make the tournament.

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