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Michigan Basketball: Why Wolverines should be nation’s top-ranked team

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 29: Zavier Simpson #3 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts after a three point basket next to Isaiah Livers #4 while playing the Ohio State Buckeyes at Crisler Arena on January 29, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 65-49. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 29: Zavier Simpson #3 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts after a three point basket next to Isaiah Livers #4 while playing the Ohio State Buckeyes at Crisler Arena on January 29, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 65-49. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 15: Zavier Simpson #3 and Eli Brooks #55 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 15, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 15: Zavier Simpson #3 and Eli Brooks #55 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 15, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Improved depth

Depth was the biggest concern many had (myself included) about Michigan coming into the season. Howard didn’t exactly bring in a top recruiting class because of how late he got the job, and the Wolverines had one of the shortest rotations in the country in Beilein’s last season.

So far, however, Michigan is getting consistent production from everyone on the roster.

Eli Brooks has seen his scoring average jump by over 10 points per game and dropped 24 points against North Carolina. David DeJulius went from benchwarmer to a consistent contributor averaging nine points per game. Franz Wagner scored 10 points against Gonzaga. Colin Castleton has scored double figures in two games.

Anyways, you get the picture. Michigan is getting significant offensive contributions from everyone and Howard told the media this week that has actually been one of their biggest strengths.

"“That’s been a trait this season, [having] many players that can score. Up and down the roster, we’ve got scorers.”"

The Wolverines still don’t utilize a deep rotation as the bench only accounts for roughly 24 percent of all minutes played, but they are getting contributions from everyone – 14 players have already scored for them this season!

Continuing to get these contributions, however, is vital if Michigan is going to maintain this level of play.