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NCAA Basketball: Why Michigan, BYU and NC State are underrated in 2019-20

By Jacob Zinkula

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 14: Franz Wagner #21 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts to a second half three point basket while playing the Oregon Ducks at Crisler Arena on December 14, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Oregon won the game 71-70 in overtime. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 14: Franz Wagner #21 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts to a second half three point basket while playing the Oregon Ducks at Crisler Arena on December 14, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Oregon won the game 71-70 in overtime. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 05: Head coach Juwan Howard of the Michigan Wolverines (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 05: Head coach Juwan Howard of the Michigan Wolverines (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Michigan

After a 7-0 start to the season, the Wolverines have lost five of their last nine. Four of five losses have come on the road, and each has come to a top 40 KenPom team. Along with the tough schedule, junior forward Isaiah Livers has missed the last four games, including the recent road losses to Michigan State and Minnesota.

Livers is arguably the team’s best scorer, and he’s shooting a blistering 29-58 (50.0%) on the season. Suffice to say, his absence has been felt.

Michigan might not be the top-5 team it looked like in the Bahamas, but there’s a decent chance they’re better than their #20 and #19 KenPom and AP rankings respectively. Livers could be returning shortly, but if the team takes another loss or two without him, a further drop in the rankings could make the Wolverines even more underrated.

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