Big Ten Basketball: Breakout candidate from each team for 2020-21 season

Michigan: Brandon Johns Jr.

With Michigan Basketball losing starting seniors; guard Zavier Simpsons and center Jon Teske they are also losing the 24 points they combined to produce per game. Another loss to the starting lineup could be that of Isaiah Livers who has declared for the NBA Draft. If Livers does not return it will create even more playing opportunity for 6’8 Brandon Johns Jr.

Jones Jr. was in the Wolverines’ starting lineup for 11 of the 31 games he played but averaged one less minute than guard David Dejulius as Juwan Howard implemented a more ‘NBA style’ offense. An offense that consisted of a ‘big’ in the short corner or low post. With 7’1 Teske graduating along with 6’10 Austin Davis and Colin Castleton transferring, there is an extended role available for Johns Jr.

Fortunately for the Wolverines, Franz Wagner will be returning and in all likelihood will improve upon his 11 points per game, but it will not interfere in Johns Jr.’s role, nor will Livers when he returns. John Jr’s season will see him breakthrough and start to perform like 2018’s sixty-seventh rank freshman, who was ranked ahead of players like Luguentz Dort and Landers Nolley.

John Jr. will not score more than Wagner or Livers, but he will benefit greatly from them being in the line-up and getting open shots off of them. Thus,  increasing the second lowest usage rate on the team and getting above double digits in scoring as he will lead the team with over six rebounds per game.