The Michigan basketball team has gone through a lot of change in the last year, but could they still compete in the rough Big Ten in 2020-21?
When Michigan Basketball hired Juwan Howard as their next coach when John Beilein abruptly left for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wolverine fans knew there was going to be some change. Just like with every new coach there were going to be some transfers and de-commitments.
Even with that thought in mind, this offseason has been especially hard for the Wolverines. They knew they were losing Seniors Zavier Simpson and Jon Teske, but they had to be a little shocked when David DeJulius decided to transfer to Cincinnati. He played some very productive minutes for Michigan but wasn’t quite getting the playing time he thought he deserved.
Then came the news that Isaiah Todd, Michigan’s prized recruit, was head the pro route instead of coming to Michigan. Then they lost out on Joshua Christopher to Arizona State after all crystal balls had pointed to him picking the Wolverines.
Michigan Basketball: What the Wolverines have coming back
But Juwan Howard has recovered from the misses by pulling in transfer Chaundee Brown from Wake Forrest and Nojel Eastern from Purdue. He also got Mike Smith a point guard transfer from Columbia. And even though Todd and Christopher are not headed to Michigan he still brought in the 12th ranked class according to 247sports.
With all the questions with the Wolverines heading into the year most are writing them off for the top of the Big Ten and that might be a mistake. Howard will undoubtedly use this as fuel to motivate his Wolverines, a team that still has a lot of talent and experience returning.
If Isaiah Livers decides to come back after entering his name into the early entry list for the NBA draft, the Wolverines will definitely have the talent to play with anyone in the Big Ten.
Michigan still returns Eli Brooks at point guard and he made big strides last year. So did Brandon Johns Jr. at the four-spot. Franz Wagner started to really play well at the end of the year at the three-spot after missing time early with a broken wrist.
Livers is one of the better shooters in the Big Ten and if he can stay healthy is one of the best overall players also. Austin Davis played better at times last year at the five-spot then Jon Teske did and has decided to return. That is still about as much experience as any team in the Big Ten is returning.
Remember when this team was healthy last year, they ran through the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament which included routing the Gonzaga Bulldogs who only lost one other game the rest of the year.
This should still be a very good Wolverines team and when you throw in the top recruiting class in the Big Ten and you shouldn’t sleep on this team.
They are being overlooked right now by many, but look out because this team has everything it needs to be a contender in the Big Ten. Don’t be surprised if you see them at the top of the standings come March.