Michigan Basketball: 5 major 2022 offseason storylines for Wolverines

1. Hunter Dickinson’s decision

Last offseason, Dickinson received 2nd-team All-American honors and went through the NBA Draft process, before ultimately deciding to return to school for “one final year”.  At least, that’s what Dickinson told anyone who would listen at Big Ten Media Day.

After a season that didn’t elevate his draft prospects at all, Dickinson has a major choice to make.  There are heavy rumors that Dickinson could opt to return to school and receive with some hefty NIL opportunities.  While it may not be what Dickinson intended to do ten months ago, it would make some sense.

Dickinson is unlikely to ever be a draftable prospect, barring a Luka Garza-esque National Player of the Year run.  He struggles immensely to guard in space, and while he added a reliable outside shot, his offensive upside in the plodding Big Ten conference doesn’t seem to appeal to NBA scouts.

In some ways, Dickinson is the perfect college player.  He has the skillset to be the most productive player in the Big Ten without any incentive to move on to the next level too before he has an assured spot in the draft.  Updated NIL rules have made it so that he can make money while doing so, and Dickinson has the personality and the brand to capitalize.

Dickinson’s return is the single most important development for Michigan’s roster next season.  Without him, they would be searching for a new identity.  With him, they have a proven 20-point scorer night in and night out to build around.  He establishes a floor of “make the NCAA Tournament” while helping the team has Final Four upside if the right additions and subtractions occur around him.