NCAA Basketball: North Carolina, Gonzaga still sit atop updated top 25 ranking

22. Michigan (2-0)

There’s certainly plenty of reason to expect big things from Michigan this season, especially with Hunter Dickinson around for another year with the Wolverines. The talented big man is going to be a force all season long, but the Wolverines are replacing a few important pieces from last year. There’s certainly talent here, with players like Jaelin Llewellyn, Kobe Bufkin, and Jett Howard expected to grab some of the spotlight this year.

Opening night was a solid effort defensively from the Wolverines, securing a 75-56 win over Purdue Fort Wayne to begin the season. Dickinson had 22 points and 12 rebounds while Howard added 21 points of his own. Friday’s action was much closer, trailing at the half to Eastern Michigan before clawing out an 88-83 win over Emoni Bates’ new squad. Dickinson was marvelous with 31 points and 7 rebounds, making 13 of his 17 field goal attempts. Terrance Williams II had a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds as well.

Dickinson is going to be one of the best centers in the nation all year round and might be the early favorite for the Big Ten’s top honors. The interior offense looks great, though the long-range shooting really let them down in that close call against the Eagles. The Wolverines are still figuring out who’s the most dependable second option behind Dickinson, but this team is still in good shape to this point. They’ll face a dreary Pittsburgh squad this upcoming week before a slew of games at home; their opening schedule is certainly favorable for a hot start to the year.