Michigan Basketball Preview 2021

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Nov 7

Our Michigan basketball preview 2021 - 22 notes that the Wolverines continue to be in the midst of late-round Big Dance action. In the past four NCAA Tournaments, they have been the Runner-Up, played in the Elite Eight, and competed in the Sweet 16 twice. Last year, the Michigan Wolverines (23-5 Overall, 14-3 Big Ten) finished at the top of the conference. That was a huge accomplishment for the team and second-year head coach Juwan Howard (42-17 Michigan/Overall/2 years), as in his first season, the Wolverines were 19-12 overall and 10-10 in the Big Ten, finishing ninth. Now in his third season at Michigan and as a college basketball coach, Howard is sitting pretty with the top recruiting class in the nation, a seasoned transfer, and a solid core of returning players.

Wolverines Frontcourt

Last season as a freshman, center Hunter Dickinson shot 59.8 percent from the floor while averaging 14.1 PPG and 7.4 RPG. The second-team All-American was going to declare for the NBA Draft, but decided to wait a year to develop his three-point shot and right hand. Our Michigan basketball preview 2021 - 22 finds that Dickinson is an efficient, dominant player in the paint. Top-15 recruit Moussa Diabate will back up Dickinson. The Paris native stands 6’11” and has a 7’3” wingspan. He possesses a fine defensive game and is an excellent rebounder. Diabate is working on his offensive chops. Senior Brandon Johns Jr. brings premium shooting skills to the court. Last season, his shooting stats came in at 52.7/36.8/79.5. Sophomore Terrance Williams and freshman Will Tschetter offer sound depth.

Michigan Basketball Preview – Backcourt

When senior guard Eli Brooks (9.5 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.1 APG) decided to return for a fifth season, the Wolverines got another big boost. Last year, Brooks shot 42.6/39.6/90.9. A workshorse who often plays 35 MPG, he’s not just an offensive dynamo, but is also a premium defensive player. Joining the Michigan backcourt is the 2021 Sun Belt Player of the Year DeVante’ Jones. Along with bringing 81 games of experience with him, Jones is an assist machine and scoring phenom with a three-point success rate of 37.0 percent. Anywhere else, top-50 recruits Frankie Collins and Kobe Bufkin would likely start. Instead, with Howard onboard, they have time to develop. McDonald’s All-American Caleb Houston brings an amazing amount of maturity and professionalism to the team. Plus, he’s a hands down scoring machine. Houston takes on wing.