Big Ten Team Preview: Michigan Wolverines

By Ryan Bramwell

Breakdown

• 2011-2012: 24-10 (13-5)
• Postseason:  1^st Round (Loss vs. Ohio)
• Coach: John Beilein (6^th year)

Situation:

• Gone: Zack Novak, Stu Douglass, Evan Smotrycz
• Back: Trey Burke, Tim Hardaway, Jr., Jordan Morgan
• New:  Glenn Robinson III, Mitch McGary, Nik Stauskas, Caris LeVert, Spike Albrecht

Returning Numbers:

• MIN – 55.8%
• PTS – 62.0%
• 3PM – 49.3%
• REB – 59.6%
• AST – 60.1%

Returning Leaders:

• MPG – Burke (36.1), Hardaway, Jr. (34.2), Morgan (24.4)
• PPG – Burke (14.8), Hardaway, Jr. (14.6), Morgan (7.3)
• RPG – Morgan (5.6), Hardaway, Jr. (3.8), Horford (3.6)

Key Players:

• Trey Burke
• Tim Hardaway, Jr.
• Jordan Morgan
• The Freshmen: McGary, Robinson, Stauskas

Keys to Success:

• Tim Hardaway’s ability to lead; improved shot-taking decisions; 3-pt shot development
• The continued growth and development of 2012 B1G Freshman of the Year Trey Burke
• Ability to make up for the losses of Novak, Douglass and Smotrycz
• A healthy Jon Horford down low and a solid junior season in the post from Jordan Morgan
• Freshman class impact
• Glenn Robinson III (6’6” 200 lbs/5 star recruit/#5 SF of 2012 class)
• Mitch McGary (6’10 225 lbs/4 star recruit/#5 PF of 2012 class)
• Nik Stauskas (6’6” 205 lbs/4 star recruit/#21 SF of 2012 class)

 Projected Lineup

• PG – Trey Burke
• SG – Tim Hardaway, Jr.
• SF – Glenn Robinson III
• PF – Mitch McGary
• C – Jordan Morgan

Blue Ribbon Grades:

• Backcourt: A-
• Frontcourt: B-
• Bench/Depth: B-
• Intangibles: B+

Preview Links:

• Black Shoe Diaries 
• Inside the Hall
• Blue Ribbon at ESPN
• Bleacher Report
• Rant Sports

ESPN Team Page:

• Wolverines Basketball

 

My Prediction:

• 14-4, Tied for 2nd place