As you have likely heard by now, Michigan will have some big shoes to fill during the 2021-22 season as Isaiah Livers, Franz Wagner, Mike Smith, and Chaundee Brown have all decided to leave to take their chances in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Livers, Wagner, Smith, and Brown combined for 42.6 of the Wolverines 76.3 points per game last season and somebody will have to step up if the Wolverines want to win another Big Ten Championship in 2021-22.
Here is a look at what I believe the Wolverines starting five will look like in 2021-22.
Point Guard: DeVante’ Jones (Senior)
Taking over for PG Mike Smith will be transfer DeVante’ Jones. During the 2020-21 season, Jones pumped in 19.3 points per game for Coastal Carolina but he will likely be asked to be more of a distributer with the Wolverines.
Shooting Guard: Eli Brooks (Senior)
Though Brooks could play point guard, he is best suited to play the 2-spot and I expect that Juwan Howard agrees. Brooks coming back for his senior season is HUGE for for Michigan and he puts them in the mix to win the Big Ten once again.
Small Forward: Caleb Houstan (Freshman)
Caleb Houstan is the Wolverines’ top recruit and most expect he will be a one-and-done type player. I expect Houstan to be a big-time contributor right out of the gates and he will ease the pain of losing Isaiah Livers.
Power Forward: Brandon Johns (Senior)
Johns really stepped up with Isaiah Livers out of the lineup due to injury and he proved he can be a solid contributor if needed. I would expect for him to be the 5th or 6th scorer on the team but he can help on the glass.
Center: Hunter Dickinson (Sophomore)
Dickinson is going to be an absolute beast as a sophomore and I expect to hear his name mentioned in the Player of the Year conversations throughout the season. If Dickinson is dominant in 2021-22, look out!
