![]() ![]() After graduating Akienreh Johnson and Hailey Brown 一 who averaged a combined 18.9 points per game last season 一 the Wolverines have gaps in both the frontcourt and the backcourt that must be filled. This leaves two starting spots that need to be filled. Coach Kim Barnes Arico will be returning three of last season’s starters for their senior campaigns: forward Naz Hillmon, wing Leigha Brown and guard Amy Dilk. But if Livers makes the jump to the NBA, Williams will need to step in and step up right away for the Wolverines.After Michigan’s third-consecutive NCAA tournament appearance - and its first Sweet Sixteen appearance ever - the 11th-ranked Wolverines seem poised for another successful campaign. ![]() With Livers, Wagner and Johns all in the fold, Williams, a 6-foot-7 tweener who can be deployed at the three and four positions, could see a limited amount of minutes trickling down. ►Terrance Williams, forward, freshman: The extent of Williams’ role will hinge on Livers’ draft decision. However, he’ll have ground to make up against Nunez, who already has a year of playing for Howard under his belt. Even though he likely will spend much of his time off the ball, he’ll still have a chance to earn a backup role as the first guard off the bench. ►Zeb Jackson, guard, freshman: Jackson spent a year playing on an uber-talented roster at Florida prep powerhouse Montverde Academy to help prepare him for the next level. The expectation is he learned from all the trials and tribulations and he’ll be ready to prove it because the Wolverines aren’t flush with backcourt depth. His 3-point shooting (25.6% on 43 attempts) and defense left a lot to be desired, and those shortcomings were reflected in his playing time. ►Adrien Nunez, guard, junior: If Michigan needs anyone to take a giant leap next season, it’s Nunez. Overall, Johns’ versatility will be much-needed and his prior experience playing at the five could come into play. If Livers leaves, Johns will replace him the lineup like he did 11 times last season. If Livers comes back, Johns once again will serve as the bench piece who can be inserted in for Livers or Wagner. ►Brandon Johns Jr., forward, junior: Johns was one of Michigan’s key reserves last season, and that label won’t change as long as Livers returns. And even though it typically takes big men more time to develop at the next level, Howard has shown he likes to get the ball into the post and Dickinson is a big target on the block. Depending on Davis’ recovery process, Dickinson will have the entire offseason and possibly a portion of preseason practices to improve his standing for the lead role. Davis had right shoulder surgery last month and a timetable for his return has been set for early October. ►Hunter Dickinson, center, freshman: The 7-foot-2 big man appears to have a leg up on Austin Davis for the starting center job. If he leaves, the Wolverines will be dealt another brutal blow and left to find a way to replace his production. If he returns, Michigan would boast one of the top wing-forward combos in the Big Ten - health permitting. ►Isaiah Livers, forward, senior: The most important remaining roster decision centers around Livers, who was on his way to having a breakout season last year before he was hampered by a string of lower-body injuries. He also seems poised to serve as the driving force of the team, much like his older brother, Moritz, did during the 2017-18 campaign. If Wagner is able to pick up where he left off last season - he averaged 15.9 points and 6.4 rebounds over the final seven games - he could put himself in the conversation for All-Big Ten and All-American selections. ►Franz Wagner, wing, sophomore: The German product announced last month that he was passing on testing the NBA Draft waters to return for his second year in Ann Arbor. If Michigan lands a guard who can play the two, Brooks could slide to point guard and Smith could be moved to the bench. After missing out on five-star guard Joshua Christopher and losing DeJulius, Howard’s pursuit of George Mason grad transfer Justin Kier and Coleman-Lands is a sign Howard isn’t entirely comfortable with his backcourt options. While he’ll stay in the starting lineup, it remains to be seen which guard spot he’ll play. He’s a solid perimeter defender and the next step is to become more of a consistent scoring threat. ►Eli Brooks, guard, senior: Brooks was arguably the most improved player last year as he moved into a full-time starting role at the two position. ![]()
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