Basketball Recruiting Projections

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A position by position analysis for the upcoming recruiting cycle.


Point-Guard

On roster for 2019-2020 season:

  1. Zavier Simpson (Sr)
  2. David DeJulius (So)
The Scoop: The point looks to be set for the foreseeable future. Simpson is entrenched as the starter and barring anything crazy he will be back occupying that space next season. Brooks and DeJulius are slowly progressing in their respective developments and will look to compete for the starting position in another year while expanding their roles in the upcoming year. The team isn't signing any prospects here in the current cycle but could look to add a couple in the 2020 class.


Shooting-Guard

On roster for 2019-2020 season:
  1. Eli Brooks (Jr)
  2. Adrien Nunez (So)
  3. Cole Bajema (Fr)
The Outlook: If Poole decides he is ready to test the NBA waters after this season it could be a complete disaster here next year. Sure, there will be enough bodies to fill in from other positions, but it will definitely water down the talent level across the board. I don't think there really is anybody that believes he is NBA-ready though, so I am 70% sure he will be back. If he doesn't then I believe Brooks will compete with Nunez and Bajema for the job. 247 has Bajema ranked as the 60th best prospect in the country, so he could be a real surprise for the team as a freshman much like Iggy was this past year. I expect some big reinforcements to come here in 2020 too. Zeb Jackson, a top 100 prospect, is currently the only committed prospect in that class and he could indeed take over the position once he gets on campus, provided Poole is no longer here of course.


Three-Guard

On roster for 2019-2020 season:
  1. Ignas Brazdeikis (So)
  2. Jalen Wilson (Fr)
The Horizon: This spot will be very thin next season too, and I suspect Iggy will be sliding over here to take over for the departed Charles Mathews. However, Iggy could be gone too. Wilson is a Top 50 prospect who unloaded seven three pointers in the All-American game. He could be the starter right away if Iggy is indeed gone. Livers could see some time here too. After all, he is arguably the best shooter on the team. I am sure the staff will go after another guy here next season too. Carlos Johnson, a top in-state prospect for 2020, is very high on the Wolverine's wish list and it looks like the feeling is mutual. Ethan Morten, a top 50 prospect, is another name that is being targeted. Could Coach B try to bring in a transfer to fill the spot immediately if Iggy heads to the NBA after next season? I doubt it. That's not really his style. Just expect at least one big-time player to be added here soon.


Forward

On roster for 2019-2020 season:
  1. Isaiah Livers (Jr)
  2. Brandon Johns (So)
The Breakdown: This position is loaded for the upcoming year. Livers should be a starter. He is one of the best shooters on the team and his versatility on the floor has become priceless for the Wolverines. He has pro potential and could even go this year. Johns should be increasing his playing time by 10 to 15 minutes per game after a somewhat disappointing freshman year. In all fairness, this system is not easy to learn so Johns, along with point guard DeJulius and shooting guard Nunez, should benefit from the offseason.


Center

On roster for 2019-2020 season:
  1. Jon Teske (Sr)
  2. Colin Castleton (So)
  3. Austin Davis (Sr)
The Skinny: The front court is loaded. Teske could very well be gone after this season, but I give it about an 80% chance he comes back. His defensive skills and rebounding could be NBA-ready, but his shots away from the rim still need some development. If he can develop more of a jump shot and increase that free throw percentage up to at least 60% (it is currently around 50%), then he could find himself rising up draft boards next year. Castleton showed up a bit to relieve Teske late in the season. He should keep trending up and be ready for more contributions after a year of development in the program. He and Davis would compete for playing time here but it is also likely that some combination of Livers, Johns, and Wilson could eat up a lot of time here too. I actually think Davis will transfer after losing minutes as the season went on.

Get to the point: If all these things fall into place, this could be the most talented team on paper that Coach Beilein has ever put on the floor. 

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