2008 Michigan Basketball Preview & Season Predictions
Written October 14, 2008 by Luke Knight
John Beilein enters his second season at Michigan with something of a quiet optimism. Starting center Ekpe Udoh transferred to Baylor and recruit Robin Benzing, another center, failed to qualify and did not enroll. Beilein enters the season with just nine scholarship players. The Wolverines return several starters, including their leading scorer so they should make some noise in the Big Ten this season, but Michigan’s offense will have to improve dramatically if they want to be a contender in the Big Ten. The Wolverines shot a league worst 39.5% and 31.2% on 3-point shots en route to a 10-22 season and 5-13 in Big 10 action. Check out BetUS where Michigan is +25000 odds to win the National Title this season. With low expectations like that, you’ll want to keep an eye on the Wolverines every time they play because the NCAA basketball odds will show value.
Losing Udoh hurts the Wolverines in the frontcourt and leaves them very then in the power spots. Zack Gibson, who averaged 13.9 minutes per game last season, has put on 15 pounds of muscle and plans to be the starting center. The Wolverines expect Gibson’s minutes to double and for his stats to be comparable to Udoh’s in every area except blocks. DeShawn Sims, the junior forward, is the team’s top post player, but can also knock down the 3-pointer. Sims needs to do a better job of making the shots, as he ended the season in a 6-of-36 slump from behind the arc. Sims also is very capable guarding post men and wing players, which makes him invaluable defensively. Anthony Wright’s minutes increased during the Big Ten season, but the sophomore small forward will have to shoot more consistently to hold the starting job. Jevohn Sheperd, the team’s lone frontcourt senior, will back up Wright. A couple freshmen in Ben Cronin and walk-on Eric Puls are options at the power positions also.
Manny Harris’s season last year can most aptly be described as trial by fire. A trial he passed by the way, as he led Michigan in scoring with 16.1 points per game and has the opportunity to lead the Big Ten in scoring this year. He’s a dangerous shooter, but also has the driving ability that puts him on the foul line quite frequently. The problem is he had 29 more turnovers than assists, which is not what you’re looking for in the top scorer of your backcourt. Harris could play some small forward once Laval Lucas-Perry, an Arizona transfer, becomes eligible. Lucas-Perry will take pressure off point guard Kelvin Grady who struggled offensively last season. The Wolverines have plenty of depth in the backcourt.
Final Analysis
First and foremost, Michigan needs to get better offensively. Harris and Sims are explosive players, but overall Michigan is a recruiting class or two away from moving into the upper echelon of the Big Ten. They lack the depth at the interior position and an injury to any of the starters would be a crushing blow. On the brightside, the Wolverines have the talent to be a.500 team, which would be a major improvement from last year. We have them finishing in the middle of the pack, where an NCAA berth is a stretch, but the NIT should be a logical finish. The Wolverines are +1400 odds to win the Big Ten at BetUS. They will be a team to keep an eye on throughout the season, if you like betting on basketball.
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