2011 CBB Predictions & Gambling Preview: Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten)
Michigan basketball might be back…or at the very least more competitive than it has been in a while.
Big Blue has finally attracted some quality players and in coach John Beilein they have a coach who has a system that has been proven to work.
There were times over the last couple of years I thought they were going to turf him but now they are in a good spot and can legitimately compete for the conference championship.
As far as singular talents go the Wolverines can’t compete with Ohio State or Wisconsin but they have just as much depth as any team in the conference and they are gaining confidence. Tim Hardaway Jr. is a nice player who still has upside.
If he can turn into an All American type scorer than this team can exceed expectations. That might be a little too much for this season but look out over the next couple.
Additions
Trey Burke – A big time shooter that will add to the attack.
Max Bielfeldt – They need his size inside.
Subtractions
Darius Morris
Key Players
Tim Hardaway Jr – Lanky but effective guard is their best player.
Zach Novak – Their leading returning rebounder is really a shooter.
Jordan Morgan – Beefy sophomore improved so much over the course of the season.
Strengths
This may sound odd but the primary strength of this team may be that it has room to grow. On paper they have a good dose of everything – size, shooting, leadership – but with such a young team I think it is easy to say that this team should be a lot better in March than they are in November. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
They could definitely make some noise in March if it all comes together.
Weaknesses
It has been a while since anyone had to fear Big Blue on the hardwood. This is a solid team but it needs to get better at the end of games. There were some close ones that got away from them last year that they need to close out if they want to be good.
A big culprit was free throw shooting. They were a hair under 70% which is surprising because they have good shooters.
They have to improve in that area to be a real threat in the Big Ten.
Post Season
I think this is a team that could get on a roll a la Connecticut last year. I am putting it out there.
Championship Odds
35/1
Projected wins26
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