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Michigan basketball: 2019-20 season review and 2020-2021 first-look preview

By Rob Wolkenbrod

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 01: Head coach Juwan Howard of the Michigan Wolverines looks over at his team during a time out in the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena on March 01, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 01: Head coach Juwan Howard of the Michigan Wolverines looks over at his team during a time out in the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena on March 01, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Juwan Howard of the Michigan Wolverines reacts in the second half of the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Crisler Arena on February 8, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Juwan Howard of the Michigan Wolverines reacts in the second half of the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Crisler Arena on February 8, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Previewing 2020-21

For yet another season, Michigan will have a different look, pending if the NCAA moves forward with granting an extra year of eligibility in these unusual circumstances.

Zavier Simpson and Jon Teske, two starters, were both seniors, so that moves them out of Ann Arbor. Outside of Austin Davis, everyone else is projected to return, including Eli Brooks, Franz Wagner and Isaiah Livers, giving Howard three starters.

The team could have a grander veteran presence, however. Per 247Sports, Harvard’s Bryce Aiken, a grad transfer, is interested. Of course, that doesn’t guarantee he will be in Ann Arbor this fall, but this is the lead guard that can make a difference in the Big Ten, after averaging 22.2 points per game in his most recent healthy season.

Outside of a possible situation, Michigan has the nation’s No. 4 recruiting class, per 247Sports. 5-star recruit, Isaiah Todd represents a force for the frontcourt, and Hunter Dickinson and Terrance Williams are terrific depth for this top class. Todd projects to start in place of Teske, but he can  Dickinson, a 7-foot, 255-pound center, could both fill in if Howard goes two guards and three frontcourt players.

With another year of experience for the returning players, too, this should be an improved Michigan team. The NCAA Tournament should be expected, and placing within the top five of the Big Ten is realistic. That will inspire hope in Howard’s takeover of the program and a potentially prosperous run into the 2020s.

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