Michigan Basketball: Complete Roster, Season Preview for 2014-15 Wolverines

John Beilein’s grand design is unfolding in front of his very eyes—for the first time since the 1990s, Michigan is a feared program both at the Big Ten and national levels.

Reaching the title bout and Elite Eight in consecutive seasons will do that for a team.

This year, the Wolverines are without power from the likes of a Trey Burke or Nik Stauskas—the two stars who led the charge in 2013 and 2014, respectively—but they do have a dynamic trio of returning talent that can hang with the best on any given night: Caris LeVert, a junior wing, Derrick Walton, a sophomore point guard, and Zak Irvin, a sophomore guard/wing.

Should those three reach expected peaks, Beilein’s young squad could end up shocking a few favorites; the Big Ten may be Wisconsin’s to lose, but don't discount Michigan—its lethal blend of experience, youth, depth and versatility could conquer a few favorites come March.

Kameron Chatman

The 6’7”, 210-pound winger headlines one of Beilein’s most well-rounded recruiting classes—according to 247Sports, it was the No. 27–ranked haul of 2015 and No. 3 in the Big Ten.

Chatman has point guard handles, a great jumper that’s only getting better and length—something that can’t be coached. Expect him to log plenty of minutes and develop into a regular once it’s time to trade shots in the Big Ten.

D.J. Wilson

Beilein’s been careful not to pigeonhole Wilson into a role. At this point, the 6’9”, 220-pounder is being viewed as a small forward, power forward and center.

Wilson can live above the rim, swat those who dare to drive in the lane and rebound. Chatman is the most recognized name, but Wilson is certainly worthy of your attention in 2014-15.

Ricky Doyle

At 6’9” and 245 pounds, Doyle adds the obvious size factor to Michigan’s rotation. But he can shoot, just like his counterpart Mark Donnal, a redshirt freshman who’ll also make his debut this season. That said, expect Doyle to also grab his share of minutes as Beilein shuffles personnel.

Caris LeVert

The 6’7”, 200-pound junior is considered one of the Big Ten’s best prospects and seems destined for first-round NBA draft status. Considering that he’s also an early favorite to win Big Ten Player of the Year honors, it’s only right to predict a monster year from bucket-filling threat.

As a sophomore, LeVert topped 20 points seven times, peaking at 25. When hot, he’s among the most dangerous scorers in the NCAA.

Derrick Walton

Just a sophomore, Walton has been thrust into a big-time leadership role by virtue of position, and because he’s a “veteran” on a very young team. The 6’0”, 185-pound point guard is the son of a coach, so being under the microscope and facing pressure aren't new for the Detroit-area native.

LeVert may be the “name” on the team, but Walton is the guy who’ll make things go.

Zak Irvin

During Michigan’s media day, the 6’6”, 215-pound sophomore reported a five-inch increase to his vertical leap, giving him an obvious advantage when it comes to rebounding and shooting in traffic. Irvin’s due for a huge increase in minutes—something in the range of 25-plus is definitely in his future.

Spike Albrecht

The 5’11”, 175-pound baseball-loving junior could be considered the voice of reason for Beilein’s youngsters. Albrecht played in the 2013 national title game—he even hit a couple mile-long shots—and has plenty of Big Ten experience.

He’s not a stat-stuffer, but he’s a tempo-setter and game manager. Needless to say, he’ll be a “primary ball-handler” in 2014-15, Beilein said on media day.

Michigan’s full roster can be found here, via MGoBlue.com. It serves as the guide for heights, weights and class.

Projected Starting Lineup

PG: Derrick Walton

SG: Zak Irvin

SF: Caris LeVert

PF: Mark Donnal/Ricky Doyle

F/C: Doyle/Donnal

Key Bench Players

As mentioned earlier in this slideshow, Spike Albrecht has clocked minutes in meaningful games. Playing on the biggest stage imaginable in college hoops will serve him well, as the 5’11”, 175-pound guard promises to provide energy to a team in need of a “veteran” decision-maker.

Kam Chatman’s only a true freshman, but he has the ability to crack Beilein’s starting lineup. The 6’7”, 210-pound winger has everything a coach could want: Size, length and versatility. Don’t count on him coming off the bench for long—the new kid seems to be quickly progressing.

Chatman’s fellow freshman, D.J. Wilson, should also be a key reliever and great complement to existing talent. Michigan needs help up front. Wilson—who can’t be pegged as a forward or center, per Beilein—can deliver that assistance.

Frosh wing/guards Aubrey Dawkins, Muhammad Ali-Abdur Rahkman should also get the call, giving Michigan potential from off the pine.

Can Caris Carry?

He’s coming off foot surgery, so there is reason to be a bit—just a sliver, actually—concerned about his overall health. Now, for the record, LeVert said on media day that he’s moved past the bothersome right foot and is ready to take the court. Believe him. He knows his body.

But injuries have a funny way of showing up at the wrong time. Remaining completely intact is a challenge for anyone, and it can be twice as difficult for those with prior bumps and bruises—especially if they box in the Big Ten.

Will Walton Wow?

On media day, the point guard said that he’s embracing the road ahead; he knows that he’s being counted on to do more than score and assist. This could be a special season for Walton, who is undoubtedly one of the Big Ten’s best youngsters.

Zak Attack

Not much needs to be said here other than the 6'6", 215-pound sophomore is among the Big Ten's not-so-secret secrets. People know Irvin's good.

But how good?

He averaged 15.4 minutes per game in 2013-14, so there isn't a lot to reference in his case. However, he was among the nation's top shooting guards in the 2013 prep class and has the size and strength to be an effective and elite wing option. 

The Youth Movement

Kam Chatman, D.J. Wilson, Mark Donnal (RS Fr.), Ricky Doyle and the rest of the 2014 class is full of untapped potential. Beilein’s a master with personnel, X’s and O’s and talent management. Don’t worry about if the freshman will succeed, look ahead to how well they’ll play. Sure, there will be the standard first-year mistakes, but this class (and Donnal) can contribute immediately.

And really, it has to.

Best-Case Scenario

If all falls together as planned, Michigan should enter the Big Dance with an unquestioned league POTY in Caris LeVert—or maybe even Derrick Walton (who knows?!). Winning the Big Ten’s regular-season or tournament title would be a nice way to finish, too.

Conference hardware is attainable. 

Everyone’s focused on Wisconsin, and for good reason, but the Wolverines are capable of challenging for one of the top four spots in the league. And if they click sooner than later, they could be charging hard for No. 1. Don't overlook this team. 

Worst-Case Scenario

Where to start? Well, an injury to Caris LeVert or Derrick Walton would be devastating for a team full of youth and light on experience. Beilein has droves of young talent, but it will be a long season if his top four—Albrecht, Irvin, LeVert and Walton—doesn’t perform.

Dec. 2’s matchup with Syracuse should give the Wolverines a good idea of where they stand.

There is no reason the Wolverines can’t make a splash in the NCAA tournament. With Caris LeVert, Derrick Walton and Zak Irvin—plus figure that a freshman will shine—at the helm, they’ll prove that they can run with anyone, anywhere.

As mentioned earlier, Michigan plays Syracuse on Dec. 2 in Ann Arbor. That game will be telling, to say least. Facing a national power prior to conference play is a recipe for success, just ask Michigan State coach Tom Izzo.

Getting out of the Big Ten alive is the goal and, for the time being, forecasting five or six conference losses seems about right.

Follow Bleacher Report’s Michigan Wolverines basketball writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81

Quotes and references from media day were obtained firsthand by the writer.