Michigan Wolverines Basketball

Michigan Wolverines head basketball coach John Beilein signed a contract extension Wednesday to remain with the school through the 2020-21 season, according to a university press release.  

"John is one of the most respected coaches in the country and revered people within the university community," interim athletic director Jim Hackett said, per the release. "While he has accomplished many great things on the basketball court, it is his leadership, guidance and role as an educator that truly makes him one of our great ambassadors."

Beilein added, "Kathleen and I are grateful for the opportunity to remain a part of the men's basketball program for another six years."

In 38 years as a college head coach, Beilein has compiled an impressive 717-428 record. In eight seasons with the Wolverines, he's led the team to the NCAA tournament five times, including a trip to the title game in the 2012-13 season and a berth in the Elite Eight the next year—the same season it won its first outright Big Ten championship in 28 years.

Beilein has provided stability and a keen tactical mind to a program that had some lean years before his arrival. He's proven to be both a strong recruiter and an excellent game-day coach, and the Wolverines should remain one of the stronger teams in the Big Ten throughout his tenure.

The Michigan Wolverines landed their first recruit of the 2017 class when top shooting guard Jordan Poole announced his commitment Friday, according to Brian Snow of Scout.com.

Poole is the 92nd-ranked player in the 2017 class and a 4-star prospect, according to 247Sports. He chose Michigan over the Illinois Fighting Illini and Marquette Golden Eagles, per Snow.

As a sophomore last year, Poole averaged 14.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc, according to WisSports.net.

The Wolverines will need a shooting guard after Zak Irvin graduates, and head coach John Beilein’s scheme is one Poole should thrive in, as his high school coach, Jim Gosz, told Brendan F. Quinn of MLive.com:

He's going to be a good one. He’s going to be a helluva player in that system. Beilein's two-guard offense is perfectly suited for him. He's a perfect fit.

He has a commodity that is kind of a lost art — he shoots the ball and it goes in. A lot of guys nowadays are higher fliers who go to the rim. This kid can flat-out shoot. He's just an unbelievable shooter.

Beilein made the offer, his first for 2017, when Poole visited for the Michigan-BYU football game Sept. 26. Poole also took an unofficial visit last weekend during the Wolverines’ dramatic football loss to Michigan State, per Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press.

Michigan’s 2016 commits include point guard Xavier Simpson, shooting guard Ibi Watson and centers Jon Teske and Austin Davis.

The Wolverines are coming off a 16-16 season in which they failed to qualify for the NCAA tournament following two seasons in which they reached the national championship game and Elite Eight, respectively. The Wolverines were unranked in the first USA Today basketball coaches poll for 2015-16 but had the most votes outside the Top 25. Michigan will open its season Nov. 13 against Northern Michigan.

At this time last year, most would have thought the 2015-16 season would be Caris LeVert's first in the NBA. Instead, it will be his last at Michigan, where he'll have something to prove coming off a second major foot surgery and unconvincing 17-game pitch to scouts. 

Though he'd been producing before going down in January (14.9 points per game), a 42.1 percent field-goal mark and disappearances during December losses to Eastern Michigan (4-of-12 shooting), Arizona (2-of-9 shooting) and SMU (1-of-8 shooting) prevented LeVert from ever catapulting up draft boards.

LeVert would still go on to ask for an evaluation in March from the NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee, which is meant to advise and inform the prospects on their standing and projected draft range. He'd even eventually file for a second evaluation once more players declared.

LeVert's decision to ultimately return suggests he didn't receive the feedback or assurance he was looking for. But with reports of good health and added bulk—as well as significant upside left to pursue—LeVert still has a legitimate opportunity to reignite his stock.

Looks like Caris LeVert added some much needed muscle. Huge year for him. Still very high on the Michigan guard. https://t.co/SA3MrWMDja

— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) September 10, 2015

"When people see him, they're really going to be surprised the strength in his upper body," Michigan coach John Beilein told Bill Simonson of The Huge Show, via MLive.com's Brendan F. Quinn.

At 6'7", 205 pounds (last year's listing), LeVert's physical tools and athleticism were tailor-made for the NBA 2-guard position. He looks the part of a pro wing, and though his foot will be under the microscope, a full season without setbacks could help diminish some of the concern over LeVert's durability. 

In terms of his basketball development, he's continued to flash strengths the NBA has traditionally coveted. They revolve around versatility fueled by playmaking and shooting skills.

He just knocked down at least 40 percent of his threes for the second consecutive year. LeVert shot 44 percent on catch-and-shoot opportunities, per DraftExpress' Jonathan Givony, highlighting his potential to threaten a defense off the ball. 

Still, it's what LeVert can do with it that helps differentiate him from most at his position. 

Michigan frequently called on LeVert to set the table and facilitate. He assisted on 25 percent of his team's buckets when on the floor, per Sports-Reference.com. LeVert was often used as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, a situation he passed out of 40.3 percent of the time, per DraftExpress' Mike Schmitz. 

Along with the ability to create scoring opportunities off ball screens, LeVert has proved capable of generating offense in isolation thanks to a quick first step and the bounce to separate over defenders. He's a player whom coaches can ask to make something out of nothing.

And having guarded positions 1 through 3 over the years, LeVert's length and lateral quickness also translate to defensive versatility.

Injury history aside, there is already a strong case to be made for LeVert as a surefire first-round talent. But sharpening some of his well-documented weaknesses could potentially launch him into a more highly regarded tier. 

As a scorer, he's struggled converting inside the arc (43 percent last season), an issue that stems from a lack of strength and in-between game in the mid-range. 

For a player who's struggled finishing at the rim (50 percent as a junior, 48 percent as a sophomore, per DraftExpress), LeVert would really benefit from an effective pull-up and floater. He only made 47 of 186 shots off the dribble in 2014-15, and through three seasons, he's never made more than 32 percent of his two-point jumpers, per Hoop-Math.com.

The other question is how well he'll perform as Michigan's top gun. LeVert wasn't overly efficient or visibly comfortable last season in that role. His willingness to prioritize distributing over hunting for shots has been admirable, but we didn't see LeVert take control enough as the focal point of the offense. 

On one hand, it's natural to expect LeVert's impact to result in wins and consistent production given his experience and heavy usage. But on the other, it's not a request teams should put much stock in. LeVert doesn't project as a player NBA coaches will feature. His shooting stroke and ability to create shots for teammates—LeVert's core strengths—are best suited for a complementary role that asks him to support the offense's primary options.

As long as he gets through the season unscathed, LeVert's shot-making and passing, which might remind some of a mix between Jamal Crawford and Evan Turner, should hold enough value to draw plenty of NBA interest.  

His road to the pros may have been delayed, but it's not closed off. A year of good health will help LeVert bounce back into the first-round discussion and ultimately restore some of the excitement tied to his outlook. 

The Michigan Wolverines basketball team returns the majority of its core for the 2015-16 campaign and has Big Ten title aspirations, but it will be without superstar Zak Irvin during offseason preparations because of a back injury.

Continue for updates.

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Irvin Expected Back Near Start of Regular Season

Friday, Sept. 11 

"I believe that (in) the check-up this morning, all initial signs are that it was very successful," head coach John Beilein said on Sept. 11, according to Brandon Quinn of MLive.com. 

On Sept. 9, Michigan Basketball noted Irvin will miss six to eight weeks following a back procedure, but the silver lining is he will return around the start of the season. Eight weeks from Wednesday is Nov. 4, and according to UMHoops.com, the Wolverines open the regular season Nov. 13.     

Beilein suggested Irvin will be back near the expected date, per MGoBlue.com: "We expect a 100 percent recovery for Zak after this procedure. We will not rush his return; but given Zak's work habits and determined attitude, we anticipate he will be back on the court and at full speed sometime near the beginning of our season."

Irvin was the rock in Michigan’s lineup last season as Caris LeVert and Derrick Walton Jr. dealt with injuries. Irvin was the only player to start all 32 games, and he averaged 14.3 points a night in the process. He also led the team with 77 made three-pointers.

It isn’t just the ability to score that makes Irvin valuable. He was second on the team with 4.8 rebounds a night and bothers opponents with his 6'6" length and athleticism on the defensive side. Considering the Wolverines were a disappointing 329th in the nation last year in rebounds per game, they need Irvin healthy and ready to contribute on the glass this year to deliver on elevated expectations.

Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press said Irvin’s confidence and ability to replicate his strong showing last season are key to Michigan’s Final Four chances.

However, if the Wolverines want to advance that deep in the tournament, they likely need a favorable seed, which will require impressive nonconference wins. Michigan plays Xavier, Connecticut, possibly Syracuse at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament and North Carolina State before Dec. 2.

The sheer number of difficult games in the early portion of the schedule underscores how important it is that Irvin returns healthy by the start of the season.

In an unexpected turn of events, highly touted point guard recruit Xavier Simpson committed to the University of Michigan on Wednesday.  

Sam Webb of WTKA was among the first to report Simpson's shocking decision. He also provided a photo of the talented point guard and his family decked out in Wolverines garb:

Xavier Simpson with teammates and family pic.twitter.com/lpIyToIGlL

— Sam Webb (@SamWebb77) September 9, 2015

According to 247Sports, Simpson is a 4-star prospect who rates as the No. 13 point guard and the No. 71 overall player in the class of 2016.

The 5'11" native of Lima, Ohio, didn't seem to have Big Blue on his radar as Michigan was not listed among his final four choices in an Instagram post Monday.

Big Ten rivals Illinois and Wisconsin were among the possibilities, but he went in an entirely different direction, which took many by surprise.

Evan Daniels of Scout.com commented on the wild roller-coaster ride that was Simpson's recruitment:

Xavier Simpson prediction? Michigan. If this goes down like this ... this will go down as one of the crazier recruitments in recent memory.

— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) September 9, 2015

Although his decision has left several schools heartbroken, Michigan and its supporters are undoubtedly thrilled to land a prospect of his caliber.

Branden Hunter of Rivals.com offered a scouting report on Simpson and praised his defensive acumen in particular:

Saw a lot of Xavier Simpson in AAU over the last two years. Plays bigger than listed height. Mentally tough, & a tenacious on-ball defender.

— Detroit Griot (@JustCallmeBHunt) September 9, 2015

Since guard Caris LeVert is entering his final year of eligibility and both Derrick Walton and Zak Irwin are juniors, the Wolverines will soon have to replenish their backcourt.

Simpson figures to help immensely in that regard as he could be Michigan's best point guard since Trey Burke departed for the NBA.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.

Tyus Battle, one of the most coveted recruits in the 2016 class, is reportedly starting to consider other opportunities after committing to Michigan last month.

Evan Daniels of Scout reports the shooting guard's first stop after reopening his recruitment will be an official visit to Syracuse over the weekend.

Battle is a 5-star prospect who rates as the No. 20 overall player in next year's class, according to 247Sports' composite rankings. The outlet notes he's received 25 offers, most coming from top programs around the country.

It's easy to see why so many coaching staffs are interested.

He's an exciting two-way prospect with an ideal frame and the tools to become an efficient scorer when attacking the rim as well as a high-end perimeter defender.

Landing with the right program is crucial for his development because he's still a raw talent. He is going to need consistent minutes in order to become a more polished player and apparently decided he hasn't found the perfect fit despite his prior commitment to Michigan.

It's a huge loss for the Wolverines, who were counting on him as the cornerstone of the next recruiting class. They will struggle to replace him, although it's unclear if he has totally ruled out the program or is just reassessing his options before making the final call.

For now, Battle is heading to Syracuse with an open mind about his future. Wherever he lands, a school is getting an intriguing prospect. 

Although the competition was fierce, the University of Michigan managed to land one of the top recruits in the class of 2016 Monday as it received a commitment from shooting guard Tyus Battle.  

Evan Daniels of Scout.com was the first to report the news:

Tyus Battle has committed to Michigan, his father Gary Battle tells Scout. Five-star 2016 shooting guard. Story coming.

— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) May 11, 2015

The Edison, New Jersey, native made the announcement official with a tweet of his own:

Excited to say that I am going to be a Wolverine!!🙌🏾〽️🏀😆 pic.twitter.com/xdEUC5o9ol

— tyus battle (@tyusbattle1) May 11, 2015

According to 247Sports, Battle is a 5-star prospect who is the No. 4 shooting guard and the No. 12 overall player in his class. The Wolverines beat out the likes of Duke, Syracuse, Louisville and Connecticut as all four schools recruited him heavily.

At 6'6" and 205 pounds, the 17-year-old superstar already has ideal size. He also has another year to grow into his body and refine his game, which is an exciting thought for Michigan hoops fans.

The Wolverines are just three seasons removed from a trip to the national championship game, and if Battle is as good as advertised, then head coach John Beilein may be able to get them back to the top of the mountain in the very near future.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.

Star guard Caris LeVert has decided to stay with the Michigan Wolverines for his senior season instead of entering the 2015 NBA draft. 

Per MGoBlue.com, LeVert said his decision was about wanting to get his degree and continue developing his talents as a basketball player before taking the final leap:

Over the past few months, I have spent a lot of time thinking about my future. My family and I, along with the coaching staff, gathered as much information as possible. After considering my options, I am excited to announce I will return for my senior year. Coming back allows me to keep working towards my Michigan degree and take the next steps in my development as a player, teammate and a leader of our program. Michigan is a very special place and the college experience only comes once. The future is bright and I am blessed to be part of it.

Michigan head coach John Beilein is also quoted in the piece, saying his staff is "excited [LeVert] has decided to come back for his final season."

There have been some mixed opinions about LeVert's draft stock this year. Brendan F. Quinn of MLive.com spoke to one scout with a team who said the organization had the Michigan star in the 20-25 range with "a chance LeVert could slip into the second round of the draft."

The big reason for the doubts is LeVert is coming off a foot injury that required surgery in January and caused him to miss Michigan's last 14 games. 

Assuming he's able to return healthy, LeVert's decision is a good start for a Michigan team looking to rebuild quickly after a disappointing 16-16 season. The 6'7" guard led the Wolverines in scoring last year with 14.9 points per game and 4.9 rebounds per game.

On one hand, entering the 2015 NBA draft could be financially beneficial for Michigan's Caris LeVert. On the other, it could be an enormous risk for the junior, who, at the top end, is projected as a late first-rounder in the upcoming draft.

He has until April 26 to decide whether he's sticking around for his senior year with coach John Beilein or if he's taking the early plunge into the pro ranks, which seems to be a recent trend in Ann Arbor. Nik Stauskas, Trey Burke, Tim Hardaway Jr., Glenn Robinson III and Mitch McGary left early for the NBA, and with exception to Robinson III, each of them were first-round selections.

They're each carving a niche in the Association, too.

The reward trumped the risk for Burke, who is among the top young pros. Leaving early worked out for Stauskas, Hardaway Jr. and McGary, who are gaining momentum in their careers.

In all likelihood, LeVert has taken their success into account and gauged it against his own potential. At 6'7" and 200 pounds, he has the frame for the NBA. But he has broken his left foot twice—and that's an obvious red flag on any draft board.

There are no guarantees for LeVert, the No. 25-ranked pro prospect of 2015, per DraftExpress. He could get it while the getting is good and settle for average pro money, or he could play himself into ping-pong-ball territory, where the cash essentially doubles.

Here's a breakdown of the salaries of a No. 14 pick (the draft lottery is 1-14) vs. those of a No. 25 pick, per Real GM:

Pick	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Qualifying Offers
No. 14	$1,627,600	$1,700,900	$1,774,100	Year 3: 48.1% Year 4: 39.1%
No. 25	$991,000	$1,035,600	$1,080,200	Y3: 80.1% Y4: 46.9%

According to Business Insider, the average NBA career lasts all of 4.8 years. As a rule, players make roughly $25 million during that span. But that figure doesn't factor in agent salaries, taxes and other expenses.

LeVert must carefully weigh his options. Waiting to go pro could either cost millions or add a couple more zeroes to future paychecks.

"I don't think it really makes sense to go early and be drafted in the second round," LeVert said, via Alejandro Zuniga of UMHoops, later adding: "I'll probably have a decision pretty soon."

He also said: "We'd be a really good team if I came back. There's pros and cons both ways."

He's absolutely correct. LeVert has a lot to mull over between now and April 26. There is no wrong answer, as the choice comes down to what's best for LeVert. Michigan fans would love to see him stay another year and gain experience and skill, but sometimes, players have to strike while the iron is hot.

Tough Choices

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PP-ClxaKyIg

Beilein's Wolverines will be better next year with LeVert than without LeVert, who isn't the most vocal leader but a leader nonetheless. He's already displayed All-Big Ten abilities, so his potential isn't in question. However, injuries have greatly influenced how some view the one-time unheralded 3-star recruit.

Prior to Jan. 17, the date he broke his left foot for a second time, many projected LeVert as an early-round pick. As a matter of fact, the word "lottery" was floated by analysts. Had he continued his path, the one cut short by an injury versus Northwestern, LeVert would probably be in that discussion today.

But he's not.

That's another reason to stay put in Ann Arbor.

When combined with returning star point guard Derrick Walton Jr., LeVert gives the Wolverines a legitimate shot at competing with the top fourth of the Big Ten. He also increases their likelihood of making the tournament.

And in terms of self, LeVert could dramatically increase his draft stock by playing up to his all-conference, possible All-American potential.

Without LeVert in 2014-15, Michigan stumbled to a 16-16 finish and missed the Big Dance. That probably wouldn't have been the case if LeVert were healthy. Well, we might as well include Walton Jr., too. The Wolverines certainly missed his services during the home stretch.

LeVert and Walton Jr. are covered, so think of the "potential" players, such as freshman forward D.J. Wilson, who was redshirted due to a knee injury, and freshman guards Aubrey Dawkins, a dynamic scorer, and Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, a budding defender.

Due to injury and other circumstances beyond control, the Wolverines didn't reach their peak. They will reach their peak next year if the youngsters continue to progress…and if LeVert returns.

The Gamble

Really, there are a few scenarios that could play out next season for LeVert: 1. He sticks around, makes Michigan much better, improves his game and plays himself into the early first round or NBA lottery, or 2. He stays, re-injures his left foot and misses his window all together, or 3. He returns for another learning year at Michigan—maybe not 16-16, but close, in theory—and regrets doing so.

Making loads of cash in the pros beats struggling in college any day of the week.

NBADraft.net, which is typically on point, projects LeVert as the No. 22 pick of the 2016 draft (Dallas Mavericks), suggesting there wouldn't be much difference between leaving now and later.

According to Real GM, there is less than $200,000 at stake between being No. 22 or No. 25, which could essentially equate to a trivial difference in taxes—no big risk there.

Despite having ample talent, the Wolverines have been treading in a state of flux since the departures of Stauskas, McGary and Robinson III. That's the byproduct of Beilein's system, which consistently prepares student-athletes for high production. He has just one problem, though: The really good ones don't stay for four years, or even three. LeVert could be the poster child of Beilein's four-year experience.

Should LeVert chose to exit college, the Wolverines would fall further in the Big Ten ranks and miss the national tournament in 2016. 

Experience goes a long way in the postseason. 

Without LeVert, the onus would be on the shoulders of Walton Jr. and Spike Albrecht to get the job done. Albrecht, a senior-to-be, just had his left hip surgically repaired at the university's hospital. The next four to five months are his to relax. He also needs attention on his right side.

Albrecht will likely be healthy in time for 2015-16, but there's no harm in being cautious. It's a game of checks and balances. With that said, Beilein may want to aggressively encourage LeVert to stay. Next season's success doesn't hinge on LeVert, but it'd be more likely with him in the mix.

Not only would Michigan mature, but so would LeVert.

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

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and references were obtained firsthand by the writer via press conference, press release or other media availability. Recruiting information comes via 247Sports.

The hips don’t lie. And when they’re sore, they can wreak a ton of havoc, which was the case this past season for Michigan basketball—more specifically for Spike Albrecht, a senior-to-be who battled his way through a 16-16 campaign with a bruised, aching waistline.

Earlier this week, Michigan announced that Albrecht had undergone successful hip surgery at the university. That’s the plus in the situation. The negative of it all is this: Albrecht is expected to miss the next four to five months. With that said, his offseason won’t be as productive as it could have been, and it could put a wrinkle in Michigan’s plans for 2015-16.

But there’s more.

Albrecht only had his right hip done; he still needs attention on the left side, which could be repaired down the road. Once the medical issues are resolved, Albrecht should be in good shape.

Wolverines coach John Beilein recently released a statement pertaining to his hobbling point guard, who has a soul made of iron.

"There is no player tougher than Spike Albrecht," Beilein said. "He proved that this season playing through injury and continual pain in both hips. He never used it as an excuse, and I will always admire him for that.

"We have some of the world's best doctors at the University of Michigan, and we are confident he will only get better following this surgery and his summer of rehabilitation. I am not expecting Spike to dunk anytime soon, but we do expect a full recovery by the start of our September workouts. We just want Spike to be at his best for his senior year at Michigan."

For Albrecht, the rehab is just a minor setback on the trail to something more. As the unquestioned emotional leader, Michigan will need more than just points and assists from Albrecht this season. His leadership is invaluable.

He made the call to have surgery, not only for his own welfare but for that of his team.

"This is something I knew I would have to do, and now is the right time," said Albrecht, via the release. "I am so appreciative of all the support I have received from the U-M medical doctors and staff, the U-M coaching staff, my teammates and especially all the Wolverine fans. I cannot wait to get back to the floor playing pain-free."

Albrecht’s ability to play pain-free will greatly influence the outcome of 2015-16 for the Wolverines. But there are other factors in the equation, such as the development of the backcourt and polishing of the forwards, hanging in the balance as well.

Guards on Pause

As mentioned above, Albrecht is on the mend.

That means that Derrick Walton Jr., Aubrey Dawkins, Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, Caris LeVert—if he comes back for his senior year—and Zak Irvin must shoulder the load until their captain returns to the huddle.

Walton, a “Jr.” who will be a junior this fall, is the obvious No. 1 option for the Wolverines. However, due to a sprained toe, Walton never took hold of his sophomore year as most anticipated. He missed the final 12 games of the year but is expected to return healthy.

The 6’0”, 185-pound point guard has All-Big Ten skills. Michigan needs him.

As freshmen, Dawkins and Abdur-Rahkman showed that they are indeed the future of Beilein’s stable of guard hybrids. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTyHo9kh7RU

This past season, Dawkins, a dunk machine, and Abdur-Rahkman, a defensive-minded scorer, were two of the most impressive youngsters in the Big Ten. They were no D’Angelo Russell of Ohio State, but they steadily improved as the year progressed.

Dawkins only scored five during the season finale, a 71-60 loss to Wisconsin in the Big Ten tournament, but his previous three efforts were nothing short of incredible. The 6'6", 190-pounder scored 21, 31 and 18 points en route to cementing himself as Michigan’s most dangerous and perhaps underrated offensive weapon.

Other than Walton, Abdur-Rahkman may be Michigan’s best rebounding guard. He needs to tune up his offensive skills, but the 6'4", 175-pounder certainly has a bright future in the Big Ten. He’ll be a key defensive cog until and after Albrecht’s return.

During a recent conference call, Beilein said that Irvin could be a three-position player, referencing the junior-to-be’s ability to swap from the 2 to the 4 within a moment’s notice. Beilein said that Irvin will become more complete if he finds a way to drive to the rim more often and keep his head up on the dribble.

At 6’6” and 215 pounds, Irvin has everything: pogo legs, a dangerous scoring touch and the size to battle with forwards. Consistency, though, wasn’t his strong suit in 2014-15. That came as bad news, considering that he was viewed as a potential all-leaguer. However, he averaged nearly 17 points during the final nine games of the season, topping out with 28 during an 82-78 double-overtime loss at Northwestern.

LeVert, a 6’7”, 200-pound winger, has an important call to make—and soon. He’ll either stick around for one more go-round with Beilein, or he’ll jump to the Association. Michigan needs LeVert to return. LeVert, who was hit with another broken left foot, needs to return. He’s not a first-rounder, so it doesn’t make any sense to test his luck in the draft.

Fast-Forward

With Mortiz Wagner set to hop in the mix, Michigan will have an ideal pick-and-pop option at the power forward position. The 6’9”, 210-pound German teen sensation has room to grow and is by no means a finished product.

But Beilein’s done wonders with athletic stretch guys, so expecting the same results for Wagner is, well, expected.

Duncan Robinson was ineligible this past season, but the Division II transfer was widely heralded as the team’s best shooter. During one of the final availability sessions of the season, Dawkins was actually rather adamant about Robinson’s potential.

D.J. Wilson redshirted due to a knee injury, but that may have not been a bad thing. Now with a year of learning as spectator, he'll likely be primed to do more next season. It's only natural progression. 

At 6’9” and 245 pounds, Ricky Doyle represents Michigan’s muscle in the paint. As a freshman, Doyle learned to assert himself against some of the Big Ten’s brawniest bigs, such as Minnesota’s Maurice Walker. Offensively, Doyle isn’t quite right. He averaged 6.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, but that stat line is misleading—Doyle is a double-double guy all day.

Expect Doyle to jump from playing about 18 minutes per game to 25 next season.

Now that Max Bielfeldt is likely out of the picture, the onus is on Mark Donnal to either produce or clear the way for someone who can. As a redshirt freshman, Donnal showed his range and mobility. Having a 6’9”, 240-pounder who can float around the floor and hit shots from beyond the perimeter is a wonderful luxury to have for any coach.

Prior to the start of the Big Ten season, Beilein often talked about his promising duo of Doyle and Donnal. At that time, he didn’t know which one would end up filling the role of inside guy and outside guy. It’s probably safe to assume that those roles were defined in 2014-15: Donnal is the shooter; Doyle is the bruiser.

Speaking of definition, Kam Chatman is due for a label. As of now, the sophomore-to-be is being viewed as a player who struggled to grasp the concept of major D-I basketball. That’d be fair to say. The 6’7”, 210-pounder didn’t take to Beilein’s system as quickly as most thought he would.

In all likelihood, Chatman’s looking to prove himself as a sophomore. That’d be the logical step, anyway. And it’s not like he didn’t give enough reason to believe this past season. Look back at the eight minutes he played versus Ohio State—he scored the prettiest six points of his career during that 64-57 home win over the Buckeyes.

Those are the types of games that beckon the services of clutch players. Chatman’s ride has just begun, and like Wagner, Doyle and Donnal, he’ll be crucial in 2015-16 for Michigan.

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

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and references were obtained firsthand by the writer via press conference, press release or other media availability.