Bold predictions and everything you need to know about Michigan basketball’s 23-24 roster

The past year has not been ideal for Michigan basketball. In the 2022-23 season, the team had a record of 18-16 overall and 11-9 in the Big Ten. This resulted in them missing the NCAA tournament for only the second time in 15 years. Their season ended with a loss in the second round of the NIT. Additionally, the team experienced significant changes as their leading scorer and rebounder, Hunter Dickinson, transferred to Kansas for his senior season. Two other players, Jett Howard and Kobe Bufkin, were drafted into the NBA, and graduate wing Joey Baker decided not to return for another year.

Despite these challenges, the Wolverines have made some additions to their roster. They added three players from the transfer portal – Olivier Nkamhoua from Tennessee, Nimari Burnett from Alabama, and Tray Jackson from Seton Hall. They also recruited freshman George Washington III from Ohio.

However, the season has already gotten off to an unusual start. Head coach Juwan Howard had heart surgery last month and has been away from the program since then. Associate head coach Phil Martelli has taken over as the interim coach, with assistants Howard Eisley and Saddi Washington focusing on offense and defense, respectively.

With the team’s first exhibition approaching, let’s take a closer look at the 2023-24 Wolverines and make some bold predictions for each player:

1. Dug McDaniel (Guard):
Sophomore, 5 feet 11, 175 pounds.
Last season, McDaniel stepped up as the team’s primary point guard after Jaelin Llewellyn got injured. Despite being a freshman, McDaniel performed admirably and averaged 8.6 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game. The team would like to see his shooting percentage improve, especially from behind the arc. If McDaniel can maintain his 3-point shooting while taking on a larger volume of shots, it will greatly benefit the team. McDaniel is known for his ability to distribute the ball and will prioritize facilitating the offense.

Bold prediction: McDaniel’s playing time may not increase significantly, but his production will. He is expected to average 12 points and lead the team with 5.3 assists per game. He will also rank in the top 10 in the Big Ten for steals and assists per game.

2. Tray Jackson (Forward):
Graduate, 6-10, 215.
As a Detroit native, Jackson is returning to his home state after playing for both Missouri and Seton Hall. He had some successful moments in his college career but never fully reached his potential. Last season, he averaged 6.5 points and 2.2 rebounds in limited playing time. The Wolverines are in need of a versatile power forward, and Jackson seems to be a good fit despite competition for the position. He will need to contribute on defense and bring in rebounds to secure his place in the lineup.

Bold prediction: Jackson will quickly establish himself as Michigan’s best 3-point shooter. With more opportunities, he is expected to make 50 3-pointers and improve his shooting percentage.

3. Jaelin Llewellyn (Guard):
Graduate, 6-2, 190.
Llewellyn joined the Wolverines last season as a graduate transfer but suffered a season-ending ACL injury in December. Prior to the injury, he had a slow start to the season, averaging 7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. It was later revealed that he had been dealing with an ankle injury as well. While he has not yet been cleared for contact drills, Llewellyn has been active in non-contact parts of practice and hopes to return to the lineup at the start of the season. His comeback will provide much-needed support to the offense.

Bold prediction: Llewellyn will make his return around the one-year mark of his ACL injury, joining the rotation during a road trip to Oregon. He will contribute 11 points, including a clutch three-pointer in a win against Penn State, and will average 15 minutes per game.

4. Nimari Burnett (Guard):
Graduate, 6-4, 200.
Burnett was originally recruited by Coach Howard out of high school but chose to attend Texas Tech. After transferring to Alabama, he then entered the transfer portal again and landed with the Wolverines. Burnett is expected to become the team’s starting shooting guard and a crucial player on both ends of the court. The team will rely on him to improve his shooting percentage while maintaining his strong defensive skills.

Bold prediction: The third time will be the charm for Burnett. He will establish himself as the best defender in the backcourt and a primary offensive option for McDaniel. Although his shooting numbers may not be exceptional, Burnett will average a career-high 11.3 points per game and make a significant impact in an upset win against Maryland.

5. Terrance Williams II (Forward):
Senior, 6-7, 225.
Williams had high expectations heading into last season but did not meet them. As an undersized power forward, he struggled with shooting efficiency and saw his percentages drop compared to the previous year. This season, however, there is a chance that he will play as an oversized small forward, which may suit his game better.

Bold prediction: Williams will have an improved season and bounce back from his previous struggles. He will contribute significantly on both ends of the court and regain his shooting form.

Reference

Laura Davis

Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.