Here is a link with no UM in the top 25...

[Reality Man]

My thoughts from what I have seen so far is that UM is being way underrated. Here are the reasons why...


1. Irvin is going to make a bigger impact than the pundits realize. Probably because he was relegated to a bench role player because of depth.

2. The pundits think UM has only Walton and LeVert with a bunch of young no names. The problem is these no names are much better than I realized. It's the JB variable.


a. Chatman is not that big of drop-off from GR3. I am not saying he will be better than GR3 over the course of the season but he brings some very unique talent to the floor. When I watch the videos it looks like he isn't overly aggressive or passive...he fits right in. He shot may be some slight issue (we will see) but he knows how to score..garbage plays...a cut here and a cut there.

Is UM going to be significantly hurt with GR3 gone? I don't think so.


b. Dawkins is a steal. I liked what I saw on film and nothing has diminished my thoughts since then. Guy is smooth and will be able to help Irvin or LeVert when one is off the floor.


c. Doyle will inevitably be the starter. Donnal is a good role player but not an inside scorer. Throw in Wilson who looks to be quite the talent find and UM is going to be fine with its 3 headed 5 spot.



I understand why pundits wouldn't necessarily take this team seriously. Who knows exactly how it plays out but Dawkins and Chatman are arguably a better tandem to replace GR3 combined. Doyle, Wilson and Donnal will be able to offset Morgan for the most part.

So when you factor in a better Irvin to offset Stauskas...expecations should still be high and a top 25 ranked team in my opinion.




Reality Man





http://mashable.com/2014/11/06/college-basketball-top-25/

 

[Mroad]

Although I like the composition of this team there are too many questions at this point to rank them any higher than #25....heck, I even think that is a generous ranking. I think Irvin has to prove that he is more than just a three point shooter. He is going to have to be able to take the ball to the basket and show a good mid-range game...kind of like Stauskas last year. Although I like the freshman I don't think any of them will be a star player this year. I like Chatman but he is still very raw and needs to develop his body before being an immediate impact player. Some of the other freshman also appear to have potential but I see this being an adjustment year for them. We also might struggle down low this year without any players with much experience. I agree that Doyle has the potential to be a very nice inside player but that won't happen immediately. I also agree that Donnal seems like more of a role player. I'm thinking we finish in the top half of the Big 10 but not in the top 3-4 teams. My hope is that we continue to improve throughout the season and make the NCAA tournament.

 

[blockm2]

Donnal vs Doyle

I think it depends on the matchups. Donnal's speed and skill will be a terrible matchup for some teams. On the other hand, Doyle will have an edge against certain opponents down low. So I don't think we will have 1 center playing 70% of the minutes in every game. I think it will alternate depending on matchups and how each is playing.