Despite the news of Jaylen Brown heading to Cal (and Kenny Williams most likely playing in the ACC), this "offseason" for moves was a success. At the beginning of April I think nearly all of us would have been very happy if we were told Caris Levert was coming back and that Mo Wagner would be joining as well.
While getting Brown would only strengthen the odds, Michigan still has a legit shot at the F4. The 2015-16 will be one of the weaker years in college hoops that will probably rival the 2013 season. I think close to 30 teams have a legitimate shot at making the F4.
Case in point for above, North Carolina is generally regarded as a top 3 team next season. They only lose JP Tokoto and add a non top 150 recruit. They were a 4 seed in the NCAA and lost to Wisconsin in a game that was eerily similar to the game Wisconsin played against Michigan thirteen days earlier in Chicago. Just like the Michigan/Wisconsin game, the Carolina/Wisconsin game was close through the whole match. And actually Carolina had to shoot their tail off from three (8-13) to keep it tight and Wisconsin shot below average (7-21). If I were to look at a Carolina/Michigan game for next year, I would see Michigan having the advantage on the wings, with the Heels holding the paint and having the advantage at the point. Nonetheless, it would be a tight game the whole way through. Ditto for Michigan going against Duke, Arizona, Iowa State, etc, etc. I understand Michigan not being top 10, but they aren't far off from those teams.
Levert and Irvin may just be the best starting wing duo in the country next season. On paper I see other teams with comparable pairs, but nobody better.
Next year will be fun. The following year even better. Michigan will return roughly 75% of production after next season. At a MINIMUM this is what the roster will hold in two years....
Walton
MAAR
Irvin
Robinson
Chatman
Dawkins
Wagner
Doyle
Wilson
That alone is a damn good roster and doesn't even include an additional point guard and wing.
While getting Brown would only strengthen the odds, Michigan still has a legit shot at the F4. The 2015-16 will be one of the weaker years in college hoops that will probably rival the 2013 season. I think close to 30 teams have a legitimate shot at making the F4.
Case in point for above, North Carolina is generally regarded as a top 3 team next season. They only lose JP Tokoto and add a non top 150 recruit. They were a 4 seed in the NCAA and lost to Wisconsin in a game that was eerily similar to the game Wisconsin played against Michigan thirteen days earlier in Chicago. Just like the Michigan/Wisconsin game, the Carolina/Wisconsin game was close through the whole match. And actually Carolina had to shoot their tail off from three (8-13) to keep it tight and Wisconsin shot below average (7-21). If I were to look at a Carolina/Michigan game for next year, I would see Michigan having the advantage on the wings, with the Heels holding the paint and having the advantage at the point. Nonetheless, it would be a tight game the whole way through. Ditto for Michigan going against Duke, Arizona, Iowa State, etc, etc. I understand Michigan not being top 10, but they aren't far off from those teams.
Levert and Irvin may just be the best starting wing duo in the country next season. On paper I see other teams with comparable pairs, but nobody better.
Next year will be fun. The following year even better. Michigan will return roughly 75% of production after next season. At a MINIMUM this is what the roster will hold in two years....
Walton
MAAR
Irvin
Robinson
Chatman
Dawkins
Wagner
Doyle
Wilson
That alone is a damn good roster and doesn't even include an additional point guard and wing.
