Michigan
Last season: 26-12, won Big Ten Tournament and reached NCAA Sweet 16.
Nickname: Wolverines.
Coach: John Beilein.
Conference: Big Ten.
Who’s gone: G Derrick Walton, F D.J. Wilson, G-F Zak Irvin, F Mark Donnal.
Who’s back: F Moe Wagner. After considering jump to NBA, Wagner is back at Michigan as team’s top returning player; G Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman. Enters senior season with plenty of experience after starting 37 games in 2016-17; G-F Duncan Robinson. Shot 44 percent from 3-point range in first two seasons at Michigan. G Zavier Simpson. Averaged 8.7 minutes a game as freshman last season, backing up Walton.
Who’s new: G Jaaron Simmons. Graduate transfer from Ohio averaged 17.2 points last season for one of top teams in Mid-American Conference; G Charles Matthews. Kentucky transfer now eligible after sitting out last season, could give Michigan some athleticism on wing. G Eli Brooks. Averaged 29.7 points as high school senior in 2016-17.
The Skinny: Michigan has a lot to replace, but Simmons and Matthews already have Division I experience, so the transition may not be too bumpy for Beilein’s team. Losing Wilson to the NBA was a blow, but Wagner’s return means the Wolverines are still a team to watch in the Big Ten. Their early schedule is an intriguing one with trips to North Carolina and Texas and a home game against UCLA.
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