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In the 2014-15 college basketball season, the Michigan Wolverines were one of the most disappointing teams in the country. With high expectations, injuries played a key role in their disappointing 16-16 finish to the season and a ninth place finish in the Big 10.
Coming into 2015-16, however, Michigan could be primed to be one of the most underrated teams in the Big 10 – and possibly even the country.
With the return of Zak Irvin, Caris LeVert, Derrick Walton Jr. and Spike Albrecht, the Wolverines boast one of the most experienced rosters in college basketball. All four of these players averaged over 32 minutes per game. They will lead a UM squad that has an impressive total of nine returning players, who played 10 minutes per game or more.
In their non-conference schedule, UM faces off with four teams who participated in either the NIT or the NCAA tournament last season. None of these opponents are expected to be elite, meaning that there is a legitimate possibility that Michigan could enter conference play undefeated or with just one or two losses.
More great news for the Wolverines: in Big 10 play they only have a home and home with one of the favored teams in the Big 10, the Maryland Terrapins. Their other in-conference home and homes are against the Penn State Nittany Lions, Purdue Boilermakers, Iowa Hawkeyes and Minnesota Golden Gophers. Even if the Wolverines were to lose to every “top” Big 10 opponent that they played, those are only five total losses.
Michigan should easily slide into the 2016 NCAA tournament. Though, at least on paper, this team is capable of so much more. Watch for this team to make a statement early on and continue that momentum deep into the 2015-16 season.
Taylor Sturm is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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