2010 Preview: Michigan

No team improved more in one year than Michigan did in John Beilein's second year. After winning only 10 games in 2007, the Wolverines won 22 this year, making the NCAA Tournament for the first time in over a decade. Now, with stars Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims returning to Ann Arbor next year, the Wolverines will only get stronger.

Key Returnees: G Manny Harris, F DeShawn Sims, G Stu Douglass, G/F Zack Novak
Key Departures: G C.J. Lee
Recruits: G Darius Morris (Los Angeles, CA), F Blake McLimans (Worcester, MA), F Jordan Morgan (Detroit, MI), G Matt Vogrich (Lake Forest, IL)
Biggest Need: Point guard
2010 Outlook: Michigan will go as high in 2010 as Sims and Harris take them. They were the most dangerous offensive tandem in the Big Ten and flirted with the possibility of going to the NBA. Harris was a do-it-all kind of player for Beilein; statistically, he was top ten in points-per-game, rebounds-per-game and assists-per game. And Sims was as durable as a power forward as there was in the league.


This Michigan team is guard-oriented and guard-heavy. Zack Novak, Stu Douglass, Laval Lucas-Perry, Jevohn Shepherd and Anthony Wright were capable role-players last year, with somebody different every night becoming the third offensive option. Novak and Douglass were fixtures in the starting lineup last year as freshmen and big things are expected from them next season. Incoming freshman Matt Vogrich was one of the best shooters in the state of Illinois last season and should be next in line for playing time after Novak and Douglass.

But Michigan is lacking a true point guard to run things. Harris and Douglass occassionally ran the show last year, but they are more suited in the off-guard position. C.J. Lee started at point guard down the stretch, but with his graduation and the departures of David Merrit and Kelvin Grady leave Michigan without a point guard. Perhaps Beilein is banking on incoming freshman Darius Morris (#77 on Rivals.com's Top 150 for 2009) to come in and assume that role. He's an explosive guard, averaging 26 ppg at the high school level and can create for himself and his teammates.

Michigan virtually has all the pieces coming back next year to make another run at the NCAA Tournament. If Sims and Harris can stay healthy, expect to see Michigan in contention for an at-large spot next March. This is still a young team, but Beilein has them on the right track.

Next Up: Illinois