The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/510942
didn't happen, we would have been right there last year." LeVert's return could be the catalyst toward that end. While some are la‑ menting the loss of five‑star wing Jay‑ len Brown (the nation's No. 3 senior nationally according to Rivals.com) to Cal, Beilein essentially landed one even better when LeVert chose to re‑ turn. Brown could well be a one‑and‑ done, a potential lottery pick. LeVert is almost a lock to go in the top 15 of next year's NBA Draft. He's also had three years in the system, knows the offense inside and out and has played on Big Ten championship and Final Four teams. And while LeVert sat last year, freshman wing Aubrey Dawkins blossomed into a legit Big Ten scorer, sophomore Zak Irvin rounded out his game to become one of the Big Ten's best offensive players, and fresh‑ man shooting guard Muhammad Ali Abdur‑Rahkman became a more than serviceable backup. "With the experience the young guys got with Caris going down, the amount of time Aubrey and Muham‑ mad and even Zak got in the spot‑ light, I just think that's going to bode so well for the team," Merritt said. "They'll be tested, experienced, and then you've got Caris playing a num‑ ber of positions that will make them better on both ends of the floor. He'll also take on a leadership role with [senior‑to‑be guard] Spike Albrecht next year. "The experience is really key. Here's a guy that has played in big games, is used to being 'The Man.' He'll have a lot to prove next year, not only that he's a very good college basketball player, but having the NBA ahead and improving his draft stock — there's definitely a lot on his shoul‑ ders, and that will be motivation to have a great summer, get healthy and play well to lead this team to a high finish in the Big Ten and the NCAA Tournament." There will be doubters. But look no further than a rival a few hundred miles southwest to see how feasible this is. Notre Dame lost standout Jer‑ ian Grant in December 2013, leading to free fall and a 15‑17 finish. The Irish rebounded to finish 32‑6, third in the ACC and fifth nationally, losing to Kentucky in the Elite Eight. Michigan's 2015‑16 roster is every bit as talented, if not more so, and the Wolverines are deeper. There are 12 more than capable bodies, and when asked how the minutes would be divvied up, assistant LaVall Jordan responded, "We'll figure it out. Better yet, they'll figure it out." "There are so many guys that have talent and who can play, I wouldn't be surprised to see them go 10 deep, ro‑ tate people in and out," Merritt said. "The great thing is that this year with all the injuries, those guys now com‑ ing off the bench have played starter minutes, so they're used to that. "It's a good problem to have." ❏ Chris Balas has been with The Wolverine since 1997, working part time for five years before joining the staff full time in 2002. Contact him at cbalas@thewolverine.com and follow him on Twitter at Balas_Wolverine.