The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1422614
40 THE WOLVERINE NOVEMBER 2021 2021-22 BASKETBALL PREVIEW "Right now, it's primarily the four," Johns said of his position. "I'm working on my outside game, my consistent shot and my ball-handling. Obviously, I still want to be at the five as well, being that physical presence and going strong on the defensive end." FLEXIBILITY AT THE FOUR Johns represents both X-factor and enigma in a projected Michigan starting lineup. The highly coveted East Lansing High product always ranked among the extremely talented, but Michigan's roster and his own wavering confidence stood in his way. Livers' presence certainly provided a road block to the floor, one that doesn't exist now. "Brandon played behind a pro, and that's Isaiah Livers," Howard said. "He got a chance to compete against a pro every day in practice. "He sat there and waited his turn, but whenever his name was called on, he de- livered. You could see there were a lot of areas of growth needed … but in practice, he has been as rock solid as they come." Johns got the call to start when Liv- ers injured himself down the stretch last year. While Johns averaged 4.9 per game on the season, in the NCAA Tournament, he scored 11 against Texas Southern and 14 with six rebounds in a win over Florida State to boost the Wolverines to the Elite Eight. In four NCAA Tournament games, Johns averaged 10 points a game, with 13 rebounds, five steals and four blocks. That's what Howard hopes he's getting when the season begins. "The Brandon that played in the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tour- nament when Isaiah went down?" Howard mused. "Yes, we're going to need that Brandon this season." Johns noted he's learned plenty through his ups and downs over the past three seasons. "I just learned to not overthink too much," he said. "That's been one of the biggest problems in my college career so far. I just need to be free and not over- think everything. If I just play the way I know how to play, things will work out for me very well." He also knows this: "I love rebound- ing. Rebounding is what gets me going, what gets me started in the game." Diabate also figures to see time at the four, but Howard isn't ready to limit the possibilities for the consensus five-star prep and McDonald's All-American. Diabate averaged 14.1 points and 7.5 re- bounds while shooting 64 percent from the field for IMG Academy last year, and he's also played for the French National Team. He sees no lack of teammates ready to vouch for his physical skills. "Moussa, he's a freak of nature, hon- estly," Dickinson said. "He's 6-11, got long arms, super athletic. He's a freak of nature, a specimen. He's going to be really good. His best days are ahead of him, for sure. He's got so much poten- tial. "He can be a really big piece for this team, somebody who can guard one through five. I think we can play really well together when we're on the floor together. I know Coach Howard is ex- cited to have him, and we're excited to have him as a teammate." "He's just a super-athletic, long power forward," Johns added. "It's un- believable what he can do out there on the court. It's surprising all the time." Howard noted, regarding Moussa's versatility: "He's going to play multiple positions for us. I'll just put it out there. He may end up playing a little point for- ward, who knows? He's capable of doing it. "He definitely can guard one through five, but ultimately he's going to play multiple positions. His game displays that he's very versatile." Other potential fours include sopho- more forward Terrance Williams II, who Sophomore Terrance Williams II (above) will be among those, including elite freshman Caleb Houstan, who are battling for minutes at the small forward position. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL