The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/299859
FROM OUR READERS 3. I think we can be a national contender if Mitch comes back, and a very good team even if he doesn't. The roadblock, particularly in the latter event, would be injuries — we simply won't be a deep team, especially up front, and injuries would be a real problem — but if there are no injuries, I am comfortable that even should Mitch turn pro, we will be able to put together a lineup with excel- lent offensive ability and enough competence on the defensive end to make us someone no one would want to see in March. I am very confident that Caris LeVert, Derrick Walton and Zak Irvin will be as good as, or better than, any pe- rimeter trio in the conference next year. 4. It's going to be very interesting to see how John Beilein uses Kam Chatman. Generally, freshmen have not played a lot of different positions, so as to simplify the learning curve, but J.B. has not had a freshman as versatile from a positional standpoint as Chatman. At the same time, Chatman's being a lefty fits much bet- ter with the four position in Beilein's offense than with the three (seemingly the "natural position" for his size) because the four starts on the right side and can drive the lane/curl off screens to the dominant side. If whomever we recruit at guard — likely Muhammad Ali Abdur-Rahkman — can provide the same type and quality of minutes in relief that Caris did as a freshman, I think you'll see a lot of Chatman at the four. If he can't, Chatman may be a jack-of-all-trades, as he'll be the only real back-up option on the perimeter aside from playing really small with Spike Albrecht and Derrick together. 5. D.J. Wilson has huge upside. My guess is that he needs a year of strength training before he begins to show his vast potential. If I'm wrong, and he could do so next year, that would really elevate this team from a depth, length and versatility standpoint. If Mitch doesn't come back, and our guard recruit can't provide immediate minutes, he's going to have to grow up and learn on the job. MHoops1 Be Heard! Send your letters to: Wolverine Letters • P.O. Box 1304 • Ann Arbor, MI 48106 Or e-mail: jborton@thewolverine.com Letters may be edited for clarity or length. MOVING? Let our customer service department know your new address! CALL US AT 1-800-421-7751