The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/589596
2015-16 BASKETBALL PREVIEW sophomores Kam Chatman and Duncan Robinson are battling on the right side, Dawkins could slide over there, as well. "We played him on the left side of the floor last year and could play him on the left or the right this year," as- sistant coach Jeff Meyer said. "He has the experience necessary to do both." Dawkins continues to make shots and has a better comfort level for what he needs to do to be success- ful, Meyer added. However, the sophomore watched Robinson rip off 41 made triples in a row during one practice and realizes he'll have to earn his spot on the floor. "Every practice is going to be fun and very competitive," he said. "At the end of the day, we've all got the same goal in mind. Whatever inten- sity we might feel in practice will stay on the court. That's all up to Coach B to figure out [who plays]." The Big Ten's Best Sophomores 1. Melo Trimble, Maryland: The sophomore point guard led the Terrapins in scoring, assists, steals and three-pointers made last year, connecting on 41.2 percent of his triples. He was a first-team All-Big Ten pick as a freshman while starting 35 games, averaging 16.2 points per game and adding 106 assists and 44 steals. He earned The Sporting News second-team All-America honors and was one of four unanimous selections on the Preseason All-Big Ten Team. Prior to this year, he was named preseason Big Ten Player of the Year. 2. James Blackmon Jr., Indiana: Shot selection was one of the few knocks on the talented Hoosiers shooting guard. He averaged 15.7 points per game and shot 38.7 percent from long range, notching five games with 24 points or more. He'll be asked to improve upon his 1.5 assists per game, but he's a star in the making and likely headed to the NBA next year. 3. Bryant McIntosh, Northwestern: A former Michigan recruit, McIntosh took the Big Ten by storm last year. He averaged 11.4 points and 4.7 assists per game, while shooting 36.4 percent from long range and 85.3 percent from the free throw line. He gained 10 pounds in the offseason and should team with senior guard Tre Demps to form an outstanding backcourt. 4. Aubrey Dawkins, Michigan: Dawkins only averaged 7.0 points per game last year, but he flashed his potential as a starter and scored 21 and 31 points in the last two regular-season games. He was named the Wolverines' Rudy Tomjanovich Most Improved Player and will now look to expand his game — he needs to be a better passer and rebounder. 5. Jae'Sean Tate, Ohio State: The 6-4, 230-pounder is a bit unorthodox as a wide-bodied, undersized forward, but his non-stop motor helped him put up 8.8 points and 5.0 rebounds per game last year. He notched three games with 20 or more points and while his ceiling is limited, he'll be a factor this season.