I'll add some of my own commentary:
PG Zavier Simpson (6'0) - Nasty, nasty defender with a bulldog attitude. Takes pride in shutting down the opposing PG which he has done very well at for the last 15 games or so. Elite lateral quickness which makes it very hard for even the best offensive guards to get by. Not a shooter on offense but can get to the bucket efficiently when he attempts to. Some teams try to switch on ball screens to slow down the Pick-n-Pop action with Wagner. Usually this is successful until Simpson decides to iso on the 5 who is now guarding him after the switch and just blows by. Doesn't put up a lot of shot attempts but great finisher around the rim. Poor free throw shooter so a lot of teams have been intentionally fouling him late in games when down by a few points. Great ballhandler and doesn't turn the ball over much, which is a big reason Michigan is one of the top teams in the country in turnovers per game.
SG Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (6'4) - Probably Michigan's best overall offensive player. Can really catch fire from 3 but hasn't been hitting them in the NCAAT, other than the Texas A&M game. The 5 games leading into the tourney, I want to say he hit 17/31 from 3, but then went 1/13 in the first 2 tourney games. Also pretty adept at attacking and finishing around the basket. Solid FT shooter at about 75ish%. Not an elite defender like his counterparts but solid enough that he doesn't get toasted every time down the court. Very good in transition and also I believe leads the country in Assist-to-Turnover Ratio if I'm not mistaken.
SF Charles Matthews (6'6) - Kentucky transfer with NBA athleticism. Very good when going to the basket and finishing around the rim. Will knock down the occasional 3 but it's not his game. Guy can jump out of the gym whether it be for rebounds, finishing alley oops, or trying to get tip-ins on the offensive glass. Really good defender. Can guard anywhere from the 2-4 and even a PG if they're not super quick. Very good rebounder. Struggles at times with ballhandling and can be a little turnover-prone, but when he's got his offensive game going, he can take over. Has been Michigan's most consistent offensive player in the tournament. Was a poor FT shooter but has slowly started to improve as the season has gone on. I still don't trust him at the line, though.
PF Isaiah Livers (6'7) - True Freshman, starts every game but doesn't play starter minutes. Pretty good, strong defender with good athleticism. Won't do much on offense except maybe spot up for some jump shots or get some put-backs. Has a lot of potential but is still noticeably a freshman.
C Mo Wagner (6'11) - Fiery, passionate player that is hated by most of our Big Ten opponents because he's emotional which can sometimes come across as cocky, but as most saw after the Houston game, he stopped in the middle of the celebration to console one of the Houston players. As for his game --- very skilled, Euro-style big man. Shoots the 3 at around 40ish%, most of those coming off slips/pops after setting a ball screen. Adept at scoring down low as well, has a good array of post moves but Michigan's offense doesn't throw it inside much unless they get a switch with Wagner on a guard. He hasn't been hitting at the clip he normally did this year but if he gets on, Michigan's offense is very tough to guard. Defensively he has improved a little bit but is susceptible giving up baskets to big burly guys and can get in foul trouble easily.
Bench
PG Jaaron Simmons (6'1) - Transfer from Ohio U. Was an All-MAC level player who was expected to come in and contribute big time but really struggled the first half of the season trying to understand Beilein's complex offense. Has really come on as of late. Pretty good passer. Can knock down an open shot occasionally but isn't an offensive juggernaut that needs to be worried about. Not an elite individual defender but plays well within the team defense and isn't a liability by any means.
SG/SF Jordan Poole (6'4) - Hero freshman who saved Michigan's season. Very energetic, outspoken kid with limitless confidence. Not scared of the moment obviously lol. Elite 3-pt shooter with a pretty good offensive game and can create his own separation with stepbacks and jab steps. Has freshman moments and needs some work on defense but he can come in and heat up in a heartbeat. Cannot leave him open outside.
PF Duncan Robinson (6'8) - Division 3 transfer a few years ago. Pure shooter with deep range that can really torch a defense. Attacking the basket is not his forte, but can get bites with his shot fake which opens up a driving lane. Defensively, can be a liability on the perimeter but unlike the OP, I think he's turned into a solid low post defender. Not going to block shots or anything but he's smart and holds his ground well, unless your PF is a monster, then he struggles. Not a great defender but doesn't hurt Michigan's defense like he used to, unless he gets switched on to a quick guard.
C Jon Teske (7'1) - Your more traditional center. Great low post defender, strong and leads the team in blocks. Not really an offensive threat, other than he's a good offensive rebounder. Will finish around the rim but doesn't create his own shot. Has shown the ability to hit mid-range jumpers when left open, but he'd rather just bang around the basket and try to get some put-backs. Has been a relief to finally have a C who can come in when Wagner gets in foul trouble without a ton of drop off.
Have enjoyed watching Loyola-Chicago and their run to the Final Four. You guys have a lot to be proud of!
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