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Dec 23, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Caris LeVert (23) moves the ball on Bryant University Bulldogs guard Shane McLaughlin (4) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The Michigan men’s basketball program won its first title since 1989 thanks to Dusty May and the team of stars he developed. But there was so much conversation during this historic run about the great players in Ann Arbor who never reached that pinnacle.
A lot has changed in the college landscape in the 37 years since the Wolverines last won their title. But the one thing that has stayed the same is that Michigan has consistently had some great players that helped define this program’s legacy during the stretch between its first and second national titles.
Starting today, we’re going to rank the Top 25 players at Michigan since ‘89. No list could ever be perfect, so we created a scoring model based on players’ stats, individual accolades like All-Big Ten and All-American selections and Big Ten championships. To ensure things weren’t skewed during the development eras, we only took the average for the best two seasons of their Michigan careers, giving bonus points for being multi-year starters or being a team captain.
First, a few honorable mentions…
- No. 26 – F Danny Wolf – Score: 63.6
- No. 27 – G Eli Brooks – Score: 62.1
- No. 28 – C Vlad Goldin – Score: 61.6
- No. 29 – F Maurice Taylor – Score: 60.4
- No. 30 – F Franz Wagner – Score: 59.2
- No. 31 – G Nimari Burnett – Score: 59.1
No. 25 – G Caris LeVert – Score: 68.1
One of the biggest what-ifs on this list comes in at No. 25 with Caris LeVert. His true freshman season, he waited in the wings of Michigan legend Trey Burke as the next in line, playing a role on a team that made a run at the national title that just fell short.
That began in 2013-14, when he started alongside Big Ten Player of the Year Nik Stauskas, averaging 12.9 points per game while shooting a staggering 43.9 percent from the field. He was named to the All-Big Ten second-team as the Wolverines won the Big Ten regular-season championship.
LeVert was supposed to be the Wolverines’ best player as a junior, and when he did play over the next two seasons, he was. In 18 games as a junior, he scored 14.9 points per game. As a senior, he averaged 16.5 per game in 14 starts. But he suffered season-ending injuries both years in the heart of Big Ten play, cutting down Michigan’s chances at competing in the Big Ten and halting him from more accolades.
Had he been healthy, LeVert would very likely be a Top 15 player on this list. He was selected in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft despite the injuries and is in the midst of a decade-long career in the pros.
No. 24 – F Glenn Robinson III – Score: 68.3
Narrowly edging out LeVert is Glenn Robinson III. He came into Ann Arbor scorching hot, starting all 39 games as a true freshman during Michigan’s 2012-13 national title run. He averaged 11 points per game and was a key piece of that stretch. He was named an All-Big Ten honorable mention and to the All-Big Ten Freshman team.
The next season, Robinson was a team captain and was the second-best player behind Stauskas. He played a much larger role after the departure of Burke, and re-upped as an All-Big Ten performer. In his career, Robinson shot an astounding 52.5 percent from the field, making him one of the most efficient players this program has seen at his position. That was extremely important as he was an elite second or third option to Stauskas and Burke, constantly throwing down dunks.
No. 23 – F Isaiah Livers – Score: 70.9
The first few names on this list came in really tight with their scores, and Isaiah Livers deservedly found a spot in the Top 25. It still boggles my mind how well he converted from the three-point line, as he hit 41.2 percent from deep during his career, including a senior season where he shot 43.1 percent from deep.
Many forget Livers started 22 games as a true freshman during Michigan’s unexpected run at a Big Ten Tournament championship and a National Championship appearance in 2018. The next season, he helped the Wolverines win 30 games, taking a lesser role coming off the bench but earning more minutes.
That prepped him to be a bridge player as Juwan Howard took over, and his college career really took a leap. Livers averaged 13 points and 5.1 rebounds per game over the next two seasons, helping Michigan win the Big Ten regular season title in Howard’s first season.
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