Senior point guard Zavier Simpson, senior center Jon Teske, and junior forward Isaiah Livers spoke with the media at the 2019 Big Ten Media Day in Chicago. Here's what we learned ...
The players talked at length about their new head coach, Juwan Howard, and all spoke positively about him. Teske said that it has already been helpful having a successful former college and NBA big man to learn from.
Although they praised the new head coach, they were tight-lipped on any philosophy or strategy that Howard is implementing. Simpson would answer “I’m not giving away any secrets,” anytime he was asked about specifics. Teske also stayed away from specifics, saying that some things will be the same, and some will be different.
They all seemed to be pleased with Howard’s decision to retain assistant coach Saddi Washington from John Beilein’s staff, noting how that kind of continuity is helpful. They also all had positive things to say about former St. Joseph’s head coach and new U-M assistant Phil Martelli, all talking about how hilarious he is, but also how knowledgeable he is about the game.
When asked about being picked fifth in the Big Ten by numerous outlets, Simpson said that he doesn’t have time to pay attention to who is picked where, saying U-M is often overlooked. Livers said they know what people are saying about them, and he seemed to indicate that the team uses it as motivation. He pointed out how U-M was picked eighth in the conference his freshman year and how they advanced to the national championship game.
Teske and Simpson both said they worked on all aspects of their game heading into their senior seasons, while Livers focused in on becoming more of a perimeter player going forward (and he's much leaner and in great shape).
Livers has transitioned to more of a backcourt player, saying that he’s transforming his game from a “swiss army knife” type of player, to a more featured player and ball handler in the team’s offense. Livers said that ball handling was one of his top priorities this offseason, noting that he wants the ability to take the pressure off the guards when other teams try to take them away. The departures of Charles Matthews, Jordan Poole, and Ignas Brazdeikas will surely open up some opportunity to take that next step in his game.
Outside of Simpson, Teske, and Livers, the team will look to its younger guys to emerge. One that many are looking at for that kind of contribution is sophomore forward Brandon Johns. All three players said Johns is improving nicely. Livers said that Johns will be the “swiss army knife” that Livers was himself in his first two seasons.
The freshmen also seem to be coming along nicely. Teske said freshman guard Franz Wagner is more mature on the court than most freshmen, and that he sees a lot of his older brother Moe Wagner in Franz. Livers echoed that statement, saying he will hear Franz talking during practice and initially think it is Moe.
All three players also said good things about freshman guard Cole Bajema, and as veterans, they are trying to help both Bajema and Wagner get up to speed as they enter their first season.
Sophomore guard Adrian Nunez seems to be an improved player, as well. Simpson said that he will “definitely take the next step,” and talked about how much Nunez has been grinding in the gym. He said he can’t wait for him to get more of an opportunity. Teske said Nunez has “worked his butt off,” during the offseason and added that he is one of the best shooters on the team.
Junior guard Eli Brooks is another player who will likely have more of a chance this year to prove himself. Livers talked about how nobody sees behind the scenes how good of a player Brooks is, and said that people will be sorry that they forgot about him.
Brooks has played in big moments, and even started some games for the Wolverines in his first two seasons, but will have an increased role with the departures U-M had to the NBA.
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