What We Learned At Hoops Media Day: 'Five Star' Franz Wagner, Brooks, More

ROSEMONT, ILL. — Michigan head coach Juwan Howard met reporters away from the podium for nearly an hour Wednesday, dishing on players, recruiting and much more. Here’s what we learned …

Starting with personnel and two of the surprises in the early going — freshman wing Franz Wagner and junior shooting guard Eli Brooks.

"If he had been in the United States, he’d have been what you call a five-star recruit,” Howard said. “He’s going to be a pro.”

Wagner is shooting the ball extremely well and getting to the rim, and he’s got the Eurostep mastered (as you’d expect), senior center Jon Teske said. But where he’s surprised everyone is with how well he can defend. Howard said Wagner’s best position is on the wing, but “don’t be surprised if you see him at the four in situations,” he added.

There’s no question he has the ability to elevate the team and that his addition was probably critical to this team’s success.

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