The Michigan Wolverines have become one of the best teams in the 2020-21 season. They are just behind Gonzaga and Baylor in the AP Poll and have locked in on their #3 spot. They have a very experienced team but they are led by a freshman, 7’1″ center, Hunter Dickinson.
The four-star prospect rejected offers from Duke and Florida State to join Juwan Howard’s men. And since his arrival, he has become their most important player. His performances have left NCAA champion Terry Mills impressed. During a recent interview, Mills praised Dickinson, calling him an intelligent player.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“A very solid, high IQ player,” Mill said. “Probably one of the smartest players I’ve seen come into a college program. When you talk about players playing without fouling, showing their hands, not making stupid plays, (Hunter is one of them).
“I think he’s really absorbing everything that coach Howard is talking about. He’s a special talent, and he’s gonna grow. Eventually, he’s gonna be able to step out and make that jump shot. He’s on the right page.”
Can Hunter Dickinson help the Michigan Wolverines win the Big Ten title?
Dickinson arrived at Michigan as the #37 ranked prospect in the country. Since the Wolverines favored experienced players, Austin Davis started the season as their center. But Coach Howard took notice of his consistent displays off the bench and promoted him to the starting lineup after five games.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He got an increase in minutes as well and has been playing brilliantly. He is currently averaging 14.6 points and 7.8 rebounds while shooting 64% from the field. With six Freshman of the Week awards already, Dickinson has also been added to the Wooden Award watch list.
He is likely to receive a few individual awards, but Dickinson will also aim to help the Wolverines win their first regular-season title since 2014. With four games left, they currently hold the top spot and have Illinois waiting for them to drop points. They face the Ohio State Buckeyes in their next game and also have a game against the Iowa Hawkeyes left.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Those are two very tough games, but the Wolverines will be expected to come away as the winners, and lift the regular-season title.