MICHIGAN
Do you believe in Mo(e)? That refers to momentum, which Michigan has in spades right now, and Moritz Wagner, Michigan’s 6-11, 245-pound forward from Germany who is a handful for everyone. Wagner, a junior, is hitting his stride at the perfect time, just like the Wolverines. He can score inside and out, as evidenced by his 24-point, 15rebound performance on Saturday when he hit three threes and scored on put-backs. His motor knows no end, and his teammates feed off his energy.
On the flip side, Villanova’s Omari Spellman and Eric Paschall can provide matchup problems for Michigan because they, too, can stretch the floor, but no one matches Wagner’s motor. His teammates feed off his energy and emotion, and he can get them going at any time. He will also be the best passing big man on the floor.