2006 Michigan Wolverines Basketball Preview

2006 Michigan Wolverines Basketball Predictions

It’s been eight seasons since the Michigan Wolverines have appeared in the NCAA Tournament. At that time, they were eliminated by UCLA in round two. Last season it was the NIT for the Wolverines, where they lost to South Carolina in the championship game. This year, March Madness could be on this club’s radar.

Dione Harris (11.1 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.8 APG, 40.3 FG%, 82.1 FT%) is back for his senior season at either point or shooting guard. It may be point by default, even though he’s best at shooting. Harris is the go-to guy when things are dicey and a solid 3-point man. Jerret Smith (2.4 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 2.2 APG, 42.6 FG%, 65.4 FT%) may start the season at point and Harris will move over if Smith doesn’t come through.

Some nights center Courtney Sims (10.9 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 0.8 APG, 63.3 FG%, 71.2 FT%) has it and other nights he doesn’t. If he can muster some consistency, Sims will be one of the best forwards in the league. Power forward possibilities include senior Brent Petway (5.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 0.4 APG, 59.3 FG%, 57.1 FT%), junior Ron Coleman (5.8 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.8 APG, 40.9 FG%, 71.4 FT%) and freshman DeShawn Sims. Petway can jump and block. Look for him to diversify his offensive game. As a prep school senior DeShawn Sims averaged 25 PPG. Coleman will back up these two.

Coach Tommy Amaker (86- 71 in 5 years) has been vocal about wanting to take the next step—the Big Dance. Last season, when they started their season at 16- 3, Michigan looked like they might make it. But they were 2- 7 down the stretch and were out in one in the Big 10 Tournament. Amaker, along with many fans, blamed Amaker.

With important core team members returning and the lessons learned from last season’s plummet, look for Amaker to keep his guys focused on the prize. The Wolverines have a legitimate shot at playing in March Madness. If they don’t make it to the big tourney, the coaches’ job will certainly be in jeopardy.

If you want more info on the 2006 Michigan Wolverines College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Purdue Boilermakers and Indiana Hoosiers.