Michigan Basketball: Moritz Wagner to build on promising freshman campaign

Michigan basketball needs Moritz Wagner to find more consistency this season.

There’s a certain flare to Moritz Wagner. Of all the Michigan Wolverines who stepped on the court last season, Wagner carried an energy level that hasn’t been seen in Ann Arbor since Mitch McGary.

It’s remarkable, given his status as an overseas freshman, that his emotions were on full display from day one. Had he been more reserved as he adapted to the American college life as a student-athlete, no one would have faulted the budding star.

Wagner didn’t just bring energy to the team. The forward brought athleticism in the paint. He displayed dribble moves mature beyond those of a freshman. And despite his lack of playing time, he brought life to the offense for spurts at a time.

Now, the above description is rather lavish for a player who averaged 2.9 points and 1.6 rebounds per game throughout the year. Wagner saw the floor for 8.6 minutes per outing, but the numbers are deceiving.

During non-conference play, the forward routinely saw double digit minutes and scored a season high 19 points versus Charlotte in just 16 minutes.

During conference play, Wagner essentially became a ghost. The most points he scored in a game throughout conference play was just four. Wagner scored nine in the Big Ten Tournament shocker versus Indiana and six in an NCAA Tournament loss to Notre Dame.

Whether Big Ten play was too physical or complicated for Wagner is unclear, but he will need to display consistency during his sophomore season if he wants to make an impact.

The good news is that Wagner has been working hard. He is up to 240 pounds, a major increase from the thin 211 he was when he arrived in Ann Arbor over a year ago.

Furthermore, according to the Michigan Daily, Wagner has been working on his outside shot. The big man connected on his first two 3-pointers during an open practice scrimmage, displaying a newfound confidence from deep. After hitting two three’s all of last season, Wagner’s new skills could make him a major mismatch.

Wagner’s increased strength should allow him to stand his ground more. Doing so should reduce his tendency to get into foul trouble. Last season, Wagner averaged 1.6 fouls per game, despite his single digit minute average.

John Beilein and Michigan will need Wagner to be more than a rotation piece in 2016. If he takes the next step, the Wolverines will have an X-factor in the paint they’ve sorely missed in previous seasons.