Michigan Wolverines Basketball Legends: Top 10 Players in History
In this series, we will showcase the top 10 players in the history of Michigan Wolverines basketball individually. We kick off with Robert Traylor, a dominant force in the early 2000s who made a significant impact on the team. Standing at 6-foot-8 and 300 pounds, Traylor was a physical powerhouse on the court, known for his dunking prowess and rebounding skills. He excelled in his sophomore year, averaging 13.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, ultimately winning the NIT MVP as Michigan clinched the NIT title. Traylor's junior season in 1997-98 was his best, where he averaged an impressive 16.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, earning him First-Team All-Big Ten honors and leading Michigan to its first Big Ten Tournament championship.
Next up is Tim Hardaway Jr., a player who may have been underrated coming into Michigan but proved to be a vital contributor to the team's success. Hardaway made an immediate impact as a freshman, averaging 13.9 points per game. His partnership with Trey Burke in the 2011-12 season was instrumental in Michigan's Big Ten regular-season championship win. Hardaway continued to shine in the 2012-13 season, averaging 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game as Michigan reached the National Championship game. He concluded his career as a two-time All-Big Ten performer, a team captain, and a Big Ten champion.
Lastly, we have Zavier Simpson, a model of consistency and leadership during his time at Michigan. Simpson started 122 games over four years, contributing to the team's success in multiple Big Ten Tournament wins, Sweet 16 appearances, and a National Championship game. Known for his exceptional playmaking abilities, Simpson finished his career as the all-time leader in assists with 663 and also showcased his scoring prowess, particularly in pick-and-roll situations with Jon Teske. His defensive skills were also top-notch, earning him multiple All-Big Ten Defensive Team selections. Simpson's impact on the court was undeniable, as he led Michigan to a 103-43 record during his tenure and was a key player in every game he played.