Michigan 2009-2010 Basketball Betting Prediction, Odds, Lines,

With the College Basketball 2009-2010 Season just around the corner, we are providing season previews & predictions for all NCAA basketball teams to give you the betting edge this year. Follow the best College Basketball Handicappers as they analyze their teams in this 2009-2010 basketball season preview. Be sure to bookmark SportsbookBuzz.com your source for Sportsbook Reviews. Use our comprehensive and insider info to bet successfully on the College Basketball in our recommend online sportsbooks.View the rest of our 2009 NCAA Basketball Season Previews here.

Michigan 2008-2009 Record: 21-14, 9-9

Michigan 2008-2009 Post Season: NCAA

Michigan Coach: John Beilein (31-36 at Michigan, 507-311 overall)

Michigan Projected Starters:

• Stu Douglass, Sophomore, Guard, 6.1 points per game
• Laval Lucas-Perry, Sophomore, Guard, 6.5 points per game
• Manny Harris, Junior, Guard, 16.9 points per game
• DeShawn Sims, Senior, Forward, 15.4 points per game
• Zack Gibson, Senior, Forward, 3.9 points per game

Michigan Player to Watch: DeShawn Sims

Michigan Key Losses: G Kelvin Grady, G C.J. Lee, G David Merritt

CLICK HERE FOR OUR TOP COLLEGE BASKETBALL HANDICAPPING PICKS!

2009-2010 Michigan Season Preview

The Wolverines made their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 11 years last season, the initial step in John Beilein’s transformation plan.

The next step is simple: make Michigan a constant in the field of 65 while getting the Wolverines to turn the corner as a Big Ten contender.

And with plenty of pieces back along with some newcomers who could have an immediate impact, Beilein’s job becomes one of tweaking the recipe for success rather than creating from scratch.

Michigan Backcourt

Despite losing three guards – graduated captains CJ Lee and David Merritt along with Kelvin Grady, who chose to leave the program – Michigan has plenty to work with.

Sophomores Stu Douglass and Zack Novak earned a wealth of playing experience as freshmen while highly touted freshman point guard Darius Morris will give Michigan plenty of talent at the guard slot. Laval Lucas-Perry will need to show more consistency after scoring in double figures his first four games in the Michigan lineup.

Novak, Douglass and Lucas-Perry all shot in the mid-30 percent range from 3-point distance – a number Beilein needs to see improve if Michigan’s brand of offense is going to be effective.

Illinois’ Gatorade Player of the Year Matt Vogrich, along with preferred walk-on Josh Bartelstein, both have the shooting ability to fit comfortably into Beilein’s offensive game plan.

And despite having three guards back, Beilein’s coaching track record demonstrates that he’s not afraid to throw newcomers into the mix immediately.

Michigan Frontcourt

At times last season, Michigan’s Achilles’ heel was a lack of size.

Beilein’s system relies on keeping players on the move while maximizing their versatility at different spots. Leading scorer Manny Harris moved to more of a small forward last season while forward DeShawn Sims spent significant time roaming the perimeter, using his shooting range to stretch opposing defenses.

Harris, a first-team All-Big Ten selection as a sophomore, uses his slashing ability to get to the rim, often drawing interior defenders. Harris vastly improved with his decision making last year, nearly doubling his assist total from his freshman output. Harris’ ability to distribute the ball opens up the rest of Michigan’s offense.

Harris needs to get stronger and establish himself more as a consistent rebounder while continuing to improve as a defender.

Whether Sims is asked to take on a more dominant post role will depend on senior Zack Gibson’s ability to establish himself as a more traditional post. Gibson and Sims will have to show more consistency while assuming leadership roles until sophomore center Ben Cronin finds his way after redshirting with a hip injury.

Michigan also had plans to use freshman Jordan Morgan in the post, but Morgan underwent offseason knee surgery that carries with it a four-to five-month rehabilitation. With so many unknowns in play, Beilein will have to be patient and see how his frontcourt shapes up.

The Wolverines’ biggest improvement in the frontcourt must come in the rebounding department. Michigan was out-rebounded by an average of six per game last year.

2009-2010 Michigan Predictions

Beilein admitted getting the Wolverines to the NCAA Tournament in his second season was a bit ahead of his timetable.

Michigan can’t rest in its accomplishments, assuming another tournament bid lies ahead. But with Harris and Sims leading an experienced nucleus and some freshmen filling some gaps, the Wolverines have the potential to move forward. Michigan Finish in the Big Ten: 3rd
Michigan Projected Post-season Tournament: NCAA

Michigan Betting Odds

Michigan Odds to Win 2010 Mens NCAA Basketball Tournament: +7500
Michigan Odds to Win the Big Ten: +500

Will Michigan be playing in March Madness this year? Or, will their season be lackluster? Either way, you can still enjoy Michigan Basketball Betting at our feature sportsbooks. Michigan & College Basketball Betting is serious business; where you can make a ton of loot placing informed, smart Michigan bets. Check out these highly reliable, trustworthy, online sportsbooks.

Join BetEd.com Today and Bet on Michigan and receive a 50% Sportsbook Bonus!

Michigan Basketball Handicapping Picks

Check out our weekly Sports Handicapping Picks from the world’s best handicappers. Trust our handicapping experts offering premium and free NCAA Basketball Picks and packages daily. Also stay up to date with weekly College Basketball Matchups, and buy some picks to win some BIG cash this football season at our recommended sportsbooks.