They're baaaaack. After finishing as the national runner-up to Villanova last season, the Michigan Wolverines served notice early this season that they'd be a national title threat again in 2019, besting the past two national champs (Villanova and North Carolina) before Christmas. Gone from last season's juggernaut is Moe Wagner. But he was adequately replaced by 6-foot-7 Ignas Brazdeikis, the Big Ten's top newcomer, who was born in Lithuania. While "Iggy" is a new face, most of the key pieces from the team that marched through March for John Beilein a year ago are back -- including pass-first point guard Zavier Simpson, proven wings Charles Matthews and Jordan Poole and vastly improved pivot Jon Teske. After nearly winning the whole ball of wax a year ago, can Michigan close the deal this season?
ESPN+ has your answers, as Joe Lunardi has enlisted a team of bracketologists to compile advanced metrics, key scouting intel and best- and worst-case tournament scenarios for all 68 teams to help you make smart picks in your bracket.
