Michigan Basketball Preview Capsule

The Associated Press

Michigan

Last season: 23-13, lost in NCAA round of 64.

Nickname: Wolverines.

Coach: John Beilein.

Conference: Big Ten.

Who's gone: G Caris LeVert, G Spike Albrecht, G-F Kameron Chatman, F Ricky Doyle, G-F Aubrey Dawkins.

Who's back: G Derrick Walton. Point guard shot only 38 percent from the field last season but led Michigan with 5.4 rebounds a game; G-F Zak Irvin. Michigan's top returning scorer, and he could improve if his 30-percent mark from 3-point range rises. G-F Duncan Robinson. Former Williams College standout made a nice impact for the Wolverines as the team's top outside shooting threat. Needs to prove he can still score efficiently when opponents make a point of trying to stop him. F Mark Donnal. Made 25 starts, averaging 7.8 points and 19.4 minutes.

Who's new: G Xavier Simpson. Freshman was ranked as the nation's No. 57 prospect by Scout.com and could provide help for Walton in the backcourt.

The Skinny: Michigan hopes new assistant coach Billy Donlon can help shore up the team's defensive weaknesses. If the Wolverines stay healthy, Walton and Irvin have a chance to form a nice senior nucleus.