ANN ARBOR -- Michigan's assistant coaches were on a local radio station in late April to recap the season and look ahead. They were asked about Zavier Simpson, the returning starter at point guard, and incoming freshman David DeJulius, another lead guard. They had high praise for both and discussed the possibility of the two playing together in the backcourt.
That's when assistant Saddi Washington interrupted. One point guard hadn't yet been mentioned. Washington corrected that:
"Don't sleep on Eli."
It was easy to forget by March, but freshman Eli Brooks started 12 games for Michigan early in the season.