The Z Factor: Zavier Simpson Has Michigan Playing Gritty and Pretty

Once an afterthought at point guard, Zavier Simpson wasn't content when he finally got minutes. He insisted on instilling toughness in Michigan, which is now a title-contending combination of gritty and pretty.

This story appears in the Feb. 11, 2019, issue of Sports Illustrated. For more great storytelling and in-depth analysis, subscribe to the magazine—and get up to 94% off the cover price. Click here for more.

The story of college basketball this season can be told from Z to Z. On one end of the spectrum is Duke freshman Zion Williamson, the presumptive No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, a 6'7", 284-pound athletic marvel who needs FAA clearance before he dunks. He is the driving force behind a…