Defend the Block: Wagner Talks NBA Draft, Michigan Preparing Him for Pro Career
6/16/2021 9:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball, Features
In this week's edition of the "Defend the Block" podcast, Franz Wagner discusses his decision to enter the NBA Draft, his time in Ann Arbor as a student and a player, his experiences with head coach Juwan Howard, and some of his favorite memories during his time at Michigan.
By Brian Boesch
In two of the last three years, Franz Wagner had a difficult decision to make during the offseason. In 2019, he had two main options for the next step in his basketball career -- remain in Germany or come to Michigan. Both options were viable for an up-and-coming prospect who aspired to play in the NBA one day.
Even though Wagner knew plenty about Michigan and the Wolverines' program thanks to his brother Moe, the option to stay in Germany was the more familiar one, especially considering John Beilein's decision to take the Cleveland Cavaliers' head coaching position that spring. Ultimately, Franz elected to come to the United States and play college basketball in Ann Arbor, which proved to be a great result for everyone involved.
"It was the best two years of my life," Wagner said on this week's edition of the "Defend the Block" podcast. "I was struggling so much with the decision. Looking back, it was the best thing I could have done. I feel like I learned so much during these two years. I had so much fun at the same time. I already miss it right now."
He misses Ann Arbor because of that second difficult decision, which he made a few weeks ago. Wagner elected to forego the rest of his college eligibility to enter next month's NBA Draft. Most prognosticators expect Wagner to be a first-round pick, while some have Wagner as a candidate to be a top-10 selection.
Following Michigan's run to the Elite Eight, Wagner cast a wide net in his quest for advice and feedback on that decision, including Michigan head coach Juwan Howard, other Michigan staff members and his brother. Ultimately, Wagner went with his own opinion and made what he believes to be the best decision. In this case, just like in 2019, Wagner went with the unfamiliar option, and he did so with conviction.
"I just felt ready -- as ready as you can -- to take this step," Wagner said. "My game is going to fit in well with the NBA style. Obviously, I would've loved to stay at Michigan, but when you have the opportunity to do this, I think you should take it."
"It has been my dream since I can remember to play in the NBA. Obviously, you don't know what's going to happen, how good the situation is going to be and all of that," Wagner continued. "I was not worrying about what can happen, because I can't control that. That's why I kind of went with the mindset -- this is my dream. It's right in front of me, and I think I'm ready for it, so I wanted to do it."
Wagner likely would have been an NBA Draft pick had he stayed in Germany back in 2019, but he credits Michigan for preparing him for this opportunity. Even though he will be on a new team this fall and beyond, Wagner hopes to spread the lessons he learned while in Ann Arbor.
"Showing on the court, and off the court, in the NBA what it means to be a Michigan guy, and keep representing the block M," Wagner said about his post-college actions. "Once you leave Michigan, all the things you learn, I think you should incorporate into your life and into what you do every day."
