Exit: Moe Wagner Comment Count

Ace



An all-timer. [Marc-Gregor Campredon]

Moe Wagner has made his decision. In an article he penned for The Players' Tribune, Wagner announced he'll enter the NBA Draft and sign with an agent, foregoing his senior season at Michigan. Wagner's lengthy, heartfelt farewell (titled "Thank You, Michigan") makes it clear this wasn't an easy choice, but he has some familiar footsteps to follow:

Alle träume klingen verrückt. Bis sie wahr werden.

This is what it says on the poster that I have on my wall. I’m looking at it now, in my apartment in Ann Arbor, as I’m telling you this story. It’s German, which you probably guessed, and it means: All dreams are crazy. Until they come true. (Good saying, right?) And then beside these words is a picture of Dirk Nowitzki — who is basically my idol.

Wagner is projected as a late first- or early second-round pick, an improvement over his stock last year, when his rebounding and defensive limitations had him projected closer to the bottom of the draft. Wagner improved both this year, especially rebounding, and while his defense is still a big question mark, his offensive skill set at his size will get him a contract and a roster spot.

This is the end of Wagner's remarkable collegiate journey. He came to Ann Arbor from Germany as a lanky wing, outgrew the position almost immediately, spent his freshman year struggling to earn playing time behind Ricky Doyle and Mark Donnal, and then became the key piece of John Beilein's five-out offense as a sophomore and junior. That doesn't mean we won't be seeing him around town, however.

Ann Arbor will always be the first American city that I ever really knew. In my opinion, it’s the perfect place to live — not too big, not too small. You get all four seasons, great sports, and some of the nicest and most genuine people I have met. I’ll miss Ann Arbor a ton and come back as much as I can.

Wagner's exit has significant ramifications for next year's team, of course, and we'll dig into those in greater detail this week. Jon Teske is now your surefire starting center next year, which will make Michigan a more defensive-focused team (with a greater defensive ceiling) but he'll be an offensive downgrade barring a breakout on that end—while he improved greatly at the pick-and-roll, he doesn't provide the same pick-and-pop, spead-the-defense threat. Austin Davis is most likely to settle into the backup role while talented freshman Colin Castleton—a Wagner-like player with plus rim protection—gets used to the system and adds some needed bulk.

Danke, Moe.

Comments

UMinSF

April 14th, 2018 at 2:00 PM ^

One of my all-time favorite Michigan players in any sport. Just a really great, fun kid.

And, we finally have formal resolution of the "Moe" vs. "Mo" debate!

Go Blue 80

April 14th, 2018 at 2:06 PM ^

I'm really gonna miss this kid.  Brought great energy and enthusiasm.   Great kid!  I've heard Teske nails 3s in practice, hopefully he can bring it to the games.

Eyzwidopn

April 14th, 2018 at 2:14 PM ^

I don't know that I've ever read or heard of a more sincere, thoughtful farewell letter by a student-athlete than what Moe Wagner posted in The Player's Tribune.

Well done Moe!  You represented the Block M with passion, grit and excellence, on the court and off.  Looking forward to following your career and watching you make those dreams come true!  Go Blue!

Erik_in_Dayton

April 14th, 2018 at 2:15 PM ^

It’s not a surprise. It makes sense. We can’t ask anything more of him. But I’ll miss him just the same.

I’m three short years he went from being an unknown quantity who struggled at times with English to being the heart of the team. He’ll leave with two Big Ten Tournament titles, a Sweet Sixteen, and a trip to the final. And he helped give Michigan a winning attitude that had been missing for a couple of years. Not bad, big fella!

I’ll happily root for Mo for the rest of his career. I hope it’s a great one.

JWG Wolverine

April 14th, 2018 at 2:19 PM ^

Truly one of my favorite Michigan Basketball players of all time at this point, and that Players’ Tribune article was the best way to execute this exit.

Thank you for all the memories, and go destroy some ankles, win some scrambles, stick your tongue out, trash talk, and win with such character and cruelty that you did here in the NBA!

Forever Geh Blau!

HateSparty

April 14th, 2018 at 2:22 PM ^

Stinks for Michigan, great for Moe and great for G League fans. We’ll be seeing him play there next year. He needed one more year to add muscle and improve his defense.

HireWayne

April 14th, 2018 at 2:33 PM ^

I would feel bad if he stayed another year because all the money he would've left on the table.

He has the skills and size to be an effective professional.

The NBA isn't the only league to make millions playing the game he loves.

He'll always be one of favorite Wolverines of all time.



GOOD LUCK MOE!!!!!

ricosuave

April 14th, 2018 at 3:06 PM ^

You made it fun for us, your joy on the court gave us joy. By the way, green and white nation is very happy also. Enjoy the next chapter.

Rodriguesqe

April 14th, 2018 at 4:00 PM ^

Replacing Moe with Teske isn't too bad. But what will replace Teske? We've never had such a good backup.

champswest

April 14th, 2018 at 4:05 PM ^

elevator ride to become sold on Moe, it took me a little longer. But then, Coach is a quick study.

How could you not fall in love with Moe Wagner? What a great individual and player. I think he loved Michigan as much as Michigan loved him and he will be missed. 

Thank you for spending three years with us Moe. Best of luck to you in all you do. The dream lives on.

Ramblin

April 15th, 2018 at 11:26 PM ^

He wrote another great one last year.  No kidding, i think the dude is a really talented writer?  I wonder if he has thought about that?  Really impressive.  I'd no shit like to read a monthly column by him.

bo_lives

April 14th, 2018 at 5:32 PM ^

Loved reading it and I'm very happy for him. Really think he would have gone down as one of the all time greats (up with Cazzie and Rice) if they had won the Final Four and he'd gotten MOP. He's still up there with Burke in my book.

charblue.

April 14th, 2018 at 5:53 PM ^

Moe came to Michigan and stayed long enough to make his mark and show what a group of determined kids can do when they get great preparation for their lives and it translates on the basketball court. Does anyone have any doubts about Moe's future and those of his departing teammates, MAAR and Duncan and Simmons. Not me. Thanks for the memories Moe, a Wolverine for life. Go Blue. You made us proud, now go do it for yourself.

UM Griff

April 14th, 2018 at 8:58 PM ^

Moe has been such a great representative for the team and the university. His hard work and steadying influence helped the team progress so that it was/is a force to be reckoned with for all of college basketball. I hope we see him come back frequently - he will be greatly missed in the fall.

Reno Drew

April 15th, 2018 at 11:06 AM ^

Thank you Moe for three great years and good luck to you against your idol. .   Loved your Players Tribune write up that got me a bit teary-eye.  Also thank you for not writing it in German.  Took four semesters of German at Michigan and the only thing I remember is "bier, bitte."   I might even be able to order anywhere from 1-10 beers if pushed a bit. 

Year of Revenge II

April 15th, 2018 at 10:08 AM ^

Truly the end of an era.  There will probably be other ones, but nothing quite like Moe.

The last two Big Ten/NCAA tourney runs are something I will never forget, especially being there to feel the emotion of the last ten minutes of the Loyola game.  Incredible collegiate career.

EverybodyMurders

April 15th, 2018 at 10:12 AM ^

Go get paid, my man.



Kind of random but does anyone know what ring Moe was rocking at the senior banquet? It was huge - and figured it might be last years BTT ring but didn’t know they did those. Thoughts?