The hits just keep on coming for Michigan athletics as the Wolverines basketball program reported on Monday that star freshman Franz Wagner suffered a non-surgical fracture to his right wrist.

The full release from the University is below:

October 21, 2019

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan David and Meredith Kaplan Head Men's Basketball Coach Juwan Howard announced today (Monday, Oct. 21) freshman guard Franz Wagner will miss four to six weeks after he was diagnosed with a non-surgical fracture to his right wrist. Wagner is expected to make a full recovery.



"While this is an unfortunate situation for Franz, we know he will make his return as soon as he is able," said Howard. "We have the finest medical staff and trainers at Michigan so we know he is in good hands."



Wagner, the younger brother of former All-Big Ten forward and current Washington Wizard Moritz Wagner, is one of two incoming freshman (Cole Bajema) this season.

The German native has been expected to be an immediate contributor for the Wolverines this season and has been viewed as a potential star in the college basketball ranks. Michigan head coach Juwan Howard has been among those most enamored with Wagner, labeling him as an elite talent almost immediately.

"Franz is talented. Franz is a huge pickup for us. In my opinion, if Franz lived in the US, he would be equivalent to what today's players are rated as five-star. He's that good," Howard recently told reporters. "To be almost 6-foot-9 at the wing position, he has a high IQ, he's tough, he's skilled, he can put the ball on the floor, he creates his own shot and he's not afraid to dunk on you. One thing that I did not mention that I should've mentioned first, he is an underrated defender. We all talk about his skillset offensively, the guy can defend and he wants to defend, that's the beauty of Franz. He's going to be a pro. I've put a lot of pressure on him. How I foresee it, I don't have all the answers, but I think he's going to be a good pro."

Monday's injury news comes on the heels of a Michigan Daily report that sophomore forward Brandon Johns is also currently sporting a walking brace and recently sustained a sprained ankle. His timeline for a return remains completely unknown.

Wagner, who spoke with reporters during last week's media day, says his experience thus far has been great in the United States.

"I try not to expect too much about what's going to happen here," Wagner said. "I knew it was going to be different and I tried to adjust as quickly as I can. That's really all I can do. I think it was smooth, the transition. Obviously, it takes a couple of weeks to get used to the style of play here. I think it helped me last year that I played with pros. I think that's the difference between high school players and maybe me right now."

Michigan opens up their 2019 season against Appalachian State on November 5th.