Bball - First Game Impressions
1. Buffalo is a very experienced team with some solid talent. We shouldn’t be surprised that it turned into a game for awhile.
2. Defense - While we are very athletic with certain lineups, this team is very much a work in progress on that end. The overall communication, footwork, and rotations need to improve a lot and I’m sure they will as time goes on.
3. Offense - Jeenathan Williams was the best player on the floor tonight…until he wasn’t. Hunter Dickinson owned the last 8 minutes and was the main reason Michigan was able to put the game away. I’m very anxious/excited to see who emerges as the 2nd and 3rd scoring options. Could easily be a by committee approach but I think we’d like to see Houstan really emerge as time goes on.
4. Lineups - Juwan likes to experiment and I think we are going to see this happen for awhile early in the year because there are so many possibilities with this year’s team (this will make Craig Ross potentially unhappy for awhile as he prefers 6/7 man rotations lol). I think it’s very likely that the starting lineup from tonight is not quite the starting lineup later in the year.
5. The ceiling is the roof. Go Blue!
What are some of your thoughts?
November 10th, 2021 at 9:05 PM ^
Last season was such a luxury with all those 3 point shooters. As the mgoblog preview said, a few shooters emerging from this team will be so key.
Also we may lose 6 starter-ish players next year. Hunter, Moussa, Caleb, Jones, Eli, and Johns.
November 10th, 2021 at 9:10 PM ^
We shot 40% from 3 tonight but on relatively low volume (6-15). The offense wasn’t really generating a lot of good looks from 3 but that could certainly change as time goes on.
November 10th, 2021 at 9:16 PM ^
It generated a fair amount of half chances where good confident shooters like livers and brown rise up and shoot. Now it’s players like johns, Jones, and diabate who are going to pump fake and drive if there is any contest. It’s going to clog the lane sometimes. But Houstan feels like a guy that will take that shot.
November 10th, 2021 at 9:25 PM ^
Very good point.
November 10th, 2021 at 10:34 PM ^
Good point and I think Brooks looks like he has a quicker trigger this year (knowing he is going to be a bigger part of the offense).
November 10th, 2021 at 9:57 PM ^
Can we not worry about what happens in Nov 2022, until Nov 2022?
November 11th, 2021 at 8:44 AM ^
I already ordered my turkey for next year. No going back, now.
November 10th, 2021 at 10:34 PM ^
I question whether Johns will be a starterish player for long. If Williams continues to play like he did tonight, he is a guy who needs close to 30 minutes.
November 11th, 2021 at 8:59 AM ^
T-Will is going to be hard to keep off the floor, he does so many things well; he brings energy, he shoots the three, provides defense. He can play so many roles too. Just one of the several bright stars on this basketball team.
November 11th, 2021 at 10:05 AM ^
Calling it early: he is our next Eli Brooks. Different position, but long term I see him becoming that guy who does a little bit of everything, draws a tough defensive assigment or buries a key shot when you need one or brings some energy when play goes flat. Luxury that he can grow into that role while our current Eli Brooks is playing beside him!
November 11th, 2021 at 4:40 PM ^
Williams played a good portion of the game as SG and his success there surprised the hell out of me.
November 11th, 2021 at 9:33 AM ^
Seems like the classic UM fan syndrome, looking to the potential negative of what we could lose next year instead of enjoying what we have.
November 11th, 2021 at 12:19 PM ^
This seems a bit harsh to me. It simply is a fact that we will have a lot of turnover between this year and next year. So this is a factor that matters and it will be interesting to see how Juwan manages it. I, for one, and eager for Frankie to emerge. I know it will be next year, but I love seeing him on the court, even if I know he is going to be a bit raw.
November 10th, 2021 at 9:05 PM ^
Very choppy win, too many TO's and missed FT's, need to improve that big time.
Buffalo does look like a gritty and competent team though, like I said before, there will be growing pains.
Terrence Williams was a real pleasant revelation for sure, 2nd best performance on the team behind Hunter.
November 10th, 2021 at 9:11 PM ^
18-30 from the FT line kept the game closer than it needed to be. While the offense was choppy at times, we only turned the ball over 10 times which isn’t that bad for the first game.
November 10th, 2021 at 9:26 PM ^
Maybe the TO's weren't as bad as it seemed, there were some very inopportune ones though when the lead was in single digits.
November 10th, 2021 at 11:48 PM ^
Side note, wtf was up with that camera angle on free throws. You couldn't see the ball from when it left the shooter's hands until after it dropped below the rim.
November 11th, 2021 at 6:13 AM ^
Agreed. I hated watching the FT’s from that angle. BTN, change that immediately.
November 11th, 2021 at 6:13 AM ^
Agreed. I hated watching the FT’s from that angle. BTN, change that immediately.
November 10th, 2021 at 9:57 PM ^
Agree on FTs, but they had 10 turnovers in a high possession game. Beilein’s teams that were close to best in the country averaged a little over 9.
November 11th, 2021 at 2:36 AM ^
Michigan had 10 turnovers on 73 possessions for a 13.7% turnover rate. For perspective Villanova turned it over that often last year and it was the fourth lowest rate on the season. Michigan last year turned it over on 16.6% of possessions, good for 56th in the country.
The offense scored 1.26 points per possession. That's very high. Offense wasn't the problem.
The defense on the wings was a bit concerning, but I imagine Houstan and Bufkin will improve there and Johns will get fewer minutes as the season goes on (with Diabate getting more).
November 11th, 2021 at 8:38 AM ^
From the game preview, it was noted that Buffalo is pretty good at forcing turnovers, so that also should be taken into consideration when assessing Michigan’s turnover volume.
November 10th, 2021 at 9:06 PM ^
As to point 1, I think having Buffalo make a run like they did will pay major dividends for this team. It shows them that the other team is on scholarship to play basketball too, and you can't take your foot off the gas.
Clearly a very talented team. I could see them playing down to their competition some early. Need some time to season and mesh. They will be dangerous in the stretch run.
November 11th, 2021 at 3:50 AM ^
agree. They played as you would expect. Extremely talented and very raw.
I expect them to progress as the season goes on.
Need to make the free throws. Especially Hunter.
November 10th, 2021 at 9:07 PM ^
The hype is justified.
November 10th, 2021 at 9:09 PM ^
I worry about shooting. Both from FT line & 3’s. Houstan and Brooks will do their thing. But anyone else from 3? Jones doesn’t seem like a shooter from deep. Williams? Johns? I think we will need to see more from there the next few games.
November 10th, 2021 at 9:29 PM ^
Certainly need guys like TWill or Johns or Jones to step up and hit threes, but I actually want the offense to generate more looks for the known shooters. Brooks with only 2 3PT FGA tonight is a little disappointing. He was way more ball dominant than I anticipated, but that may be a result of Jones being in foul trouble. Brooks excelled in that point guard role tonight, but he’s at his best when being a catch and shoot threat who can attack a close out.
November 10th, 2021 at 9:31 PM ^
This is not directed solely at you but "you guys" have to stop this sort of silliness. Terrance was 2-3 from deep and Jones did not attempt any 3s-Jones shot 37% on 135 attempts last year. Juwan substituted in willy-nilly fashion, as he often does in these types of games, in order to keep the game competitive for his players and make them face a measure of adversity. This game affords great practice fodder-while still winning. Otherwise, there is a ton of goodness embedded in the box score-sure lots to improve upon...but lots of good.
I haven't seen any tape of the game yet but the indications are that Terrance is the player I thought/think he is.
November 10th, 2021 at 9:40 PM ^
Stop with this foolish take. Juwan didn’t substitute to “keep the game competitive” or “make them face adversity”. Give Buffalo credit, they are a very good mid-major team that can make the tournament and be a 1st round upset. Buffalo kept the game close because they took advantage of the mismatches against Michigan’s defense. Juwan played a large rotation primarily because it’s the first game of the season and he’s trying to figure out the best lineups and get players live-game-experience. I mean, for goodness sake, Buffalo opened the second half on a 13-5 run against Michigan’s starting five.
Also, you can keep repeating Jones’ stats from last year at Coastal all you want, but that was when he played for a different team, at a lower competition level, and played a different role on that team. Tonight he attempted zero three point field goals. And you can see why when you watch; he needs space to get off his shot, and since he’s going to be playing the ball-dominant PG role here, he likely will not get the space he requires unless teams go under ball screens. Jones could still end up being a good shooter from distance by the end of the season, but we’ll need to actually see it to believe it. And the OP’s point still stands, the team needs players besides Brooks to step up and fill it up from beyond the arc. If it can be a committee of Houstan, TWill, Jones, and Johns, then that will be awesome to see!
November 10th, 2021 at 9:10 PM ^
1. Lucas Selah is going to beat his wife
2. the free throw camera under the basket is terrible.
November 10th, 2021 at 9:31 PM ^
No idea why someone chooses under the basket or the sky cam from behind broadcasting football. Keep it simple - panoramic views - don't be late getting back from break - profit.
November 10th, 2021 at 9:36 PM ^
Agreed. The behind-the-basket free throw camera angle is terrible.
November 11th, 2021 at 8:48 AM ^
Every time that they put that guy on screen, I wanted to punch him in the throat. He was the DFD...Designated Flexer Dude.
November 11th, 2021 at 9:18 AM ^
Sure am curious about all the chippiness and how is started...
November 10th, 2021 at 9:11 PM ^
With Terrence Williams having his breakout game - this team is deeper than I thought.
The two freshman are for real. Dickinson is a pure beast. And liked the guard combo of Brooks and Jones.
Going to be a great year!
November 10th, 2021 at 9:12 PM ^
- Much like a few have pointed out, FT shooting is concerning. 18-30 will cost you a game later in the season.
- Twill really impressed me and was great seeing some of the new freshmen. This was my first time seeing them live.
- Johns is still a mystery to me. I was hoping he would be a little more consistent but it still seems like it’s going to be a rollercoaster ride with him.
- Lastly, does feel like this will be a really fun team to watch. There will be growing pains for sure but the effort & the talent is certainly there
Excited for a new season! Go Blue!
November 10th, 2021 at 9:17 PM ^
It looked like Johns was going to start strong but got knocked off his square a bit being matched up with their super athletic/active 3 and 4 men. He seems to do best against guys he is clearly more athletic/active than. There will be games (soon) where he will feast and it will give him confidence for later in the season.
November 10th, 2021 at 9:18 PM ^
I feel like Johns is at his ceiling and he is who he is. He seems like an ok player to me and I wouldnt be terribly surprised if he gets less minutes as the young guys improve
November 10th, 2021 at 9:20 PM ^
Great point about Johns. He is the player that I think I could eventually lose his spot in the starting lineup with guys like Diabate and even TWill as an undersized 4. And while he could still blossom, it’s starting to feel late in his career for that to happen.
November 10th, 2021 at 9:35 PM ^
I think Johns will keep his starting spot. He’s a senior, he’s paid his dues. But if Williams plays like he did tonight, I won’t be surprised to see him finishing games instead of Johns.
November 10th, 2021 at 9:16 PM ^
Hunter looks really good imho. The beard makes him look a lot older and I think he has put on some muscle. So glad Eli is back. Buffalo will win some games this year and were a pretty good first game opponent.
November 11th, 2021 at 8:54 AM ^
Beard is an improvement, but he needs help with the hair do
November 10th, 2021 at 9:17 PM ^
Probably the worst officiated game in my lifetime! Otherwise, Johns does not have it, both T Williams and Moussa are better options, although Moussa is a work in progress. Jones needs to play smarter and stay in the game. Rebounding and free throw shooting needs to improve.
There’s a ton of talent and great depth on this team. It’s gonna be fun.
November 10th, 2021 at 9:36 PM ^
Is this your first time watching a Carstensen/Borowski game?
November 10th, 2021 at 10:20 PM ^
That's not even the worst performance of those particular officials...but yes, this was a shitshow from an officiating standpoint, in my view.
November 10th, 2021 at 10:40 PM ^
Yes, Michigan definitely got the short end of the whistle. At home no less. What a surprise.
November 10th, 2021 at 9:17 PM ^
Tough night at the FT line. Buffalo is a good team who hit 4-5 really tough shots but I'd expect them to win a lot of games this year in the MAC.
Have to get the young ones up to speed defensively. Diabate especially - too many silly fouls and lack of awareness which is understandable.
Houstan looked very good on both ends to me. Terrance Williams may be the MVP off the bench. If he can play this well the whole year, M will have something going. If not, there will be holes on the boards and defensively. I like him in there more than BJJ and until Diabate can learn the off ball responsibilities, I expect TWill to get lots of time off the bench
November 10th, 2021 at 9:19 PM ^
Let's see more Houstan and Moussa.
November 10th, 2021 at 11:10 PM ^
Houstan played 27 minutes even though he sat awhile in the first half with 2 fouls. Houstan will definitely be getting starter minutes.
November 11th, 2021 at 10:05 AM ^
If Diabate learns to shoot free throws he could end the season as the team’s best player. He’s that rare high floor high ceiling type of player. Houstan also looked great.
The best thing with Diabate is that he can excel at center or power forward. If it’s to our advantage to play fast small ball we can take out Hunter and put him at C. If we need length and a suffocating half-court game, we can swing him to PF. We’re perfectly positioned for the tournament because we can match up with anyone.