I Dig Dug

Submitted by Steve Breaston… on November 13th, 2023 at 10:24 PM

Great game tonight with a balanced team riding the hot hands, excellent second half adjustments, and a lot of good offensive sets. Really think this team, already, has a much different vibe and is gonna win some big games this year.

Dug looked AWESOME tonight in almost every facet of the game. He reminds me of a shorter Tyrese Maxey (not at that level of shooter yet) and just moves so fluidly and plays like a much bigger dude than he is. Michigan is universally more fun when we have a true court general PG and hoping Dug continues to build that confidence all season.

What’s your hot take tonight?

Basketball

1blueeye

November 14th, 2023 at 12:32 AM ^

Dug is a shorter Trey Burke. There I said it. Very similar recruit rankings  who play way above the ranking and their size, I used to cringe every time Burke would drive and score and land on the floor and think “how can this guy land on hardwood over and over without getting hurt. His shot is pure. It swishes the net so pure.  The flare and “it” factor are present and I’m glad he plays for Michigan. Not saying he is Trey Burke, but the similarities are there 

Joined: 02/13/2014

MGoPoints: 2907

blueheron

November 14th, 2023 at 6:04 AM ^

In overall impact, someday, maybe, but they seem like different players. Dug is actually 5'8" or 5'9". Trey is at least a few inches taller (6'0" or 6'1"). He was also a better shooter from most spots as a first- and second-year player. Dug is a better overall athlete based on his HS football highlights alone. Probably a better ball handler, too.

Joined: 03/26/2009

MGoPoints: 31868

mtzlblk

November 14th, 2023 at 1:57 AM ^

This team is fun to watch, no doubt.

Great chemistry thus far.

Compared to last year where there was a lot of star-ish type players and good talent that always seemed to play below their potential and down to an opponent (cough, cough...EMU), this year's team is a lot of new, unknown players that look great already and seem like they have room too grow and get better. And they play great defense. 

I mean....they are supposed to have beaten #4 Marquette in some kind of secret scrimmage. I brushed it off at first as not likely true, but watching them it is easy to believe.

Joined: 01/20/2009

MGoPoints: 5049

Michigan4Life

November 14th, 2023 at 9:08 AM ^

The biggest issue for Michigan last season was depth and PF spot. Juwan patched it up over the offseason with Nimari, Tray and Oliver in the transfer portal as well as his own players leveling up like Dug, Cheddar, T-Will. Also, Dug was a freshman thrusted into the starting spot last year and he's now more seasoned and more controlled this year. It's easy to explain why Michigan is so much better this year than last year.

Last year, Jett was off to a good start while Kobe didn't play all that well. Jett got hurt and it coincided with Kobe's ascent towards being a 1st round pick. They never had both playing well at the same time. 

Joined: 07/29/2010

MGoPoints: 25792

BJNavarre

November 14th, 2023 at 6:44 AM ^

Dug looks like a real Big 10 POY candidate. Probably need Edey to struggle, but he's that good. On the flip side, the dropoff without him is very severe. It will only improve somewhat when Llewynen comes back.

Still, if Dug stays healthy, this team could be a shockingly high seed. 

Joined: 07/02/2008

MGoPoints: 4435

gweb

November 14th, 2023 at 6:56 AM ^

Looks like a team. The ball always had to go through Hunter or Jett last year. Neither were great on defense or all that athletic. This year lots more weapons, more athletic, more flow oriented, more shooters, and a chip on the shoulder. That’s a good recipe!

Joined: 01/10/2010

MGoPoints: 3019

smitty1233

November 14th, 2023 at 8:46 AM ^

College basketball is won at the highest levels with electric PG play that can create and make their own shot. Dugie has impressed the hell out of me the first three games. My only question is can he keep up the pace playing this many minutes in a rugged conference. He is a shot creator for himself and four others on the floor. So fun to watch he's going to be a problem for some teams. 

Defense tightened a little in second half which was good to see. The rebounding has to get better you can't allow teams to OReb like that or that will cost you games. 

Gave this season very little chance to be enjoyable when we lost Bufkin, Dickinson and Jett. This looks like a tourney team and 4-7th place Big Ten team who could move that line higher with some continued improvement! 

Joined: 09/22/2009

MGoPoints: 2690