Basketbullets: Nebrasketball, Always Nebrasketball
12/7/2021 – Michigan 102, Nebraska 67 – 6-3, 1-0 Big Ten
You don't want to take too much away from a game against Nebraska, because there are two kinds of games against Nebraska: one in which they hit a bunch of garbage and you have a mildly competitive game, and 35-point blowouts. After Keisei Tominaga hit two tough threes—one a relocation, the other a stepback over a Brooks contest—to give the brief semblance of the former, this one quickly settled into the blowout.
Nebraska's always been a team with huge roster turnover and this year is no different, so you have things like Michigan casually walking the ball upcourt and still getting what's more or less an open transition three for Caleb Houstan:
Jason Benetti is depressed on behalf of all basketball coaches everywhere who had to witness this. At some point even the partisan observer is asking Nebraska to show some sort of organization so that maybe this can be a better measuring stick
But! Nebraska has been reasonably competitive this year and this performance was far better than others against similar (or worse) levels of competition. At this point anything that suggests Michigan is working some things out is more than welcome. Bullets ahoy:
BULLETS
Shot quality: a thing. It's conventional wisdom in the land of the tempo-free stats that three point percentage against is largely random. This game set out to disprove that, with Michigan getting uncontested looks more or less whenever they wanted them and Nebraska throwing up piles of crap—step-backs, 30-footers, transition attempts on which the shooter never comes to a standstill, blindfolded HORSE shots. If you were to re-run this game over and over again there might be a few iterations where the teams came out with similar numbers from behind the arc, but the heart of Michigan's distribution would probably be 40% while Nebraska's was 20%.
The conventional wisdom is likely because most games against similarly matched teams have a similar quality of look from a similar quality of shooter. Over time things tend to even out. This does not mean that there are not individual shots that are good or bad. Usually the quality gap is much, much smaller.
[After THE JUMP: TEBJJ]
The Enigmatic Brandon Johns Jr. I may never refer to Brandon Johns as anything other than The Enigmatic Brandon Johns Jr from now on. After a disastrous start to the season, Johns went off for 20 points on 12 shot equivalents, though he did offset that with a couple turnovers. Guys have good and bad games but I don't know if I've ever seen a player who alternates between "unplayable on a high-major team" to "NBA maybe?" like he does. So when a game opens up with Johns canning a pick and pop three…
…you're in for a good time. Back in the Moe Wagner days it felt like Wagner's first attempt from three was worth 10 points. This is similar.
Two things: Johns has clearly been yelled at to take open threes. His hesitation to do so has always been a little inexplicable given his career numbers, which are firmly in the "take open threes" bin. He hit 2/3 in this game and only had one moment of hesitation where he likely should have shot but elected not to. Progress.
The other thing was Johns getting to the short corner and posting up.
This is something he did with frequency during the post-Livers section of last year. While he doesn't get to the rim a ton his combination of size and lift makes him really hard to check when he gets into short post hook range. Johns had an outburst of FTAs after moving into the starting lineup last year; in this game he got 7, which is one fewer than he'd had all season.
Here's the part where I say "if": if Johns can be some version of this guy that significantly changes Michigan's season trajectory.
Also in surges. Terrance Williams II was your Kenpom MVP in just 22 minutes with 22 points on12 shot equivalents, a couple OREBs, three assists, and one TO. This was his first double-digit scoring outing since the opener and as with Johns a slightly jaundiced eye must be cast over the box score given how discombobulated Nebraska was.
8/20 from three is some distance away from last year's 1/14, so we have some early indications offseason talk was on point.
Five star vs five star. Caleb Houstan decisively won his individual matchup with Bryce McGowens. The most surprising thing about this was not Houstan finding his shooting touch against a team that has more or less elected not to contest threes but the fact that he held McGowens to eight points. Hell, he held McGowens to 7 shooting possessions inside the arc. Two of the successful ones (an OREB putback and a trip to the line) came when Brooks got switched onto McGowens, a third was a drive at Zeb Jackson. This looked like a spot where Houstan was going to get roasted; he more than held his own.
Here's hoping this is the 2021-22 version of Mike Smith going from major defensive liability to a guy who had limitations but generally forced people to shoot over him.
Meanwhile on offense, 4/7 from behind the line brings him up to 38% from deep on the season and there are flashes in there of a guy who can be a secondary playmaker. This dribble handoff setup to Johns was *chef's kiss*:
And he's beginning to hit some threes that make you think this is going somewhere. The ability to say this possession is going nowhere, lol whatever…
…is an important one for any basketball team to have. Jury's still out about how ruthless Houstan can be once he's got his feet under him at the college level. Signs and portents so far.
Verge'd. Alonso Verge torched Michigan's point guards all night. Verge has a tendency to do this on occasion, and boy does he have experience driving to the hoop with no help, but this was just too easy. I think we have to repudiate those offseason takes from the NBA G League camp where Devante' Jones was proclaimed the best defender there:
back-to-back torchings here
Collins didn't do a whole lot better but at least it felt like when he was on the floor Verge had to finish through him most of the time. At that point he was on fire and he just continued to finish.
Collins didn't continue his performance from the SDSU game, though he did have three assists versus no TOs, and is currently shooting 40% on free throws, so the needle swung a little bit toward Jones after this game. PG is going to be an issue. Maybe we should have kicked the tires on Verge.
The baby hook. Derrick Walker did a good job walling up against Dickinson, preventing him from getting to the rim on most of his post ups. It didn't matter because I think literally all of these went down:
Dickinson hit one of these with his right hand, as well. Also in Dickinson developments: he hit a three from the top of the arc when his defender elected not to check him. He missed a couple others but he's now 5/11 on the season, and this is on the verge of being a Thing.
[Campredon]
Zeb? Zeb Jackson had a brief, unpleasant cameo appearance in the SDSU game. Here he came in and immediately set up Williams for a layup and then hit a three. Later he attacked a closeout for a hoop at the bucket; that was two steps to the rim and then elevation that was impressive. I'm dubious that Jackson's going to stick around since these days the portal beckons all but I hope he does because I think he might turn into something next year or the year after. Ibi Watson vibes: that guy couldn't play at all at Michigan but was an impressive athlete and then he was the second-best player on that elite Dayton team that was headed for a one-seed before COVID canceled the tournament.
Hummel and Benetti. For my money, the best announce duo in any sport right now. Both are great individually, and together they're even better. Benetti sarcastically promised that something riveting would happen in the last three minutes of this one, and then they managed to cobble together a reason: Michigan was one player away from tying an NCAA record for the most players with a made three in one game at 9. When Michigan dumped it down to Jaron Faulds for a post hook they were crushed.
Also enjoyed Benetti referring to one Verge drive that Collins defended as the two guys "trading paint."
December 8th, 2021 at 12:24 PM ^
I'm happy at this point with any game in which Michigan looks like a group of players who met prior to the tipoff and discussed how their offense and defense should operate. And I don't say that to dog the players or coaches. There is reason to think that this group can improve a lot. But there has been more room for improvement than we'd hoped for!
December 8th, 2021 at 12:24 PM ^
there are two kinds of games against Nebraska: one in which they hit a bunch of garbage and you have a mildly competitive game, and 35-point blowouts
Didn't we lose at Nebraska 70-52 or something one time? Our guys couldn't throw it in the ocean. That was probably a better Nebraska team but I'm happy it wasn't that
December 8th, 2021 at 12:37 PM ^
Yeah, Nebraska beat Michigan by 20 back in 2018 for their only H2H victory since joining the Big Ten (1-14). The Huskers were a good-ish team but also Michigan had no legs and was coming off of an emotional Saturday win at Breslin, then having to play Maryland on a Monday. By the time they traveled to Nebraska for a Thursday game, I'm pretty sure they were exhausted mentally and physically.
Nebraska fans thought that win would seal their bid to the NCAAT. Michigan blew them out in the BTT to end any of that talk.
December 8th, 2021 at 12:44 PM ^
Good memory. Yeah, I remember that Nebraska team ending up being decent. 13-5(!) in the Big Ten and went to the NIT(!). That's kind of amazing.
December 8th, 2021 at 1:47 PM ^
Yeah, that was a solid top 50ish team with Copeland, Roby and Palmer Jr.
Definitely crazy that a 13-5 Big ten team didn't make it but they had a rough (9-4) non-conf without any quality wins and the league was down that year.
Maryland and Wisconsin had losing records. Illinois and Iowa were both 4-14!! Crazy to think about now but Brad Underwood has turned Illinois around.
December 8th, 2021 at 2:13 PM ^
And their win over Michigan turned out to be really impressive in the end, with us going to the national title game. It's crazy how fast things fell apart for Nebraska after that.
December 8th, 2021 at 2:31 PM ^
It really didn't fall apart for them. they went 8-2 in conference play after that game to finish tied with Michigan for fourth in the big ten. They lost the 4/5 game of course and with their meh start (9-4) and the weakness of the Big Ten, it wasn't enough for them to get in.
December 8th, 2021 at 3:13 PM ^
I mean what's happened to their program since that season. They became really bad in a very short amount of time.
December 8th, 2021 at 1:45 PM ^
Also, Nebraska had a 6 day rest and didn't play anyone during that time Michigan had played 3 games. The schedule balance was kind of stupid that year.
December 8th, 2021 at 12:26 PM ^
It's like football player weight gain.
All made shots are good made shots.
December 8th, 2021 at 12:29 PM ^
Not sure why Jackson would look to leave. There aren't any other natural small forwards on the roster. Even if Houstan comes back next year, I'd suspect he'll have all the playing time at the 4 he could want. Johns will be gone, and if Diabate isn't in the NBA, he'd be at the 5.
December 8th, 2021 at 1:19 PM ^
I think Zeb and Bufkin fill very similar roles on this team, but I agree, Zeb could could see solid minutes next year with our Jones, Brooks, and Houstan likely departing
December 8th, 2021 at 2:57 PM ^
I've just assumed that Bufkin is in line to be the 2 next year with Jackson and Barnes splitting the majority of the time at the 3.
December 8th, 2021 at 1:52 PM ^
Because he's not a small forward, he's a guard. And if he's getting passed by younger guys like Collins and Bufkin that's a direct path to the portal.
He'll get shoehorned into playing the wing some this year because there's no one else to back up Houstan, but he's a guard.
December 8th, 2021 at 12:40 PM ^
Thank you for bringing up Hummel and Benetti. I was making marks all over my play by play sheet with things they said. What a treat.
December 8th, 2021 at 12:47 PM ^
Right on. I did a spit take when toward the end of the broadcast, Benetti told Hummel that he had played at Purdue for 9 years. Good stuff!
December 8th, 2021 at 5:01 PM ^
that was right after he asked Hummel what it was like playing against somebody who played back in the 60s. I thought it was pretty funny all their back and forths and needling and was amazed that he was clued into the Hummel-was-at-Purdue-forever meme.
December 8th, 2021 at 12:54 PM ^
Those guys really are the best. Putting aside the excellent chemistry between them, there's no color commentator I'd rather listen to than Hummel. Always insightful, and willing to call out coaches and players.
December 8th, 2021 at 12:59 PM ^
Hummel's insights and honest assessments/criticisms are the best in the business.
December 8th, 2021 at 1:58 PM ^
Benetti is wonderful and White Sox fans got the largest possible upgrade moving to him from Hawk Harrelson. Steve Stone is about the happiest man in town.
I highly recommend this Benetti profile written by Peter Sagal of WWDTM & NPR:
https://www.chicagomag.com/chicago-magazine/october-2021/the-storyteller-of-the-white-sox/
December 8th, 2021 at 4:11 PM ^
Benetti pestering Hummel to name more NBA guys who were stronger than him, and Hummel calling out that Benetti had accidentally swapped Charles Woodson's and Desmond Howard's names were excellent. Not the forced "yuck yuck" joking that you get with say, Troy Aikman and Joe Buck.
December 8th, 2021 at 12:48 PM ^
Agree on the announcers. Robbie Hummel is knowledgeable without being a pompous ass and mixes in some humor and just seems like a nice guy.
December 8th, 2021 at 12:49 PM ^
In a game that was so lopsided it might mean nothing, it sure feels like a lotta good somethings were doing on.
December 8th, 2021 at 12:56 PM ^
Let's fire up those shots Brandon!
December 8th, 2021 at 12:57 PM ^
Any insider info on Barnes? Have to assume he is injured given the off season hype about how good he looked. Know he is taking a big step up in competition but there was a lot of bench minutes to be had in this game
December 8th, 2021 at 1:43 PM ^
And no Jace? C'mon, pops. Show your kid some love.
December 8th, 2021 at 1:48 PM ^
I saw a report Jace was injured
December 8th, 2021 at 3:09 PM ^
Does anyone redshirt anymore? Because it sure looks like Barnes and Tschetter are redshirting.
December 8th, 2021 at 1:09 PM ^
I want to see Brandon Johns succeed. He's been a program guy, carried over from Beilein, came in with somewhat high expectations, stayed the course despite not being a featured guy with a new coach and has been open about his battles with confidence. Based on that alone I really have taken a liking to him from a non basketball perspective.
On the court, it comes and goes. For the most part this season, he's been seemingly off, particularly when tasked to shoot. That player is tough to watch unfortunately. However, when he's assertive like against Nebraska, he can straight up take over. Talent to be a 2 way plus offensively and defensively is there. Going to be more ups and downs I wager, but here's hoping he can build off this performance as the season progresses!
December 8th, 2021 at 1:09 PM ^
Pleasantly surprised with Williams. I think his shooting probably ends up somewhere between last year and this years hot start. If he could maintain 35% from 3, that would be huge.
December 8th, 2021 at 1:56 PM ^
His talent is undeniable. A rare combination of skill and athleticism. It's always been the mental aspect of the game holding him back and agree that it would be great to see him put it together. Seems like a good kid.
December 8th, 2021 at 2:25 PM ^
I said something similar in the game thread - seems like a good guy, wish he can put it all together this year.
December 8th, 2021 at 1:45 PM ^
I like the team better with a shooter at the 4. You absolutely need Johns to shoot and TWIII to stay at 35 percent or above. I love Diabate, but the game of basketball is very hard to play without proper spacing. The team seems to be figuring that out a bit.
I agree on Jones. He got cooked a lot by Verge off the dribble. Zeb did the best job, and I thought Collins competed but wasn't quite strong enough. I'd like to see if Bufkin or Zeb can handle those longer guards that Michigan has struggled with this year, but I know they aren't seeing a ton of minutes. I'd still carve away at a few of Jones minutes.
December 8th, 2021 at 2:09 PM ^
Agree that you need four shooters on the floor (at least) but if we have a shooter at 5 (Dickinson), then you can play him with Diabate which gets your best defender on the floor. Dickinson taking 3+ threes per game and continuing to hit them at a solid rate will be critical to spacing as the year goes on.
December 8th, 2021 at 3:08 PM ^
Going to disagree slightly. It's great that HD is expanding his range (for his future and the team's). Against Illinois and Purdue, this will be a great weapon. And it's a nice change of pace. But for nearly every other B1G team, I think you want Hunter at or near the block on most possessions. He is too much of a scorer and rebounder to be isolated outside against most teams. You have to hope that Moussa and Johns can provide enough of a deep threat to make the spacing work.
December 8th, 2021 at 1:52 PM ^
Hard agree on Hummel and Benetti. Jason Benetti's story is awesome and I'm always happy to see him on the call. Him and Hummel have a great rapport with each other.
December 8th, 2021 at 2:14 PM ^
I have always liked Benetti's game calls, especially when paired with Hummel. But I had no idea about his backstory until I saw your comment and did some internet sleuthing.
I also didn't realize that he's the White Sox TV announcer. Hawk Harrelson is a tough gig to follow for that fanbase.
December 8th, 2021 at 1:53 PM ^
I'm kind of disappointed there was no mention of Zeb's defense in this recap. I wasn't able to catch the SDSU game, but in this one he was the best guard/wing defender by far. His athleticism/size was actually able to stop Verge when they went head-to-head and Zeb straight up stole his lunch on one possession.
December 8th, 2021 at 2:03 PM ^
I think this is Zeb's ticket for playing time on this roster. He's a lengthy athletic guy that can bother opposing lengthy athletic guards that give our shorter guys fits (see Arizona and Seton Hall games). I will be thrilled if he evolves into a defensive stalwart.
December 8th, 2021 at 2:05 PM ^
I have played with random people in pickup games and had better shot selection & defense than Nebraska.
December 8th, 2021 at 2:43 PM ^
As a Dayton alum: the Covid tourney cancellation was such a devastating blow. That team was so loaded. Watson was IMO the third best player on the team behind Toppin and Crutcher (PG), but honestly the top 7 on that roster was legit.
I had the same observation about Jones vs Collins defensively last night. Collins didn't prevent many buckets, but the shot quality was more difficult and he never got blown by. Jones looked like he was moving through molasses on the clips you linked here.
December 8th, 2021 at 3:12 PM ^
Benetti is really good. I watch way too many White Sox games solely to listen to him and Steve Stone prattle about.
Comments