Some thoughts for those who didn’t see the bball game

totally agree with the OP on Brooks. Kid is super calming and hits big shots. Does all the little things right as well. Hunter is super steady and definitely as important as Brooks to the team.

The rest is a work in progress. Diabate had a massive game tonight after being pretty much invisible versus Seton Hall (though that might be a lack of minutes). Houstan looked a bit better, but is still struggling finding his shot, which I agree is surprising. Same goes for Williams...better but definitely needs to be better than that

Very big minutes by BJJ - if Michigan is going anywhere they need this version of Johns on a consistent basis.

I missed the first half, so I can't comment too much on Bufkin - he looked pretty good, but not sure if I would put him in over Houstan at least from what I have seen - though he definitely is better on the defensive end than Houston, who may Franz's length but not his feet on defense.

Not sure about Jones; he seems, I dunno, a bit out of sorts at times? In terms of boxscore its not like he's doing poorly...just seems a bit janky when the intensity goes up?

I really hope that Jackson or Collins can step up as a viable ball handler

It’s only a matter of time before Diabate passes Johns in the starting lineup.

Jones and Houstan are our overall weak link right now. I’d rather start Eli and Kobe and also Diabate. Collins needs some run at point to see what he has before Zeb gets back. T Will is getting too three point happy. I really don’t know why Jones has such a long leash, especially when Collins is known for his hustle and defense. 

We have three real elite Big Ten starters: Hunter, Brooks, and Diabate. I think it's fair to say they would start on every team in the Big Ten. Beyond that...yikes.

Houstan looks like if freshman Zak Irvin was asked to do anything other than shoot. Some usage needs to come off his hands. Miraculously only has 3 TOs the last two games, when it seems like he should have double that. 2-18 shooting last two games. I don't see how you can do anything other than just stick him in the corner and tell him to shoot if he's open, he's being asked to do way too much right now. About half of his shots need to go to Hunter instead.

Jones doesn't look like a starter. Too out of control and careless with the ball. 8 TOs in last two games and again it looks like it should be more. We miss Mike Smith bad, maybe even more than Franz.

Johns is the same player he always has been. Fine for fifteen minutes off the bench, but he's never going to reach the potential he came in with. Williams seems like a similar player where you can't trust him offensively, but he at least shoots.

Start Diabate over Houstan, bump up Bufkin's minutes, get Zeb back from injury and at least let him try to run point (though I fear he probably hasn't improved much either, given the rest of returners seeming static in their play).

Diabate is a lot of fun to watch. I know he made the last two, but his FT shooting will probably cause some issues down the road late in games. But I like watching him and Hunter on the floor together.

What Mike Smith did last year isn’t a gimme. Jones still has a lot of time to fit in, but Smith made it more seamless than it probably typically is.

Houstan’s shooting has to improve, right? I mean, it couldn’t possibly be worse than the last two games. He’s in a tough spot being that young, a 5*, and stepping into the spot where our best player last year was. I’m not too worried yet. He’s not going to be Franz, but it’s a long season and he’ll get in the groove.

Agree with most of the takes here. Biggest issue is Jones. Not a PG. I think he could be a decent bench piece as a combo guard if he hunted that floater. Right now, we're way better off with Eli as primary ballhandler. 

As others have said, Diabate is 6'9ish, not that it matters. We haven't had someone like him defensively since, Ekpe Udoh? Except, he's the rich man's version. 

Overall, though, this team won't go anywhere significant if they can't get better on the perimeter defensively and find more minutes from shooters. Who those shooters are, I don't know. Outside of Brooks, right now you don't feel like a shot from anyone is going in from beyond the arc.

Still look a bit sloppy.  Nice to see Johns picking up his game a bit.  Jones needs to a facilitator more than a playmaker.  Houstan needs to improve everything.  Diabetes needs to practice FTs.

Agree with most of your thoughts and great to see Eli playing so well. If anything I'd like him to hunt his shot a little more as he sometimes tends to defer - being a good teammate. He's got the shooting to have D Walton like senior season imho.

Jones is so disappointing. I'm hoping he can pick it up as the coaches obviously see something that we do not. Still making dumb fouls, cheating like a Don Brown cb leading to wide open shots and loose with the ball. His floater does seem solid though. 

I think I'm higher on Johns than most. Has the talent and had a nice burst in the 2nd half there - hoping the coaches can get more consistency out of him. 

Lastly, so psyched to see Diabate - nice to have an athlete like that again. Go Blue! big test on Sunday

This team has too much talent to have a 8 man rotation. If Zeb comes back, he at least needs to play. Why not bring Jones and Johns off of the bench? Kobe and Diabate are better. Houstan, despite struggling, should play unless Zeb comes in and plays well and you can sub Kobe for Houstan. Houstan has a larger upside than Johns and T Will is just one of those junk yard dogs that gets you 8-10 solid minutes a game. 

Eli seems to be playing the role of steady captain magnificently this year. He is a willing facilitator and makes sure other guys are getting their looks and getting into the swing of the game... but when Michigan needs a bucket, he goes out and gets it with ruthless efficiency. He bailed Jones out multiple times tonight when he was struggling with UNLV ball pressure. He's always in the right spot defensively and he doesn't make mental mistakes. 

You could also argue Hunter is our best player as well. I think he's certainly their most dominant, but Eli knows what he needs to do on every possession and he does his job at the highest level. We're so lucky to have him back this year. 

Diabate.... all I can say is, he looked like freshman Chris Webber tonight. Or maybe what Kevin Garnett would have looked like had he suited up for Michigan. He is truly a unique athlete, just on a whole 'nother level from everyone else on the court. This was his coming out party tonight, and he is going to be impossible to keep off the court if this is a sign of things to come.

Bufkin seems to just keep getting better every game. I would not be surprised if he assumed a starting role by January. He didn't fill the stat sheet in this one, but he looks like he belongs out there and he knows what he is doing. Only a matter of time before he starts making game impacting plays. You can see he has the tools to do it.

Jones & Houstan... rough couple of games for those two. Houstan I think just looks like he isn't comfortable out there, and perhaps his confidence is a little rattled. While that is mildly surprising given his recruiting profile, but game 4 for a freshman can go all kinds of ways. If he can settle in and regain his confidence, I think he'll do what he does and hit shots for us. His defense is not good at all right now. If he can get to "functional" by B1G play, I think he can still be a net-positive impact guy. It is clear our defense is not going to be nearly as good as it was last year (unless Diabate blocks everything in the paint, which... might somehow actually be possible?). Jones did not play well against Seton Hall, and he did not play well again tonight. It's not just cold streak stuff with him, or trying to catch up with a new system. He makes a lot of fundamental basketball mental errors; leaves his feet defending the shot and exposes the team defense, forces errid passes under pressure into the paint that result in turnovers, does not handle ball pressure well at all for a high major point guard, drives into no man's land and picks up needless offensive fouls, so far he has been a clear liability in the past two games once the level of competition increased. That does not bode well for B1G play if it continues, but perhaps he's just pressing to much and needs to just take what the game gives him. He needs to be better though once B1G play start or Michigan is going to struggle against the better guards in the league.

Was good to see Johns come out aggressive as hell to start the second, because he looked a little checked out for a couple halves there. He may be a Jeckyl & Hyde kind of player, but when he's playing with high energy he can make an impact. TWil brought the energy, just didn't impact the box score much. He's definitely a nice guy to have when you need him. And Michigan is going to need him. Will be interesting to see how these guys develop. I think the learning curve for this team is much steeper than last years, so I don't expect any 10 game win streaks. Still these guys should be fun to watch. If anything Moussa Diabate is going to be one of the most entertaining players in America this season. That kid is different.

The main weakness of this team right now is at point guard. The offense needs to start from there and the defense should settle around it. That is not happening and the team looks like how it's point guard is playing. This team has a ton of talent, but it's all going to get wasted if that issue isn't resolved.

If Michigan's point guard has trouble with turnovers, getting the ball down the floor cleanly, setting up the bigs and getting guys clean looks through the offense, maintaining position and defending without committing senseless fouls, this season is not going to be pretty.

Maybe it will improve over time, but I'd be getting the other guys lots of minutes.

Zeb traveled with the team and was warming up today. Is there something we don’t know about his status? He never shed his warmup suit today.

I think the key for this team is for Eli to take control like Derrick Walton did as his career progressed. Move Jones to the second unit or at least let Eli run point as much as possible. I actually wouldn't mind a second unit with Jones and Johns, with Johns being the first early sub, for Diabate or for Hunter if he picks up quick fouls. And the way Diabate was guarding on the ball tonight, I wouldn't even mind trying Hunter/Diabate/Johns big lineup. Usually that would kill the shooting, but Johns might he one of our best catch and shoot shooters at this point (Eli and then a big gap there). I think Houstan needs a long leash bc nobody else has his skillset. He needs to be a two way guy with size who can hit threes. If not him, who? 

The comments here make us look like a bunch a spoiled kids. Freshman players and transfers do not always work out right away. Last year we were lucky with Smith and Hunter. This year Houstan and Jones are not ready but at this point Is trust Howard to handle the rotation.

I didn’t watch last night but would 100% agree, in the 3 games I’ve seen.  Jones play to me has been “bench” worthy to date.  Mike Smith was so much better at this point.  

It’s early I would anticipate this team to be very much like a UCLA was like last year where they weren’t one of the better teams in the country all year but by the end of the year they became a dangerous out in the Tourney. Arizona will be a fantastic test although already we’ve played two tough games at least according to Kenpom and we have at least a few more tough games scheduled in the non conference so there are opportunities.

We expect a bit too much from freshman players.  When you were a freshman, I don't think you were lighting it up either.

Big shout out to OP and everyone that's posted summaries of the play last night!  I dished out a lot of +1's because I'm going to the game today and didn't want to be up all night with a long day ahead of me.  It's great to see all of these takes - thank you!!!

It feels like Houstan needs time to sort himself out, and that Jones' leash might start to get a little short soon.  I know Zeb was injured, but why hasn't Collins been playing much?  

Johns and Diabate showed a lot of good, aggressive energy in the second half, energy that we hadn't seen enough of; and UNLV eventually wore down from the superior level of intensity they showed in the first half (and SH showed in the second half the other night). Michigan is going to need to pick that up from everyone if this is going to be a successful year.

Dickinson showed some improved offensive skills, but is going to need to be more dominant. Jones is displaying some of the needed aggressiveness, but it's not disciplined enough. Houstan and Williams have been liabilities so far.

Thank God for Eli Brooks. This team would look lost without him.

Eli is the man.

Dickinson has been great, but the team just stops feeding him for long stretches of the game.

Houstan needs to start making teams pay for going under screens on him. He has little issue where he ALWAYS comes around the screen with the ball and drives to the hoop. Many times last night his defender would just undercut the screen and he would just keep driving into traffic.

Jones this game was more of what we have seen. He brings no offensive flow to the team. Same as Houstan, he isn't punishing teams for going under the screens. He has lots of space at the 3 and just won't shoot. He has this bad habit of dribbling into traffic instead of just letting Dickinson take advantage of the space down low. Also, how many bad turnovers is this guy going to have? These at like dribbling the ball off his foot multiple times kind of deals. He will hopefully improve, but at his current play level I could easily see him getting passed by kobe or Zeb (assuming he's still alive) at some point sooner rather than later. 

Johns was again invisible until he had a great 3 minute stretch before he hit the bench for like the last 10 minutes of the game.

Diabate was great against the smaller defenders that were guarding him. His defense was stellar. Hit that long 2. He needs to be able to do that somewhat consistently to bring his game to another level. Based off his free throw shooting, idk if he can do that. Potential is off the charts if he can.

More kobe please. Kid plays solid defense and isn't afraid to let it rip on offense. 

I just watched the recording. 

I am not quite as down on Jones as some other people are. He is still adjusting to the competition level and his new team/scheme. Yeah he needs to stop going for steals so much, and tone it down just a bit with the pushoffs and crazy drives on offense. But he'll adjust by the time January is rolling around I think. Maybe not as good as we were hoping for but I think he'll be fine

Diabate is just a monster. So excited to see him get more minutes, he should definitely steal a few of Johns minutes.Unfortunately I think Johns is who he is at this point.

Houstan continues to dissapoint - I am more bummed about his play so far than Jones' to be honest. A few questionable shots, poor defense, and can't seem to find his stroke from outside. His passing has been way better than expected though

Bufkin looks like he has a very bright future. Wouldn't be opposed to him getting some more run at the 2 and shift Brooks to PG for stretches

Speaking of Brooks holy cow I thought he was great last year but he's taken it to another level so far this year. Amazing!

So many bad takes. Sooo..............many.................bad...................takes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I watched the first half then went to bed..

Brooks was not handling the ball enough.  I think there was like 3 straight possessions where Jones turned it over.

2 charges, and he just totally threw the ball away.

If he doesn't improve quickly once they get into big ten play he will be crushed.

Imo brooks needs to take over and limit Houstans time for someone that cab contribute

I mostly agree. Bufkin needs more minutes and Diabate. I think they can go three guards with Diabate and Dickinson. They also need to get the ball to Hunter in the low post more often when they hit droughts. 
Houstan is struggling, and he hasn’t adjusted to moving without the ball to create space. I haven’t given up, but he need me to lose time to Bufkin for now. I’d also give Collins five minutes a game to see what you can get. 

Interesting thread, though I tend to reserve judgment (good or bad) until conference play starts, just like with football.

Free throws 21-4!

I stayed up and watched the whole game. 

Let's start with the positives: Eli and Hunter were solid yet again. Diabate flashed his purported skill set and then some. His energy was great and we saw him co-exist with Dickinson quite well. The defense forced a lot of tough shots and to the credit of UNLV, they made a lot of them. Held them under 1 point-per-possession. Brandon Johns played well in limited time and we may see him revert back to being an energy guy, whether that means being a starter or coming off the bench probably doesn't matter. Bufkin looked good defensively in limited time.  

The negatives: Davante Jones simply didn't look comfortable bringing the ball up the court and had 5 turnovers, most of which seemed completely avoidable. Caleb Houstan continues to struggle - I think if he can start knocking down some shots that we will see a much more confident player in the coming weeks. Outside shooting in general - Eli is the only one looking to shoot and knocking them down with any consistency.

UNLV loaded up on experienced transfer players and certainly had some athleticism out there. They did well to hang around as long as they did. I still very much like the potential of this team and think that it's too early to make any bold proclamations one way or the other. Looking around the Big Ten, I would be surprised if we finished lower than 4th - that's as bold as I'll get for now.  

I pretty much agree with your review but I’ll add one more thing…. IMPROVE PERIMETER DEFENSE FOR FUCKS SAKE!

Diabate was 0 for 4 on his last four free throws, then drained his last two at the line.  And Michigan covered because of it thereby making the degenerates very happy.  The crowd was cheering like crazy as he made one free throw and the next.

Jones is fine. He is just not playing without instincts because he is trying to be unselfish. It's hard to go from the guy to trying to fit in and find your place. He'll figure it out.

Houstan, his play may be a good thing for us in the future. Could keep him here a year longer. He really, as of now, needs another year. NBA players would destroy him every night and I'd see him being sent to the g league.

I really think Bufkin will be a player, he plays well enough on defense, he's shown moves to get to the basket, once he gets more time the scoring will come. Houstan has been very bad for a top 10 player and below average to ok player for a freshman playing that many minutes. If he didn't have the pedigree I think me and others wouldn't be as hard for him. 

I really think they need to change their ball sceen defense back to drop coverage. I think Hunter is good at it, and it makes it easier for the off ball defenders to just play their man instead of hedging so hard and forcing a rotation. The freshman (especially Houstan) have been very bad on their rotations. I think that will limit the amount of wide open 3s teams seem to be getting. 

Jones can operate the offense, he just has to play within it and within the defense. He's trying too hard and taking stupid gambles on defense for no reason. Although it is a little troubling that he's had a hard time pushing the ball against the full court press. I don't think we've been able to score quickly once when a team presses, which we were used to with Simpson and Beilein in general. 

They'll improve and be better, but I think there's a big gap between Michigan and Purdue and you can maybe throw Illinois in there as well. Luckily the rest of the B1G looks bad.

Ok, first thing to point out is season is very young. People may have blocked out NJIT, but basketball seasons are long, and weird things happen.

Plenty of time for this team to get much better. 

Personally, I thought Seton Hall looked tougher than UNLV. SH had size to compete down low and was fundamentally sound. UNLV has athletes and a couple hard-nosed guys who can score - but they were helter-skelter on both ends; when Michigan attacked quickly UNLV was a mess, and UNLV had no team concept on offense.

That said, some things are starting to become apparent:

Positives:

- Brooks and Dickinson are really, really good. Complaints about Hunter are off-base. He's the go-to guy in clutch situations, and his low-post game is really maturing. They're both experienced, refined, and battle-tested.

- Diabate is fun to watch. 6-9 at most, but super jumpy. Reminds me so much of a young, raw Kevin Garnett. However, he REALLY needs to work on FT's. It's a free possession to hack him.

- Rim defense is really good. DIckinson, Johns and especially Diabate are all super strong down low. So many rejections!

- Potential to be a strong defensive team, once young guys sort things out. Length, athleticism, hustle are there. Freshmen and Williams/Johns still get caught flat-footed way too often. That should improve. Houstan is a matador so far, but he's got size and some agility so should improve.

Negatives:

- Shooting is my biggest concern with this team. Brooks is a weapon, but that's about it so far. We absolutely need Houstan and/or Bufkin (or someone else) to spread the floor. Today's basketball and Juwan's NBA style require guys who can spot up. We run good sets and make smart passes - our shooting is not good. This will probably be an issue all season; not enough shooters - especially in end-of-game half-court sets.

-PG is 2nd biggest concern (as others have mentioned). Jones doesn't seem to have a B1G-level handle, and he certainly doesn't have Smith's speed/quickness. Defensively I think he's fine, but our guards are gonna get pressured. I'm optimistic his offense/playmaking will improve with more time in the system. He's not the answer from outside - but wasn't expected to be.

Ranom thoughts:

- Like others, would like to see more time from other young guys - Juwan may need to make some tough choices to get more scoring/ball handling on the floor.

- Disagree with others - Houstan needs to play. We desperately need his outside shooting, and he desperately needs game experience. Game's moving too fast for him now, and he's learning that stuff he could get away with in HS won't work in college. Coaches should draw up plays to get him clean looks to get him some confidence. He clearly can shoot - and boy, do we need it.