Michigan 96, Bowling Green 82
Bowling Green, the preseason MAC favorite, provided a worthy challenge for a Michigan team that turned over a significant amount of their rotation over this strange offseason. As the home team's talent gelled over the course of the game, however, none of that seemed to matter much. While we of course don't want to overreact to one game, the Wolverines look to have the potential to be really dang good.
The newcomers were the big story. Columbia point guard transfer Mike Smith started alongside Eli Brooks in the backcourt and drove a lot of the offense, scoring 16 points on 12 shooting possessions and dishing out eight assists against a lone turnover. Smith repeatedly broke down the Bowling Green defense with quick-strike drives into the paint, getting to the line for eight free throw attempts in 31 minutes.
Freshman center Hunter Dickinson came off the bench behind senior Austin Davis, but it was the former who played more minutes, 18 to 13, and he looked every bit the part of a top-50 prospect. Dickinson scored 11 points on ten shooting possessions, grabbed three offensive rebounds among his eight total boards, threw a nice cross-court assist from the post on an Isaiah Livers three, and blocked a shot while altering some others. He looked comfortable operating on offense and his size made up for some of his freshman defensive mistakes.
Chaund33333 [ESPN2 screencap]
Wake Forest transfer Chaundee Brown had perhaps the best and most unexpected performance of them all, leading the team with 19 points, scoring all but one in the second half, while draining 5-of-7 three-pointers. Brown played with great energy, pulling down two rebounds on each end of the court, moving the ball around for three assists, and defending with dogged purpose in 20 high-impact minutes. His marksmanship was one of the main reasons Michigan pulled away in the second half—the halftime lead was merely seven—and kept the Falcons at bay despite their own hot outside shooting.
The returners worked with the new guys almost seamlessly on offense. Livers added 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and a steal that led to an emphatic alley-oop slam. Brooks, trading off point guard duties with Smith, was the fifth Wolverine in double figures with 11 points, two rebounds, four assists, and a steal.
Franz Wagner, who returned from an injury scare after a collision caused apparent pain to his left ankle late in the first half, missed all four of his three-pointers but did everything else, stuffing the box score with nine points, six boards, two assists, a block, and a steal. Brandon Johns split his time between power forward and center, as expected, and added seven points in only 14 minutes while limited by early foul trouble. Freshman Terrance Williams had some flashes playing both the four and the five, as well; it's maybe most notable that he got on the court in the first half when the game was close.
The team's ball movement looked like that of a high-level squad in late-season form. The ball didn't stick in halfcourt play; it got into the frontcourt quickly when there was a chance to run. The Wolverines tallied assists on 23 of their 33 baskets. They got into the bonus early in both halves because the Falcons had a tough time containing them. Six different players had at least one offensive rebound.
The defense could use work, which isn't a shock coming out of the season's first game. The guards had trouble staying in front of impressive Bowling Green guard Justin Turner, who led all scorers with 24 points and could've had more if he were a better finisher around the hoop—he used 25 shooting possessions. There were a couple breakdowns in pick-and-roll coverage, some late closeouts, and inconsistent rim protection when the team went small. Dickinson still needs to figure out when to go for blocks and when to block out. These issues should improve over time.
Meanwhile, it's hard not to be pleased with Michigan's performance. They took on a tougher opponent than usual in the opener and made easy work of them. They already seem to have answered one of the season's big questions; Dickinson is going to take over as this team's center sooner or later. The transfers fit right in. It's going to be fun to watch this squad develop.
[Hit THE JUMP for the box score.]
November 25th, 2020 at 6:53 PM ^
I thought they looked really good. Mike Smith looks like quite the player. Dickinson's passing ability is going to add an element to the offense for our 3 point shooters.
November 26th, 2020 at 8:51 AM ^
Mike Smith makes free throws - how refreshing.
November 26th, 2020 at 10:40 AM ^
So does Dickinson. His FT stroke is smooth and he is going to live at the line with his size in the paint.
This team is deep.
November 25th, 2020 at 7:02 PM ^
Impressed with Smith, Dickinson and Brown. Livers 17 pts seemed like a quiet 17 pts.
I think Williams has a chance to be a good contributor and depth seems strong, Franz will get his too. FT shooting is so improved thankfully.
Just got to play smart and it could be a really fun season.
November 25th, 2020 at 7:02 PM ^
a solid game. I walked away really impressed with Bowling Green.
I'm interested in seeing how they do this year.
November 25th, 2020 at 7:06 PM ^
Hopefully really well along with us too.
November 25th, 2020 at 8:18 PM ^
From what I have seen around the interwebs, they're projected to win the MAC so, we have that at least.
November 25th, 2020 at 8:59 PM ^
Everyone was talking about Turner (for good reason) but that Diggs cat can fill it up. He's so confident with that outside shot
November 25th, 2020 at 7:03 PM ^
Dickinson will take the starting job sooner than later. I think Davis is matchup dependent because he's pretty much in when there's an immobile C on the floor, but he'll provide body to wear down post players. Dickinson is much more skilled and can do things a lot more than Davis offensively. I'm impressed with his passing which should be an asset once he gets comfortable with B1G conference.
There is a reason why Mike Smith is the starting PG. It's his ability to run the offense and distribute as well as his aggressiveness to score. You didn't see him overdo it which is different than when you watched him at Columbia where he has to do everything for the team. A change of scenery will do him good in toning down shot selections.
Chaundee Brown: We've heard the hype about his shooting and he has delivered so far. If he can keep it up, he'll be a weapon coming out of the bench as a 3 and D guy. He's their best defender and I don't think it's close.
The two freshmen, Terrance Williams and Zeb Jackson. They played like freshmen and still has growing pains especially Williams who was kind of wild but he plays hard. I'm encouraged to see Juwan putting them out there because he knows that he'll need them when the time comes later in the season.
Overall, I'm pleased with the team performance especially against a team who is preseason favorite to win the MAC. BGSU certainly played like it and they have the offense to win their conference.
November 25th, 2020 at 7:32 PM ^
I might be wrong but it wasn't hype on Browns shooting but a knock. But who cares, I loved the way he attacked the rim to go for a drink, with absolutely no tentativeness. This kids energy is gonna be good glue for a great team.
Smith impressed me. I was concerned with the bad losing record they had at Columbia that he might be as good, but he was a pleasant surprise.
This team is deep... I didn't see much of Zeb or Williams... Did Jace get in ?
November 25th, 2020 at 8:52 PM ^
Very much agree on Chaundee Brown. Brown was believed to be a decent shooter, at best, with most of his points coming from aggressive drives and outback’s. On the podcast and preview, Ace made the case that he was likely a better shooter than he had been reputed to be, since a whopping number of his threes were contested and he still made 35% and had a high FT%. For this game, at least, he looks like a plus shooter.
Obviously we all hope that sticks, but what feels like it is definitely going to stick is his enthusiasm, defense and offensive rebounding. Like pass rushers in football, rebounders tend to declare their identities early. There was one possession where Brown and Johns both went up for a rebound and knocked it out of each other’s hands to a BGSU player. Tough outcome, but awesome energy; if you were raised on a diet of late ‘80s and mid ‘00s Pistons, you had to love it.
November 25th, 2020 at 7:04 PM ^
Offensively, the back court and wings are better than last year.
November 25th, 2020 at 7:13 PM ^
There are some things we are going to lose from the graduation of Teske and Simpson at the 1 & 5 position. However, Smith and Dickinson bring some things that the departed seniors couldn’t do. I think it will be a wash, maybe even an upgrade.
We need Johns to be the X factor and he was up to the challenge in game one.
We have some weapons.
November 25th, 2020 at 8:24 PM ^
I'll gladly trade the gains on offense at PG and center for the drop-off in defense.
November 25th, 2020 at 9:56 PM ^
Based on brief 1st game evidence it easy to see the potential of Smith & Hunter > Simpson & Teske.
November 25th, 2020 at 11:08 PM ^
After one game, it seems like Smith & Hunter would outscore the Simpson & Teske almost every night. I also like Hunter's potential on defense, but at the moment I don't see how Smith can replace Simpson's defense. We will have to wait to see how all the playmaking develops on this team before making any judgments about that quality.
November 26th, 2020 at 6:28 AM ^
Our team defense should improve over time. A lot of it is communication. Let them see some different offensive sets in non-conference play and they'll get more comfortable working with each other.
November 25th, 2020 at 7:27 PM ^
I thought the team looked good today. Smith, Brown, and Dickinson all exceed my expectations. Zeb and Williams were rough but have long-term potential - I just don't see them paying much in competitive games unless injuries, illness, or foul troubles strike. I was also pleased with how comfortable Livers, Wagner, and Brown were bring the ball up the court; that alleviates one of my major concerns coming into this season.
I see a very solid eight man rotation with Smith, Brooks, Wagner, Livers, and Dickinson starting and Brown, Davis, and John coming off the bench. That is a top 15-20 team who can play with anyone when shots are falling.
November 25th, 2020 at 7:30 PM ^
I loved:
- Dickinson getting us out on the break so quick after a rebound. Team is playing at a much faster pace.
- All of Mike Smith's look, plus the way he pushed the action.
- Chaundee not only was knock down shooter, he played great d, was great on the boards and his energy is one of those intangibles that is priceless, particularly with some of the old guys who are silky smooth, but can be low energy.
- Livers made the right decision coming back, looked like he is going to have a seson.
- Loved the way Johns looked, seemed to be a lot more comfortable, confident.
- I actually thought we defensively rebounded really well, not a ton of put backs other than that killer dunk in the second.
- Brooks was very solid on both ends.
- We are pretty deep and can big, small and give a whole ton of different looks on both ends depending on what is needed. NBA approach.
Would like:
- To see more of Zeb, guy looked fluid and hungry in his few minutes.
- Franz take on and over a bit more (loved additional weight he was carrying), maybe find a way to get himself going earlier
- To see Livers run point and have Davis, Johns, Dickinson and Williams fill out he five...call it the Monster Mash line up...opposite of going small.
November 25th, 2020 at 8:07 PM ^
Generally agree, but Zeb got cooked multiple times playin on ball defense. It's understandable, bc he's a freshmen, but I definitely hope he gets some serious playing time in a few early season blowouts so he can work on keeping his man in front of him.
November 26th, 2020 at 1:32 AM ^
He's a freshman and didn't get much PT at Montverde. He is struggling to defend on PnR coverage and how to use his size/athleticism to take advantage of it. That will come with experience. Juwan will give him some runs to get his feet wet because he'll need him if one or both Smith/Brooks are in foul trouble or out for an extended period of time.
November 25th, 2020 at 8:10 PM ^
Love the comment about playing at a faster pace. Everything looked smoother than last year, when the offense looked clunky often....this team is going to be fun to watch.
November 25th, 2020 at 7:31 PM ^
Exactly my thought during the game: "It's going to be fun to watch this squad develop."
November 25th, 2020 at 7:32 PM ^
Chaun-D!
November 26th, 2020 at 4:40 AM ^
Chaun-3&D!
November 25th, 2020 at 7:49 PM ^
We beat them by 30+ if Trey Diggs doesn’t go off with all those 3’s in the second half. Reminded me of the Villanova Championship game... The boys played well.
November 25th, 2020 at 7:54 PM ^
Bowling Green sure can shoot. While our defense did not excel, many of the 3s BG hit were contested. Ours, on the other hand, were mostly open; they just didn't fall for anyone other than Brown. And we still scored 96!
November 26th, 2020 at 6:41 AM ^
Our ball movement seemed crisp from the start. Shot clock, what show clock? We were getting off quality shots with time to spare. I loved that we were able to create that many open threes.
November 25th, 2020 at 7:55 PM ^
That was a lot of fun to watch. Really looking forward to seeing how good they can be over the season.
November 25th, 2020 at 7:59 PM ^
A great showing by this team. Everyone played well, but what struck me most was the effect of the new guys. Brown and Dickinson aggressive and scoring the basketball -- we've been missing that for a while. Mike Smith as facilitator. Williams contributing. Don't misunderstand - I know that last year's guys played well, but the new guys stood way out. Everything looked smoother on offense as the new guys came in the game.
My reaction was wow, we can score the ball now. Less possessions seem like hard work. Definitely great to see!!
3-pt D maybe could use some work, but Diggs was hitting everything. I'm not a fan of us giving the few ticky-tack fouls at the rim we did, but it happens. Other than that, they had a couple players get theirs, but it worked out. If Diggs wasn't en fuego, we win by 20.
November 25th, 2020 at 8:07 PM ^
It's so much more fun to watch Michigan basketball than Michigan football these days.
November 25th, 2020 at 8:29 PM ^
Hail to the Victors!
Downtown Chaund333 Brown looked good. I liked how Smith ran the point, and how the team was passing the ball around. Liked how Dickinson contributed, too. Livers is Livers. I liked how Johns got in and went strong to the hoop. Wagner gets involved in many ways...
... but can he buy a 3? Hope his shot starts falling. Our D not too good on the dribble drives. But it was a pretty good test for the first game.
November 25th, 2020 at 8:31 PM ^
The Detroit News' game coverage had the perfect wording:
It was the impressive debuts of senior guard Chaundee Brown, freshman center Hunter Dickinson and Smith that tit the game in Michigan favor.
November 25th, 2020 at 8:55 PM ^
Smith was super impressive. Also Dickinson, Brown...really all of them.
Most impressive though is Juwan Howard
November 25th, 2020 at 9:59 PM ^
Bigten based on night one is gonna be a damm bloodbath this year.
November 26th, 2020 at 1:33 AM ^
Just like last year. B1G was the best conference in the league. They're so deep and I expect them to be just as deep as last year.
November 25th, 2020 at 10:06 PM ^
Thought Franz looked really aggressive on the offensive end and both Smith and Brown played well in their first games at UM. Dickinson is going to be a really great two-way center as he matures. Defense needs to improve but credit to BG for hitting some late shots to keep it closer.
November 25th, 2020 at 11:00 PM ^
I loved the alley oop, but I had flashbacks of Livers breaking his groin upon landing.
November 25th, 2020 at 11:00 PM ^
Apparently my flashback had a flashback and caused a double post.
November 26th, 2020 at 12:14 AM ^
Team has some depth, very nice
November 26th, 2020 at 1:54 AM ^
If this is a second tier team in the conference, the others must be really really good. I thought they payed so well that Hummel would come off that prediction and move them into the contender category but he did not. I enjoyed the game and the broadcast team (if we are allowed to say that)
November 26th, 2020 at 7:50 AM ^
Got so excited from the summary here that I just watched the extended (every basket) highlights. Team looks really good. Hopefully it isn't a Minnesota-eque head fake. I don't think we could have hoped for a better result from a first game. Hearing that Smith, Brown and Dickenson are the real deal is super encouraging.
November 26th, 2020 at 9:48 AM ^
Hopefully it isn't a Minnesota-eque head fake
It hopefully won't be a head fake since BGSU is not a bad team. They're currently #160 in Kenpom (Nebraska was #162 in KenPom last year for reference) and wouldn't be shocked if they moved up. Illinois fans should be taking their victory with a grain of salt since NC A&T is #310 in KenPom
November 26th, 2020 at 8:44 AM ^
Early returns are that Howard has assembled quite a staff. These guys obviously can coach. Looks like the team will be very competitive. Look forward to growth and improvement during the year.
November 26th, 2020 at 9:02 AM ^
They looked good for a first game against a solid opponent. Better than other first games in recent memory.
November 26th, 2020 at 12:09 PM ^
Loved, loved, loved Mike Smith. Not only can he shoot from the floor AND the free throw line, but his "Xavier" tempo drives the team's offense when he is on the floor. Who knows? If he had stayed at Columbia, he wouldn't be playing basketball this year. What a get! And the bonus of Brown is fabulous. That they both made an impact in the first game is a great omen for the season. They are like frosting on the cake that the team already had. And Dickinson looks like the real deal though needing more experience to be a major contributor.
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