Depth of the Basketball Team
Obviously, we are only 2 games in, and we will learn a lot more after this week's games, but at this point, very pleased to see a number of different players assert themselves.
After 2 games: We have 4 different guys who were first or second in scoring (Dickinson and Williams in Game 1, and Brooks and Houstan in Game 2). Further we've had 2 entirely different guys flash really promising signs as well and have very good showings (Diabate in Game 1 and Bufkin in Game 2).
Really the only guys who haven't shown some sort of extended glimpse of good play are Johns (still trying to find himself as a starter), and maybe Jones (although it seems as though he's making a concerted effort to be a distributor; which helps us most overall). Even Collins has shown some great effort on defense. This is not even mentioning what happens with Zeb if and when he's ready.
I think, as we likely knew coming in, the biggest challenge for this team (and Juwan and staff) may just be finding the right combos at the right times. But this has to be the deepest team I can ever remember for Michigan basketball. I mean Zeb may be our 9th or 10th best player and he's a 4-star Top 100 recruit that showed some promise as a Freshman. Let that sink in for a minute. He's likely a top 3-4 talent at worst on 90% of Michigan teams over the last few decades.
I mean I was optimistic we would have some great depth this year, but so far I'm even more impressed now than I was previously. Here's to hoping Johns and Jones lead us against Seton Hall to continue the depth trend.
November 16th, 2021 at 12:48 PM ^
This was my initial observation after the 1st half of the game against Buffalo. As deep a team as I can remember with young talent all over. And I wasn't even including Terrance Williams in that mix.
Also, is there anything better than watching Dickinson run back down the court after he scores?
November 16th, 2021 at 1:31 PM ^
Everything you said in the first paragraph. Then the 2nd half came. They struggled to score unless they worked through hunter. Unlike with Mike Smith, I think they need Jones to shoot more and score more.
But the 2nd half showed me that 3-4 of the depth guys were not ready. its early.
1st half - National Champions or bust!
2nd half - B10 title and lets see!
November 16th, 2021 at 4:12 PM ^
Oh yeah, that 2nd half was a struggle. But, I was pleased by the pure talent of some of these dudes. They will figure it out as they go.
November 16th, 2021 at 3:24 PM ^
Brandon Johns won't be starting by the time B1G play starts.
November 16th, 2021 at 12:49 PM ^
SINK THE PIRATES!
November 16th, 2021 at 12:50 PM ^
Agreed. This will really pay off down the road in Feb/March.
November 16th, 2021 at 12:51 PM ^
Whats up with Zeb Jackson is he hurt?
November 16th, 2021 at 1:02 PM ^
Rivals Bufkin article touches on Zeb's "illness".
https://michigan.rivals.com/news/with-zeb-jackson-sidelined-kobe-bufkin-embraces-expanded-role
In the Wolverines’ exhibition win over Wayne State, he got a chance to show what he could do during a stretch of extended minutes. With freshman guard Frankie Collins (groin) and sophomore guard Zeb Jackson (illness) bothsidelined, Bufkin logged 17 minutes.
It could’ve been an early breakout opportunity for Bufkin, but it didn’t go as planned. He shot just 1-for-4 from the field, and when Collins returned for Michigan’s season-opener against Buffalo, Bufkin was relegated to the end of the bench. He saw just four minutes of action and didn’t score against the Bulls.
But when Jackson remained out during the Wolverines’ trip to Washington, D.C. this past weekend, another chance presented itself. Bufkin saw 17 minutes of action against Prairie View A&M and posted eight points on 3-of-4 shooting, four rebounds, two steals, an assist and a block. He checked nearly every box on the statsheet — an encouraging sign for a versatile guard in an era of specialization.
Juwan also mentioned him in his Press Conference
He's been working extremely hard throughout the summer and when we started our practice, the first day, he, just like his other teammates, was excited about this upcoming season. Unfortunately, in this game of basketball, sometimes injuries happen you hope that it's not you but, when it does happen, what you have to do now is stay in tune, which he has been. Try to keep a positive attitude because, at times, it can be very frustrating when you are injured and you're not out there practicing or playing in the game. In due time, he'll have an opportunity to come back healthy and provide whatever he can to help the team. I know, his teammates know, that we truly miss him.
...
On whether Zeb Jackson has an illness or is injured
We're looking forward to having Zeb back soon.
On whether Jackson has practiced at all
We're looking forward to having Zeb back soon.
November 16th, 2021 at 2:22 PM ^
lol, he sounds like Jim Harbaugh answering the injury questions and I am HERE FOR IT
why the media continues to expect that they have any right to know the private medical situation of a student athlete, continues to blow my mind
November 16th, 2021 at 1:08 PM ^
Recovering from being pretty decently sick IIRC, I believe it was NOT covid
November 16th, 2021 at 1:48 PM ^
Maybe he’s part of the Ann Arbor flu going around.
November 16th, 2021 at 1:59 PM ^
Is mono still a thing?
November 16th, 2021 at 2:32 PM ^
Depends on whether stereo begins to fade.
November 16th, 2021 at 7:22 PM ^
Guys can we get one speaker on this mono thing? I need more info.
November 16th, 2021 at 1:02 PM ^
I think the experimentation of lineups and personnel has made it hard to get a read on Devante Jones. His minutes and who he's on the floor with have not been consistent so I don't think we'll get a read on him until B1G play, but we should see him have more defined role and minutes tonight against Seton Hall
November 16th, 2021 at 5:16 PM ^
agree. it's a different role for him. doesn't look good now but i expect him to get better. he does have a calm about him. it's not like we are dealing with a freshmen here.
November 16th, 2021 at 1:03 PM ^
My take is the first two games were exploratory in trying to establish chemistry. The depth chart will get a little shallower against Seton Hall. The Pirates are a good (not great) team and should be a true test of where we are at.
November 16th, 2021 at 1:06 PM ^
We have the depth to comfortably go 10 deep, but that’s a real large rotation in today’s game.
Brooks, Houston, and Dickinson are locks as starters. I would say Johns is pretty much a lock too. He has shown to do well in big games and big moments last March at the 4, and I think T-Will brings more as a guy off the bench.
The PG position is still up in the air but Jones has looked good enough and he deserves some time to get acclimated. I don’t think Collins looks ready to be a starter yet, and Bufkin starting moves Brooks to the 1, which he can do, but his ability to space the D and play off-ball is one of his greatest assets. No clue where Zeb falls as of now, and Nunez’s days in the rotation are numbered I feel.
Based on small evidence I say our rotation in terms of minutes will be: Brooks, Houston, Dickinson, Johns, Jones, Diabate, Williams, Bufkin, Collins.
November 16th, 2021 at 1:11 PM ^
I don't get the feeling that the PG position is up in the air at all. I get a similar feel to the QB debacle - coaches know who they are going with regardless, but we will see a pretty fair shake for both for a good while. I'd bet Jones is about as big a lock to start as anyone else, and I expect his numbers to improve a bit as we settle in
November 16th, 2021 at 1:13 PM ^
FYI it's Caleb Houstan, not Houston.
November 16th, 2021 at 2:21 PM ^
You can give this one up bub. Type in Houstan into your auto correct device see whatcha get....
November 16th, 2021 at 2:28 PM ^
He’s from Canoda
November 16th, 2021 at 5:18 PM ^
what hump?
November 16th, 2021 at 1:47 PM ^
Johns tends to get lost in the wash during these mismatch non-conference games that tend to be somewhat helter skelter. He'll be a solid piece when Michigan starts banging with the Big Ten. Not worried about him at all.
November 16th, 2021 at 1:09 PM ^
I guess I don’t understand how Jones keeps being mentioned as someone struggling. 8.5 pts, 5 reb, 5 asts a game with only one turnover and his minutes were really limited in first game due to fouls. I think he’s done well and will keep getting better.
November 16th, 2021 at 1:28 PM ^
For the record, I wouldn't characterize him as struggling either. It does seem like he's making a real effort to do things this team needs (passing, facilitation, primary ball carrier), and I think he's been fine, overall. I just don't think he's had that game, though, where he did anything really well, or jumped off the page like some of the other guys have. I do think it's only a matter of time and wouldn't be surprised at all to see him hit for 16-20 against Seton Hall or soon thereafter. The great thing is that we have a very high ceiling even if he doesn't score a lot, as long as he's facilitating well and playing good defense (as he has so far).
November 16th, 2021 at 2:03 PM ^
Agreed, he's looked solid so far even though he hasn't really gotten a chance break in and get comfortable in his role
November 16th, 2021 at 2:20 PM ^
Agree, he has shown me enough to make me comfortable he will be more than adequate replacement for Smith, and probably an overal upgrade. Defensively he's already shown his ability to get into passing lanes and grab steals (people forget Smith's size was probably biggest liability on D). PG is probably the hardest position to acclimate with a new team, Smith also didn't start the year nearly as good as he finished, and I expect Jones to continue to improve as he gets comfortable.
November 16th, 2021 at 2:49 PM ^
Yes to what TK said re: Jones.
Jones is not struggling at all...both when using the "eye" test or the stats test.
His playing time time has been limited due to fouls and due to Howard experimenting with different line-ups.
I'd be willing to bet on Jones averaging 13 pts, 6 assists and 4 rebounds per game across the season.
November 16th, 2021 at 1:19 PM ^
Not sure how this team is any deeper than last year’s. Basically, you’re replacing Wagner, Livers, Smith, Brown and Davis with Houstan, Diabate, Jones, Collins and Bufkin. While there’s potential with the newer guys, we know what their predecessors could do. And I’m not sure we have a 6th man like Chaundee who had defensive energy and the ability to heat up from behind the arc.
November 16th, 2021 at 1:44 PM ^
I think the difference is when comparing the potential 7-10 guys on the roster.
Last year: 7. Austin Davis, 8. Johns, 9. Williams (Fr) 10. Zeb (Fr.)
This year: 7. Diabate/Williams (So) 8. Bufkin, 9. Collins, 10. Zeb (So.)
After our top 6 last year, it was hard to really rely on anybody to bring a consistent net positive to the lineup. This year, that 7th guy should be a lot better (whether it's Diabate or Williams as a Sophomore), and I would not be surprised if one of Bufkin/Collins/Zeb can add a nice 8th option to be relied upon by mid season.
Austin Davis and Brandon Johns were too deficient in one or more keys areas last year (Davis on defense and FT shooting and Johns with a general lack of overall consistency) to be relied upon too heavily in key situations. I see much more promise this year with options 7 and 8 in the lineup. But it is early, and optimism always abounds early on.
And I think a combination of Williams and Diabate more than replaces the impact of Chaudee, albeit in different ways. Diabate reminds me of a near 7 foot version of Chaundee, at least as far an energy and enthusiasm go. And Williams appears to have improved significantly over the Freshman version of himself in pretty much every facet of the game.
November 16th, 2021 at 1:24 PM ^
The true depth chart is what happens in conference play. By then who plays is who the coaches trust. I think you can break the depth down this way:
Coaches trust completely:
Brooks
Dickinson
Jones
Coaches are familiar with them but they still need to prove they are not going to be a liability in a critical moment:
Johns Jr.
Williams
Plays because they have to and you live with the mistakes:
Houstan
Diabate
Prove you belong on the court:
Nunez
Bufkin
Collins
Jackson
Currently that is a 7 man rotation. Not incredibly deep. Michigan really needs at least one of the "Prove you belong on the court" group to elevate to be part of an 8 man rotation because guard depth is an issue. Then you have the needed depth to compete for the conference title. That is what most coaches run with when the games matter.
November 16th, 2021 at 1:42 PM ^
As excited as I am about the season, the FT rate scares the hell out of me. They aren't just missing free throws, they are bricking them at an alarming pace. If they can't make them against cupcakes, what will happen when the pressure is on against good teams. Fingers crossed.
November 16th, 2021 at 1:47 PM ^
Jones really freaked me out last game going 3 for 7, going to really need guards to nail FTs to close out games, plus he's a senior... but his career FT% is in the 80%s, so hopefully that's just a blip
November 16th, 2021 at 6:32 PM ^
Oh dear lord. Jones is an All-American caliber player. He, pretty much has no holes in his game. All this hand-wringing about Jones is just plain silly. He is better than Simpson and Smith combined-at both ends of the court. He is a very high IQ basketball player. Seriously. Jones is new to the team and the system...there will be a period of learning and adjustment, the whole team does, but the young man can play this game.
Juwan is going to forge a terrific 8 man rotation from this roster. I think that Johns will end up being an off-the-bench player. I'm not sure if Williams or Diabate ends up starting at the 4...I think Williams-he does too many small but critical winning things well. Diabate, however, is going to be a difference-maker. I think Bufkin will fill the 8th spot-as the third guard.
November 16th, 2021 at 1:42 PM ^
There is a lot of TALENT on the roster to be sure. But developing players to their potential, and getting them to play well together, is going to determine how DEEP this bench goes. There are lots of player question marks this early in the season, but lots to like thus far. Big one tonight as others have mentioned, I suspect it will be a short bench but we'll see!
November 16th, 2021 at 1:43 PM ^
I've actually been impressed with Jones so far. He got into foul trouble in game 1, but in the time he was out on the floor, he looked comfortable running the offense and distributing the ball. And in game 2, he had 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in 30 minutes.
I don't think Juwan is looking for him to be a big scorer. We have plenty of scorers. I like what he brings to the table, and I like what I've seen from him so far.
November 16th, 2021 at 3:50 PM ^
something REALLY important in a PG in late game situations is FT shooting
hopefully he can improve as the year goes on
.500 at the FT won't cut it in crunch time in big games.
November 16th, 2021 at 2:20 PM ^
The coaches trusted Zeb last year and he had less experience than he does now. I’d say when he’s healthy, he is going to take the minutes of some of the younger guys. Assuming the game slowed down for him like it did for Williams, I’d think he will be one of the first players off the bench along with Williams and Diabate
November 16th, 2021 at 2:36 PM ^
Brooks running the point scares me. I really hope Frankie takes ahold of the backup PG role sooner rather than later.
November 16th, 2021 at 3:30 PM ^
I think you want a nice 8 man rotation with the ability to go deeper if you have to. Bottom line is you want players like Hunter to be able to get as many touches as he can.
We need some development in the back court but I agree that there are a number of possibilities there including Zeb as you mentioned.
November 16th, 2021 at 3:46 PM ^
hope we can make a DEEP run this year because a lot of the top talent on this team will be in the league next year.
hope we can keep everyone happy
winning will help
November 16th, 2021 at 4:02 PM ^
Met and took pictures with all the players (except MWagner) and Beilein a few years back early in the season, but I’ll spare the story. The last pic I took was with DRob. At the time, I hadn’t been impressed with him on the court, so I didn’t think much about it. Watching him blowup in the NBA has made that one of my favorite pics now.
That’s the great thing about this program that Beilein resurrected and JH seems to be taking to another level. There’s no doubt in my mind that 8-9 of these guys will eventually have their moments for this team. Brooks is my favorite, but I’m crossing my fingers that Jones ends up there by the end of the season…or maybe Houstan or Diabote. I’m actually excited to see what transpires throughout the careers of all the players. We are so lucky right now. I can’t imagine a program that should have more pride about their basketball team (IMO, The Vill and Zags only teams on the same level) for having similar levels of character, talent, and consistency that is constantly displayed. Go Blue!
November 16th, 2021 at 5:10 PM ^
one of the reasons i slam people for bashing and giving up on players; especially freshmen. oftentimes they can end up being really good players. many coaches feel it's important to have solid upperclass glue guys in order to make it deep in the tourny.
recent guys who people bashed big time early: j morgan, teske, simpson, brooks, DRob, johns
November 16th, 2021 at 5:04 PM ^
my two cents:
good news: diabate's skill much better than expected, TWIII improvement, houstan proving he is as advertised, especially 3s.
worse news: FTs, mediocre point guard play, allowing too many drives to the hoop on D