Michigan Wolverines Basketball: Hillsdale Recap

Nov 15, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Caris LeVert (23) celebrates after scoring in the first half against the Hillsdale Chargers at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Posted at 7:15am — 11/17/2014

Michigan Wolverines Basketball: Hillsdale Recap

Well, It Is A Start

One by one, many of the nation’s elite teams have pounded lesser opponents in season openers. Probably many were expecting the same scenario in Ann Arbor, some may have been disappointed, and some are cognizant of the reality Michigan is in a true rebuilding effort, once again. Any team that loses five undergraduate players to the professional ranks within a two-year period is subject to such burdens, excepting the Kentucky NBA preparation program.

Michigan did win 92-68; the game displayed several predictable strengths and weaknesses. Three returning veterans, LeVert, Walton Jr. and Irvin, supplied most of the elements Michigan needed to secure the victory.

Our People’s Choice, Caris LeVert, had an outstanding game, a near triple-double of 20 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds. Caris did not have one turnover and clearly dominated the Hillsdale players when he challenged them with the ball in the lane. Caris got out on the break pronto and demonstrated that with reliable rebounding the Wolverines are a threat to run effectively. Caris will have to contribute more defensively, with rebounding, and also floor leadership for Michigan to top 20 wins with the insecure inside game and youth as obstacles.

Zak Irvin was not challenged much by Hillsdale defenders and bagged what were for him easy shots. His 21 points helped the perimeter to establish what can only be called Michigan basketball.

Derrick Walton Junior does not possess the Cadillac effect of Trey Burke, but he is a very solid player. Derrick became the third veteran to score 20 points against Hillsdale. His game melds well with the other Michigan players. Walton is strong getting to the rim and finishes after contact. He is a clear asset to the program starting his sophomore year.

The middle group shows no sign of being a strength of the team. The trio of Donnal, Doyle, and Bielfeldt must show an ability to guard low and hold position. There must be at last a threat of scoring to hold off the perimeter defenders of the opposition. Not getting the ball to the middle and scoring is nothing new to recent Beilein teams, but the defensive and rebounding liabilities may be very hard to overcome against even good teams.

The freshmen group of Kameron Chapman, D.J. Wilson, and Aubrey Dawkins look athletic, and also somewhat lost. It is early, very early and Beilein has a nice sense of how to and how much concerning working young players into the game rotation. The arm-span and size of this threesome is pretty impressive.

Whatever, the entertainment value should remain high. Those who like roller coasters may get some big falls early when Michigan plays top teams. Next stop is Monday night against Bucknell.

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Doc4Blu

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