GBMWolverine
Fansided

Michigan Basketball is Ready to Challenge in Big Ten

By Chris Peterson

Dec 17, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5) shoots on Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks forward Isaac Taylor (35) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5) shoots on Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks forward Isaac Taylor (35) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

After dominating Maryland-Eastern Shore 98-49, the Michigan basketball team is clearly ready for conference play to begin.

After another crisp performance against a low level team, Michigan basketball is ready for the challenge of Big-Ten conference play. UM also looks ready to contend.

Related Story: Michigan Basketball Breaks 3-Point Record

The Wolverines crushed Maryland-Eastern Shore on Saturday and in the process, put together an insanely efficient offensive performance.

Michigan made just 12 3-pointers, compared to the record-breaking 19, they had against Central Arkansas. But the Wolverines only attempted 21, meaning they shot a blistering 57 percent from downtown. They shot 65.4 from the field overall.

Michigan had four players score in double figures. Derrick Walton Jr.  poured in 21, Duncan Robinson had 17, D.J. Wilson finished with 16 and Zak Irvin had 11.

It was the second straight win for Michigan basketball and its fourth in five games. Yet, the one loss came to second-ranked UCLA and in that game, the Wolverines scored 50 in the first half, before being overrun.

Currently, the Wolverines sit at 9-3. With a win over Furman, ranked no.164 in the Kenpom rankings, Michigan will be 10-3. It will have also three top-100 wins over Marquette (38), SMU (42) and Texas (76).

Even Michigan’s losses are quality losses, as all have come to top-35 teams and two of them were on the road.

There is no doubt, Michigan has been tested and thus far, the Wolverines have held up pretty well.

3-point shooting is a strength again,  however, the inside play of Moritz Wagner, Wilson and Mark Donnal gives UM a different feel.

For the first time in a few years, head coach John Beilein doesn’t have to play small ball. And while their defense isn’t spectacular, it’s vastly improved (Michigan ranks 54th according to KenPom).

And thanks to a typically strong and efficient offense (No. 22), Michigan can be formidable in the Big Ten.

The league should be as deep and talented as ever, with eight teams among Kenpom’s top 47. Wins won’t be easy to come by, but Michigan has enough talent to contend.

With a veteran point guard like Walton, a slew of talented wing scorers and some versatility inside, this is probably Michigan’s most complete team in the 2013-14 season.

Whether or not UM will have enough to contend for a Big Ten championship remains to be seen, but it’s time to find out. .

Next: Top 10 Michigan Running Backs of All Time

After the way they’ve played, the Wolverines are ready to find out, just how good they are. In truth, I think we all are.

Home/Michigan Basketball