Michigan Basketball: 3 things to watch vs Saginaw Valley State

First look at Howard

Howard has plenty of experience on the bench coaching in the NBA, but it’s going to be different, taking the floor for the first time as the head coach of Michigan basketball.

For fans and observers, it will significantly different too. We don’t really know what Howard’s offense will be like or if he will have a system at all. It may just be a series of sets plays and philosophies.

I’d expect to see a fair amount of pick-and-roll offense with Howard, especially if you see guys like Simpson and DeJulius playing together. It seems like putting them in screens with Teske, Johns, Castleton and Livers would be ideal since each big man has the potential to shoot from deep.

Simpson will also continue to get lots of pick-and-roll chances and will find shots for teammates because that’s what he does. I do also think his offense will improve.

Another thing of interest is the play inside on the offensive end. Teske didn’t get a lot of post-ups and it wasn’t that was a huge part of the offense. But Howard coached bigs in the NBA, along with running the Heat’s defense, so Teske, Castleton and Johns could get more chances.

Johns is more of a classic stretch four that also could see time on the wing. Castleton is a pure big guy and his development could be key.

There are a ton of questions to answer and tonight, even though it’s an exhibition will give us the first glimpse into the Howard era.