Michigan Basketball: Wolverines win with size against Mountaineers

The first win for legendary Michigan basketball player turned head coach Juwan Howard. It wasn’t pretty, but the Wolverines got the win.

What a historic moment for this Michigan basketball under coach Howard, winning its first game under coach Juwan Howard; a new era has begun.

Despite a 27-3 run at one point in the second half by Appalachian State and some terribly sloppy play by the Wolverines at the end, Michigan basketball hung on for a worrisome 79-71 victory.

Right out of the gate, it was apparent Appalachian State was not going to be able to match the skill, size, or athleticism on the opposing end of the court. There was a roster full of no stars and Mike Bibby’s son (Yes, that Mike Bibby, the longtime NBA player) pitted against three and four-star monsters who wouldn’t back down from a fight.

Mistakes reared their ugly head – mostly in the form of personal fouls – as did some offensive woes, but even when App State was able to get the game within distance, the Wolverines would get back on track and pull away.

Jon Teske earned player of the game honors as the big man found himself all over the court, hitting threes, defending, and dominating the paint. With over four minutes left in the first half, Teske had already recorded a double-double.

Both Eli Brooks and Isaiah Livers kicked off the game perfect from beyond the arc in their first two attempts. Brooks earned the identity as the team’s effort man, always moving his feet and running around a nervous Mountaineer.

Livers, on the other hand, has adjusted his game to match Jordan Poole. Isaiah’s new M.O. is that of a smooth operator with a deadly accurate shot.

At specific points, coach Howard decided to go with a huge lineup, employing the combination of centers Teske and Colin Castleton, dwarfing the competition.

Castleton didn’t make the cut for the starting role, however, as Juwan threw out Zavier Simpson, Brooks, Adrien Nunez, Livers, and Teske. Although, starting Colin isn’t advisable considering the fact that if he or Teske were to find themselves in foul trouble, Austin Davis would be the only other option at the five.

Overall the team out prepared and outplayed their competition. The biggest surprise was the discipline portrayed by the team and the obvious advantage in the coaching column for the Wolverines.

While the discipline can be attributed to the previous administration, Howard’s ability to outcoach a rising star in Dustin Kearns was refreshing. Kearns left Presbyterian in 2019, after leading the Blue Horsemen out of an 11 win season and into a 20 win season. Kearn’s final year included an appearance in the 2019 CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament, where they won all the way to the quarterfinals.

Teske finished off a dominant evening with 17 points and 13 rebounds, as well as two blocks. However, the biggest surprise was Brooks, who led the Wolverines with 24 points thanks to five makes from 3-point range. Livers also added 14 points and Colin Castleton had eight. Simpson also managed six points, eight boards and six assists.

Matt’s musings

Predictably, Juwan Howard turned a great big man into the greatest big man. From the minute the game started, Teske displayed confidence and strength that wasn’t there a season ago – and he scored all nine of UM’s first points.

If Juwan can continue as the big man whisperer, Michigan will be the desired place for every college basketball star over seven feet tall.