Michigan Basketball: 3 things we learned from Juwan Howard’s debut

Eli Brooks showed why he’s starting

The starting five for Michigan basketball ended up being Teske, Zavier Simpson, Livers, Eli Brooks and Nunez. That may not be the starting lineup all season but Brooks showed he is going to be a regular in the rotation either way.

Always known as a reliable defender, Brooks showed improvement where it was needed — offensively as he connected on five 3-pointers and finished the game with 24 points, including some key free throws down the stretch to ice the win.

Brooks also added three assists in a 7-of-15 shooting effort that featured a 5-of-11 performance from beyond the arc. He also had two turnovers.

The development was key for Brooks, who has to shoot the ball well for this team. He’s not going to score 20 points a night and he isn’t much more than a spot-up shooter or someone who can possibly score in the pick-and-roll.

But with Teske in the post and in the ball-screen offense, open shots will be there and as long as Brooks can knock them down, he may stick in the starting lineup.