Michigan Basketball: 3 things we learned in Battle 4 Atlantis run

Michigan basketball was dominant during a three-day stretch that saw the Wolverines win the Battle 4 Atlantis. Here’s what we learned.

When Michigan basketball decided to hire Juwan Howard as the head coach to replace John Beilein, not everyone was sold.

Some questioned hiring a guy without any head-coaching experience. However, those that were critical were overlooking all the experience Juwan had gained through his years of coaching and playing. There was a reason, after all, he was a trendy pick to be an NBA coach sooner rather than later and now we can see why.

Michigan basketball went to the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament as an unknown. Getting a win over two was a realistic expectation. No one expected the Wolverines to go through and power past a pair of top-10 teams on their way to the championship.

Beating Iowa State, a legit top-50 team was impressive enough. Yet, building a 24-point lead against North Carolina thanks to a 19-0 was incredible, as was the 21-4 run against No. 8 Gonzaga Friday to help put away the championship game.

In each game, Michigan got down early and then rallied, going on some spectacular runs that were customary during the Beilein era.

We don’t need to crown Howard or this basketball team too quickly. Remember, the Wolverines notched two huge non-conference wins a year ago and then failed to raise a Big Ten banner.

Yet, there is no doubt, this team is better than even we expected and we have been pretty bullish on Michigan here at GBMW, so with all that in mind, here’s a look at what we learned in the Battle 4 Atlantis about the Wolverines.