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

Wolverines have a legitimate big three

There were legitimate reasons to question this Michigan basketball team. Not only did it lose Beilein to the NBA, but it also lost Ignas Brazdeikis, Jordan Poole and Charles Matthews, three very good players.

Not many teams can lose their top three scorers and keep winning without missing a beat, but that’s exactly what the Wolverines are doing. In fact, this team might be better. So far, the chemistry seems to be better and the pieces might work better too.

It’s not a surprise to see guys like Zavier Simpson, Jon Teske and Isaiah Livers playing well, but each has taken their game to another level, particularly Teske and Livers.

Simpson has been among the country’s best point guards for three years now. But his 13-assist game against Gonzaga was incredible. He was scoring, setting up 3-pointers and when UM needed a bucket, he made a gorgeous pass through two Gonzaga defenders to find Teske for a slam.

The pick-and-roll between Simpson and Teske has been lethal and it will continue to be if Teske can continue his high level of play. The big man scored 19 points, grabbed 15 boards and blocked four shots against the Zags. He’s averaging 13 points, nine boards and shooting 31 percent from 3-point range in addition to 56 percent overall and 2.6 blocks. Can you say All-Big Ten?

Simpson has also upped his average. He is scoring 12.3 points a game as well as 9.7 assists. He’s also shooting 40 percent from deep and Livers, his game has taken off. He’s the leading scorer and was incredible Friday hitting 5-of-8 from deep. He’s averaging 17 per game and is knocking down an eye-opening 51.2 percent, as well as hitting 3.0 three-point field goals a night.

All three guys are looking like All-Big Ten talents and if they continue their dominant play, this team will be as good as any in the Big Ten.