Michigan Basketball: 5 Things we learned about Wolverines in 5-0 start
Michigan basketball cruised through its non-conference schedule and here are five things we have learned about the Wolverines.
So far this season, Michigan basketball has played five games and while the Wolverines didn’t play any college hoops powerhouses in this first month of the season, there is still plenty to take away from the first five games.
Outside of Oakland, each opponent at least ranked in the top 156 of the Kenpom rankings as Michigan basketball dispatched of UCF, Ball State, Bowling Green and Toledo. The overtime win over Oakland wasn’t pretty, but outside of that, things have gone pretty smooth.
While Michigan isn’t ranked in the top 25 right now, the Wolverines are the No. 14 team according to Kenpom. That number is bolstered by Michigan ranking sixth in offensive efficiency.
Of course, having a dynamic freshman center who shoots better than 70 percent certainly helps with that and as we look towards Big Ten play, we start with what we learned about Hunter Dickinson.
Hunter Dickinson isn’t your typical freshman
Many expected Dickinson to be the starting center for the Wolverines right away this season and even though it hasn’t happened yet, there’s no question he’s the best big on the team.
Not only is Dickinson averaging 14.8 points and 7.4 rebounds, his defense hasn’t been bad and his passing ability has been as good as advertised. Dickinson is making 74 percent of his 2-point attempts and is shooting 69 percent at the line.
Certainly, his production will take a dip once Big Ten play starts, but he should also start to see more minutes, especially if Austin Davis is limited by an ankle injury.
To be 100 percent honest, Dickinson should be in the starting lineup. He simply offers a lot more than Davis does on both ends of the floor. Juwan Howard may have wanted to bring Dickinson along slowly, but it’s clear he’s ready for primetime and heading into conference play, he’s a clear contender for Big Ten Freshman of the Year.