Michigan Basketball: Grading the Wolverines win vs Nebraska

Guards

Mike Smith: B

I don’t like the fact that Smith turned the ball four times against Nebraska, even though the Huskers are one of the better teams at forcing them in the Big Ten and that dropped his grade a little.

Smith is clearly the Wolverines best point guard and their option for creating scoring chances out of ball screens. Smith created a number of those Friday against Nebraska and finished with game with 10 points, six assists and four rebounds.

He also scored two really big buckets late in the game. He hit a shot from just outside the lane and then buried a clutch 3-pointer after Nebraska made it a two-possession game. His defense has been solid, especially with his size limitations, but higher turnovers may just be a fact of life this season at point guard, but so far, Smith has been a positive addition overall.

Eli Brooks: B

Offensively, it wasn’t necessarily a great night for Eli Brooks as he finished with just seven points and was 2-of-7 from the field, as well as 1-of-5 from 3-point range. But Eli always finds ways to contribute. He’s the best defender on the team and that was clearly on display again. He also grabbed three steals, handed out four assists and only had just one turnover.

On both ends of the floor, he’s incredibly smart and he’s the glue guy for this team, plain and simple. His stats don’t always wow you, but he contributes something every single game.