Michigan Basketball: 3 things we learned from win at Maryland

The Michigan basketball team notched its most impressive win of the season Thursday night against Maryland and here’s what we learned from it.

Hunter Dickinson has been off the charts this season for Michigan basketball, but back in his home state, playing against a team that didn’t really recruit him, he was better than ever.

In fact, Dickinson was a man amongst boys as he made 10-of-11 shots and scored 26 points, while grabbing 11 rebounds. He couldn’t be stopped on the offensive glass and just muscled his way into a bunch of and-one opportunities.

Beyond being the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, right now if the season were to end, there’s no doubt he would be All-Big Ten. He’s been that good and after eight games, it’s safe to say that Dickinson is a superstar.

Dickinson is Michigan’s best player

It’s hard to believe but the numbers don’t lie. There were questions about how Dickinson would hold up once Big Ten play started and well, he’s been even better.

Part of that probably has to do with him actually being the starter now with Austin Davis hurt and sorry Austin, but you aren’t getting that job back. Why? In three Big Ten games, Dickinson is averaging 20 points and 11 rebounds per game, while shooting an incredible 68 percent from the field.

His efficiency rating is 34.7, which is off the charts. He’s shooting 72 percent from the field and the free throw line and outside of some struggles defending ball screens, Dickinson has exceeded expectations in a way no one could have expected.

This Wolverines team is a legitimate Big Ten title contender and Dickinson is far from the only reason, but his instant impact has significantly raised the ceiling of this 2020-21 team.