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Michigan Basketball: Grading Wolverines in blowout win over Maryland

By Max S.

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 19: Isaiah Livers #2 of the Michigan Wolverines reaches for the ball against Donta Scott #24 of the Maryland Terrapins and Eric Ayala #5 of the Maryland Terrapinsduring the second half at Crisler Arena on January 19, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 19: Isaiah Livers #2 of the Michigan Wolverines reaches for the ball against Donta Scott #24 of the Maryland Terrapins and Eric Ayala #5 of the Maryland Terrapinsduring the second half at Crisler Arena on January 19, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Mike Smith: A

Smith really got the offense going by hitting three early triples for the Wolverines. He also played a team high 32 minutes and continued to show why the offense runs smoother when he’s on the floor.

Smith’s season long defensive improvement was also on display yet again as he held his own again against bigger and more physical guards. He finished with 11 points, six assists, three rebounds and only had one turnover.

Eli Brooks: B+

Eli Brooks returned to Michigan’s starting lineup after missing their last game with a foot injury. It seemed like Brooks was likely on a slight minutes restriction because he was the first person subbed out of this game and only played in 22 minutes.

Brooks continues to do everything for this Michigan basketball team. He plays lock down defense, and makes all the plays that don’t show up in the stat sheet. His versatility was on display tonight as he finished with just seven points, but he grabbed four rebounds and dished out five assists.

Brooks may be the glue guy for this Michigan team. It was evident just how much he was missed against Minnesota this past weekend.

Zeb Jackson: C

I was surprised to see Juwan Howard go to Zeb Jackson with Brooks back healthy. He didn’t seem like he was ready for the moment against Minnesota. I have a few ideas on what might be happening here.

There is a chance that Zeb is making big strides in practice and is earning a chance for some playing time. There’s also a chance that Juwan Howard knows he is just one injury away from Zeb needing to be a high minute player. Or, it could be a combination of both.

Jackson didn’t make too big of an impact against Maryland. He finished 0-2 shooting and dished out one assist. But at least to me, he appeared more comfortable in there compared to early season games.

The sky is the limit for Zeb Jackson. He’s a 6-foot-5 guard with freaky athleticism that has the skillset to be a lockdown defender. I think we will see his minutes continue to increase as the season goes on.

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