Michigan Basketball: Grading the Wolverines win vs Buffalo
Michigan basketball didn’t play a perfect game against Buffalo but there was a lot to like in the Wolverines 88-76 win.
The long-awaited season opener for Michigan basketball ended up as a win, despite a few nervous moments in the second against Buffalo, the favorite to win the MAC.
Michigan basketball start the game very strong and built a 24-point lead in the first half. Hunter Dickinson was a big part of that as the Bulls just didn’t have anyone who could guard him.
But Caleb Houstan, DeVante Jones, and Moussa Diabate also added an early spark. Terrance Williams proved to be the closer, scoring 15 points and making some key plays in the second half, including a clutch 3-pointer that helped U-M wrap up a win.
Here are the grades for Michigan basketball players in game one.
Guards
DeVante Jones: B
Jones played well in his start for the Wolverines but he only played 18 minutes and fouled out of the game. He’s aggressive on defense and that can be a good thing but he got in foul trouble and it’s clear that he’s the Wolverines best option at the point. He finished seven points, five assists, two steals, and two rebounds, he just needs to avoid foul trouble.
Eli Brooks: A
This was a classic performance from the professor. He scored 11 points, made 1-of-2 from 3-point range, only had one turnover, and played solid defense. He was beaten on a couple of drives but Juwan Howard doesn’t need to worry about him on that end. He also handled things pretty well at point guard, and dished out four assists, as well as grabbing three boards.
Frankie Collins: C+
Collins was solid in his debut but only saw seven minutes and missed one shot. He’s going to be a work in progress and that’s just playing point guard as a freshman in college. Think Zavier Simpson. But he didn’t look out of place at all.
Kobe Bufkin: Incomplete
Bufkin got just four minutes and didn’t do a lot. He appeared a little tentative in terms of attacking the basket and it’s hard to grade that short stint.