Michigan Basketball: Takeaways and grades from win over UNLV

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 19: Brandon Johns Jr. #23, Frankie Collins #10, Terrance Williams II #5 and Kobe Bufkin #2 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate on the bench near the end of their 74-61 victory over the UNLV Rebels during the Roman Main Event basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on November 19, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 19: Brandon Johns Jr. #23, Frankie Collins #10, Terrance Williams II #5 and Kobe Bufkin #2 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate on the bench near the end of their 74-61 victory over the UNLV Rebels during the Roman Main Event basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on November 19, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
4 of 4
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Grades

Our grades won’t be as in-depth as they usually are. But here are a few sentences and a letter grade for each Michigan basketball player from the win over UNLV.

  • Eli Brooks — A+: Brooks was spectacular. He didn’t miss a free throw and didn’t have. a turnover. He didn’t have an assist but has proven he can be more of a scorer this season.
  • Hunter Dickinson — A: Dickinson’s array of post moves is impressive. I love his confidence in the jumper and his defense was imposing. He needs more touches and also needs to avoid getting silly fouls early in the game.
  • Moussa Diabate — A: It’s hard to ask more from a true freshman than 14 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. He was the sparkplug and was stellar on defense.
  • Brandon Johns — B: Johns missed his first shot but rebounded. He went 3-for-5, finished strong, and blocked two shots. This was the guy we have expected to see.
  • DeVante Jones — B: There are too many defensive lapses and gambles still, plus five turnovers are too many. He’s better than that. He does a lot of good things though too.
  • Caleb Houstan — C+: Houstan was 1-of-8 from the field but did make a contested 3-pointer and notched three assists. He flashed as a creator, but struggles on closeouts and needs to start making shots consistently.
  • Kobe Bufkin — C: Bufkin didn’t do a lot in his 13 minutes but he did score a bucket and was solid on defense. Juwan seems to trust him and he didn’t betray that trust.
  • Terrance Williams — C: Williams was solid but missed all three of his shots. He rarely makes mental mistakes though which is why Juwan is never afraid to play him.