Grading Michigan Basketball’s key win over Northwestern

Guards

Eli Brooks: A

The Wolverines needed Eli Brooks to break out of his shooting slump and he did that Wednesday night with three makes total from beyond the arc including two in short order.

Brooks also didn’t have a turnover and had 12 total points. His defense was solid too even if Boo Buie hit some ridiculous shots. He’s one of the best ball-screen shooters in the country and on a couple of those, you just have to tip your cap.

Make no mistake though, Michigan doesn’t win that game without the professor.

DeVante Jones: B+

I was wrong about DeVante Jones. He actually is a pretty good Big Ten point guard and even though Wednesday wasn’t his finest hour, he got the job done. Jones drilled a 3-pointer from Dickinson to get Michigan within two and outside of a strange turnover, he was stellar down the stretch including four big free throws in the final minute.

Jones has proven to be a consistently strong 3-point shooter and finished with 15 points and six assists. His grade was dragged down by three fouls and turnovers. Yet, he’s really turned a corner and we’ll see how far he’s come on Saturday against Michigan State.

Frankie Collins: C- 

Playing point guard as a freshman in the Big Ten is a learning process. Frankie Collins continues to play well but he turned the ball over too many times (2) and also had three fouls. He also had one assist and I fully believe Michigan basketball won’t need to hit the portal for a point guard this offseason.