Michigan Basketball: 3 takeaways from lowly loss to Michigan State
By Nick Popio
2. Hunter Dickinson’s talents are being wasted
This is one of the risks that he took by not going to the NBA directly after his flaming hot freshman campaign. He made that choice and has to live with it, but he is still proving that he made the correct decision for himself personally, although this is not how anyone, including Dickinson envisioned Michigan would be following 18 games into the season.
Dickinson scorched the Spartans for 25. Last year he combined for 26 in back-to-back outings versus the Spartans. He was about the only bright spot on the day for Michigan. His fellow big man Moussa Diabate had a very productive first 20 minutes, but did little to build on that in the final 20 minutes of play.
People are rightfully gonna talk about Michigan's poor shooting, but the defense stood out most to me. Slow feet and low energy, especially in transition. Props to Hunter Dickinson and Moussa Diabate for showing up, but you can't get nothing from your backcourt and bench.
— Derick Hutchinson (@Derick_Hutch) January 29, 2022
It’s not all on Dickinson though. His teammates will have to help him out in the meantime if they wish to participate in the NCAA tournament this year. Caleb Houstan is working through things and trying to find his continuous stroke. Diabate is the third option in that trio and is also fighting fiercely to gain any sort of positive momentum.