What we learned from first Michigan Basketball exhibition

Michigan basketball played the first of three exhibition games overseas on Friday and here are some things we learned from the box score. 

On Friday, Michigan basketball played Fos Provence a professional team in the top division in France. The Wolverines lost the game 86-68.

However, the final result isn’t all that interesting. Michigan basketball didn’t have all of its guys as Joey Baker didn’t play and neither did Youssef Khayat who just joined the team.

What it does is give us a look at how some new pieces are blending in as well as a glance into the thinking of coach Juwan Howard in terms of his lineup.

What we learned from Michigan basketball’s exhibition

The starting five was what we projected earlier this summer as Hunter Dickinson was joined by Jett Howard, Terrance Williams, Kobe Bufkin, and Jaelin Llewellyn

Llewellyn did a nice job distributing the ball and looking at the box score as he finished with seven assists and 11 points overall. He was 3-for-7 from 3-point range and it seems that the Wolverines’ offense is going to be focused heavily on the ball-screen game between Dickinson and Llewellyn.

Kobe Bufkin didn’t score in 15 minutes after starting which was a little concerning. He missed all three of his shots from beyond the arc, although he dished out four assists.

On a positive note, Isaiah Barnes came in off the bench and connected on two triples and if that continues to happen, maybe he can be part of the rotation this season.

It will be interesting to follow his progress along with Bufkin’s because Michigan basketball needs guys at the two. It will also be interesting to see if Williams and Bufkin can make shots because if not, there could be other options.

Terrance is the ideal four next to Hunter though. He’s always been good about getting the ball (making a good entry pass) and last season, he shot 38 percent from beyond the arc. But that’s contingent on him being able to play well defensively.

Jett Howard also made a couple of 3-pointers and if he’s ready to make an impact this season as a freshman, that wil be huge for the Wolverines who need a shooter to replace Caleb Houstan.

Joey Baker factors into that, but Michigan basketball didn’t have enough shooting even with Houstan last season and Howard can help rectify that.

Tarris Reed also had some production with five points and six rebounds off the bench Dug McDaniel had some nice moments but also turned it over five times. We’ll have more analysis after game two for the Wolverines, who will play three exhibitions overall on the trip.