Michigan Basketball: Highlights, gut reactions to win over Purdue Fort Wayne

Here are the highlights and gut reactions from Michigan basketball and its season-opening win over Purdue Fort Wayne.

There were a few nervous moments for Michigan basketball in the 75-56 win over Purdue Fort Wayne. However, it was more like a cat playing with its prey than a real threat.

When Purdue Fort Wayne got within 12 points, Jett Howard went off, knocking down two triples and scoring two other buckets to put the game out of reach.

By the end of the game, there was talk about whether his Michigan basketball debut was better than Juwan’s. I’d have to look it up but Jett was pretty spectacular and it was basically right from the start of the game, including this step-back in the first half, one of five 3-pointers.

Hunter Dickinson was stellar too and added a double-double with 22 points and 12 boards — plus three blocks. Dickinson also scored his 1,000th point. It wasn’t the best game of his career but he was very smooth and his defense looked good, something that can be said for the entire team.

The Wolverines only allowed Purdue Fort Wayne, a pretty solid mid-major, to shoot 29 percent from the field and just 24 percent from 3-point range. Joey Baker also knocked down three 3-pointers in his debut as all the new pieces fit together nicely.

Dug McDaniel even had a stellar move in the second half, even though he had a few freshman moments in the win.

Kobe Bufkin was 4-for-11. He needs to hit more shots but he will. I liked what I saw from him and Jace Howard. Tarris Reed was also solid, yet it’s clear he’s going to need some polish going into Big Ten play.

All in all, it was a good night for the Wolverines who beat the No. 155 team in the Kenpom rankings and covered the spread in doing so.

Here are our gut reactions.

Gut reactions to win over Purdue Fort Wayne

• Jett Howard is a bucket-getter and exactly what Michigan has been needing.
• He’s going to be a great option at the end of the shot clock.
• Howard can make any shot on the floor and shoot over just about anyone.
• Suffice it to say, he’s going to be fun to watch. His defense is pretty good too.
• The first impression is that he’s a future first-round pick.
• Hunter Dickinson looks even better, especially on defense (3 blocks).
• Kobe Bufkin stood out. It wasn’t the most efficient performance but he’s going to take a leap and he’ll start all year at the two.
• I love Michigan basketball’s starting five.
• Joey Baker was also exactly what this team needed.
• The spacing is much, much better.
• So is the defense. But it’s early on both.
• I predicted another Sweet 16 and expect this team to contend for the Big Ten title. I saw nothing to change that prediciton.
• We’ll find out much more about this team soon.
• It’s good to have Michigan basketball back.
• Go Blue!