Michigan basketball will take on Emoni Bates and Eastern Michigan on Friday night and here are three predictions for the Wolverines.
The name of Emoni Bates still brings excitement in the Michigan area and now that the former No. 1 overall recruit is playing for Eastern Michigan, it certainly adds some juice to Michigan basketball’s matchup with the Eagles tonight in Detroit (9 PM EST, ESPNU).
Both teams are 1-0 but Bates will make his regular-season debut for Eastern Michigan which is ranked 314th in the Kenpom rankings compared to 23rd for Michigan.
The Eagles didn’t just land Bates in the transfer portal this offseason. They have four transfers and all of them are going to play key minutes, along with some freshmen.
In terms of individual talent and playmaking, there is probably more on this roster than Purdue Fort Wayne. Eastern Michigan will try to force tempo when Michigan has the ball and force some turnovers.
A lot of eyes will be on Bates and since he had some interest in Michigan basketball this offseason, I’m sure he’d love to show out against the Wolverines. Will it happen? Here are three predictions for Michigan basketball vs EMU.
Hunter Dickinson has another double-double
It’s too easy to make this prediction but when the lineup of defenders doesn’t have anyone taller than 6-foot-9, it’s easy to foresee a big night for Dickinson.
Now, if Eastern Michigan is able to disrupt Michigan’s guards with its pressure, that could cause some issues getting Dickinson the ball but I don’t see it.
I think Jaelin Llewellyn will do just fine handling the pressure. This isn’t his first rodeo and while Eastern Michigan forced 21 turnovers against Wayne State, Michigan is a little different.
Dickinson should get the ball early and establish himself. He’s not going to want Bates to steal the show and success in the paint will allow Michigan basketball to control the game as it should.
So, Hunter will score at least 20 and notch his second double-double of the season.