Michigan Basketball: 3 takeaways from the manhandling of Minnesota

3. Dug McDaniel dazzled in his debut start

The freshman got 27 minutes in his first of what could be many as a starter for coach Howard. He didn’t disappoint either. He filled up the stat sheet with 15 points and seven assists.

The real question was going to be who would direct the show when coach Howard let him sit for a period of time so he could rest and that fell on the shoulders of his running mate in the backcourt, Kobe Bufkin.

Bufkin ran the point as his primary backup but wasn’t alone as they’ll likely use Jett Howard and Terrance Williams when needed too also.

There are no other scholarship-quality players to lean on who can handle this duty so McDaniel will get a jump start for his sophomore year too. He should be the presumed starter at point guard if they go that route instead of taking yet another transfer again.

McDaniel will no doubt experience growing pains as well, but this is the confidence he has to strive for right now in order to help his club win. He’s going to have to grow up in a hurry and be more like a senior leader if this group wants to reach its lofty goals by entering postseason play.