Michigan Basketball: 3 takeaways from a hideous loss to MSU
By Nick Popio
2. Michigan’s bench is not producing
Seven points from Taris Reed Jr. and Will Tschetter combined are not gonna cut it. It’s been like that for much of the season because the Wolverines don’t have anyone on the pine who can give other teams problems. Reed and Joey Baker are capable, but far too inconsistent to make that much of an impact.
Without Jaelin Llewellyn, Kobe Bufkin has had to take on double duty as the primary point guard, and when Dug McDaniel struggles like he did today.
Bufkin is playing as well as he ever has and can’t be asked to do anymore. McDaniel would obviously not be starting if Llewellyn was available, but Michigan basketball has no other choice.
Jett Howard is still a freshman and everyone is aware of his potential, but he’s just not there yet. It’s still early in the process, but he could use another year in Ann Arbor under his dad.
Terrance Williams would not be a starter on this club if Brandon Johns or others would have stayed. He’s just not a worthy Big Ten starter period.