3 thoughts and a prediction ahead of 2024-25 Michigan basketball season

The Michigan basketball season starts tonight and here are three thoughts on Dusty May's first season, as well as a prediction.

Oct 3, 2024; Rosemont, IL, USA; Michigan head coach Dusty May takes a question at the podium during the 2024 Big Ten Menís Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Melissa Tamez-Imagn Images / Melissa Tamez-Imagn Images

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How will the defense look?

Through the first two exhibition games, it seems pretty clear that May's defensive plan this season will be to switch as many screens as possible.

When May was hired, he talked about his defensive philosophy and much of what the Wolverines want to do on defense is not allowing opposing teams to do the same things that Michigan wants to do on offense.

If Michigan can get away with switching screens, it should force more one-on-one buckets. That's the ideal world in basketball -- forcing teams to make contested two-point shots. 3-pointers, at least good 3-point shots usually come off of assists.

But if you can switch screens, those opportunities are limited. We have to see how Danny Wolf will hold up at the four because if he can't defend the four, he can't play the four and there could be games where it's hard to play him at the four.

Yet, after a few seasons of frustratingly poor defense, we should see a big improvement there. Just as big as on the offensive end in fact.

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