It was just Oakland. That's a common refrain you will hear from Michigan basketball fans on Tuesday, but that doesn't change the fact that the Wolverines looked exactly what you'd expect a national championship contender to look like.
The Wolverines set a program record with 69 points in the first half. The ball movement was incredible, which led to some great looks that the Wolverines converted to the tune of shooting 64 percent from the field and 54 percent from 3-point range. Oh, and the Wolverines shot 92 from the free-throw line to go along with just nine turnovers.
Dusty May recruited Elliot Cadeau because he wanted to play at a faster pace. Mission accomplished. My goodness. I know there were questions about Cadeau, and again, it's just Oakland, but his passing blew me away. He had also 12 assists, five points and five rebounds, connecting on one 3-pointer.
The defense could have been better, but Oakland has always been known as a good offensive team under Greg Kampe. Plus, it was a high-possession game, and Michigan scored 121 points.
Looking back at an impressive 121-78 win over Oakland, here are some observations.
Michigan basketball has three first-round picks on the roster
The collection of talent on this Michigan basketball team is incredible. Aday Mara is a skilled 7-foot-3 big. He blocked five shots, grabbed 12 rebounds, and scored 12 points on 6-of-9 shooting. He elevated his game late last season, especially as a low-post scorer, and has only built on that.
Then, you have Morez Johnson, who scored a career-high in 21 minutes for Michigan. It was insane. I knew he was effective around the basket, but he flashed some post skils I didn't know he had.
Johnson made 10-of-12 shots from the field for 24 points. He also grabbed three rebounds and dished out three assists, a couple to Mara in a post-to-post action. The sophomore also made all of his free throws and blocked a shot.
Then, Yaxel Lendeborg came off the bench, due to a hand issue. His hand was wrapped up in a bandage. It was bothering him, but he made both of his 3-point attempts, scoring 12 points in 22 minutes, while adding four rebounds and three assists.
We already knew that Lendeborg was a first-rounder. Yet, based on Monday night, the Wolverines might have three, all in the frontcourt.