There were plenty of things to feel good about from Michigan's 84-70 win over Marquette on Wednesday night.
Elliot Cadeau was one of them. The Michigan basketball point guard scored 17 points, dished out 10 assists, and grabbed seven rebounds. He was 2/4 from 3-point range. Cadeau did have four turnovers. Michigan had 15 turnovers as a team, but that was one of the few negatives.
The Wolverines were able to defend without fouling. One reason that defense was so effective was the play of the Michigan big men. It wasn't just J.P. Estrella and Moustapha Thiam. 6-foot-10 freshman Quinn Costello also made plays on both ends of the floor.
The sharp-shooting freshman scored 15 points, connecting on five 3-pointers. He also grabbed a few rebounds and blocked a shot. He's been more active on defense than I expected. Maybe that's the Mike Boynton effect.
Even though Boynton didn't have that much success at Oklahoma State, he routinely coached top-20 defenses. We have seen that kind of defense so far this season. Marquette shot just 35 percent from the field. The Golden Eagles made 36 percent from 3-point range. Yet, Michigan was at 42.
Costello was one reason for that. J.P. Estrella also made a three, on his way to an 8-of-12 showing with 18 points and eight rebounds. When you factor in Moustapha Thiam, who had nine points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks, there is a lot to like. He only made 3-of-9 shots, but the offense will come around. There will be plenty of lobs from Cadeau in the future.
Even with Thiam shooting 33 percent from the field, Michigan's frontcourt combined for 42 points, 20 rebounds, and six blocks. They made 3-pointers, defended well, and are just settling into their roles.
These three aren't going to be Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, and Morez Johnson, but there could be a first-round pick or two among that group. Estrella has been a force. Once Johnson and Costello get cranked up a little more this group could be formidable in the Big Ten.
They are intruiging because they are all 6-foot-10 or taller. Michigan has others who have size, too. Yet, Costello, Thiam, and Erstrella each played 24 minutes or so.
Jalen Reed should get some minutes, too. It will be interesting to see how much Costello could play the three. You are who you can guard in basketball. At the same time, Costello shoots the ball so well that he will put pressure on the defense, too.
The roles are still being defined. What's becoming clear is that Michigan's frontcourt is going to be a problem for opponents moving forward.
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