In last night’s Michigan basketball game, two lineups received more minutes than all other combinations: “the starters” and “not the starters.” The only player to be in both lineups? Will Tschetter. Interesting, huh?
The starters
The first and second halves started with Nimari Burnett, Elliot Cadeau, Morez Johnson Jr., Yaxel Lendeborg, and Will Tschetter. (Note that for simplicity’s sake, players are being named without their positions and are listed in alphabetical order by last name) had a total of 6:31 game time together.
The overall impression was very good physicality, especially on “D,” and it featured Lendeborg initiating offense off dribble drives, his passing, and scoring, featuring an open three off a pump fake. Johnson had room in the paint and scored off an aggressive spin, a nice look from Cadeau, and patient post-up for an and-1. The first half exposed the line-up’s potential downside, with only Cadeau as a ball handler. He had difficulty against MTSU’s press, with the lowlight being Cadeau’s one-handed pass to the third row.
Not the starters
L.J. Cason, Roddy Gayle Jr., Aday Mara, Trey McKenney, and Will Tschetter had 7:38 together and May put them in three separate occasions, at the 13:55 and 7:10 minute marks in the first half, and 13:23 in the second.
The “D” was excellent too, featuring constant switching and ball hawking. Having the 7’3” Mara looming makes this work, but Cason and McKenney made it difficult for the MTSU’s ballhandlers. On “O” the ball moved quickly, and easy baskets were had on drives and fast breaks.
The results are tantalizing
The two lineups highlighted the ends of this team’s spectrum: physicality and quickness. It can defend post-ups one-on-one and put relentless pressure on the ball. The offense can feature post-play or slashing wings. But it’s the ability to adjust the lineup anywhere on this spectrum that will make life difficult for Michigan opponents. Cohesion on both ends will ultimately decide success this season. But four games in, it’s great to know that options are all on the table.
Tschetter = H
Having him the only player to be in both lineups, as previously said, is interesting. Tschetter has slimmed down this year and is noticeably quicker. He provides minutes as a big and a wing. However, his appearance as a starter and a non-starter shows his true value on the offensive end. Tschetter does not need the ball in his hands to contribute because when the ball finds him in the course of a possession, he scores with his shooting, passing, and rebounding.
To put a cap on the mad scientist analogy, Will Tschetter is Hydrogen. It’s fuel for stars and essential to all life.