My observation(s) are based mostly on the Bowling Green game and less on the Oakland game. I believe the team, at the present time, is vulnerable in three areas. Two of the three areas of concern is the depth of true guards. On defense, Brooks and Smith must be the primary defenders against opposing guards. Brooks is the better defender of the two. Smith, primarily because of his size, will be at a disadvantage against bigger and quick guards. Both of them will need to stay out of foul trouble. Injury would be devastating, because at the present time, the only true guard to come off the bench is Jackson. It is early, but the game seems to be a little to fast for him now. On offense, Brooks and Smith are the team's two primary ball handlers. The same problem, what guards back them up. Brooks and Smith will need to play a lot of minutes.
Post defense could be a major concern. Davis gives his all, but he has difficulty defending big quick centers. And if he is pulled out on the floor to guard centers who shoot "3's"---you get the picture. Dickinson is going to be really good. But as a true Freshman, we can only hope he can hold his own against Garza, Cockburn and the other Big Ten centers.
Livers, Wagner, Brown, Johns and Williams are the team's defensive strength. Some of them can move out to defend opposing guards but I do not think you want them to be responsible for initiating the offense with their ball handling skills. Livers is the teams most legitimate scorer, but has difficulty creating his own shot. Until Wagner can prove he can make the 3 point shot, teams will continue doing what they are doing now. Don't contest his long shots, lay off and play him for the drive to the basket.
Up coming games non-conference games will be a test for the team. I have not seen Ball State but they lost to Northern Kentucky by one, 74-73. Central Florida is good. I have seen North Carolina State twice and they will be a test because they feature quick, mobile big men and a good outside shooter, an Ohio State transfer.
I have seen all the Big Ten teams at least two times, except for Penn State and Northwestern. The conference is going to be super tough. The strongest Power Five conference in the country. With big centers, outstanding guards. excellent shooters, UM will have their hands full. To protect Brooks and Smith, we may see UM play more zone anytime since Coach JB first year(s) here when he utilized a 1-3-1 zone. All in all, for true basketball fans, it is going to be an interesting fun year
Post defense could be a major concern. Davis gives his all, but he has difficulty defending big quick centers. And if he is pulled out on the floor to guard centers who shoot "3's"---you get the picture. Dickinson is going to be really good. But as a true Freshman, we can only hope he can hold his own against Garza, Cockburn and the other Big Ten centers.
Livers, Wagner, Brown, Johns and Williams are the team's defensive strength. Some of them can move out to defend opposing guards but I do not think you want them to be responsible for initiating the offense with their ball handling skills. Livers is the teams most legitimate scorer, but has difficulty creating his own shot. Until Wagner can prove he can make the 3 point shot, teams will continue doing what they are doing now. Don't contest his long shots, lay off and play him for the drive to the basket.
Up coming games non-conference games will be a test for the team. I have not seen Ball State but they lost to Northern Kentucky by one, 74-73. Central Florida is good. I have seen North Carolina State twice and they will be a test because they feature quick, mobile big men and a good outside shooter, an Ohio State transfer.
I have seen all the Big Ten teams at least two times, except for Penn State and Northwestern. The conference is going to be super tough. The strongest Power Five conference in the country. With big centers, outstanding guards. excellent shooters, UM will have their hands full. To protect Brooks and Smith, we may see UM play more zone anytime since Coach JB first year(s) here when he utilized a 1-3-1 zone. All in all, for true basketball fans, it is going to be an interesting fun year
