When Juwan Howard and his staff put this year’s roster up on the whiteboard this summer, this is probably how they imagined the offense flowing.
The Wolverines played through Hunter Dickinson on the block and he was dominant, not just as a post-up scorer but as a facilitator. Maryland brought extra defenders — in a fairly uninspiring manner — and Dickinson zipped the ball all over the court for a career-high six assists whether it was to the opposite block, shooters on the perimeter, or guards cutting through the lane.
Freshman big man Moussa Diabate flew around on the offensive glass, switched ball screens, and defended the rim while his five-star counterpart, Caleb Houstan, looked as confident as he has all season. Houstan hit catch-and-shoot threes (3-of-4) and got downhill on second-side actions to score at the basket.
Michigan’s starting senior guards didn’t have to carry the offense, but they were efficient when they had to be, combining for 19 points and eight assists to just two turnovers.
It was a win that the Wolverines desperately needed, but more importantly, it was a reminder that this team still has the upside and talent to make something happen this season.
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