Michigan leaning on more than just McDaniel after Llewellyn injury

After Jaelin Llewellyn’s season ended with an ACL injury, the immediate question arose of how Michigan would replace him. And a game and a half later, it’s clear that freshman guard Dug McDaniel will fill the position.

For his part, McDaniel has filled the role well, leading the offense in a rout of Minnesota last Thursday. But making up for such a huge backcourt loss takes more than one guy to step up.

“(Dug’s) being thrust into the fire now, and that can go one of two ways,” Michigan assistant coach Howard Eisley said. “But I really believe he’s a confident kid — he’s up for the challenge. Now it’s not just on Dug; everyone else on the team has to step up as well and help him try to make his job easier.”

To do that, the Wolverines are getting creative. Players have tested out new roles, the bench rotation has changed, and they’re trying to find a solution that works not just for one game, but for the rest of the season. It’s not common for a team to lose its starting point guard before it even begins conference play, but they’re making the most of the situation.

To its unlikely benefit, Michigan has been in this position before.