GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Michigan fell to Houston in its final preseason exhibition game Sunday, 83-66. In a game marred by foul trouble on both sides, Houston pulled away in the second half. Houston exposed flaws that have plagued the Wolverines through their earlier exhibitions, and with the regular season on the horizon, they have work to do.
Here are five takeaways from the game:
Roddy’s back
After receiving full eligibility to play, one of Michigan’s unsung heroes from last year — Roddy Gayle Jr. — played in his first game of the season. Gayle provides much-needed wing depth and solid on-ball defense.
“We’re excited about him having an opportunity to compete with us,” Mike Boynton Jr. said of Gayle at Michigan Media Day. “We think what he brings is invaluable in terms of experience, but also from a skill standpoint on the perimeter. (He) can be a great addition.”
Gayle wasn’t dominant against Houston, but was a bright spot for Michigan in a game that had a lot of early-season sloppiness. Gayle finished with 14 points on 70% true shooting and the second-highest plus-minus of the day. Gayle’s passing also flashed, and even though Michigan didn’t bury every look he created, his ability to throw skip passes across the court should open up the 3-point offense.
“It was amazing,” Gayle said of his first game back. “It’s exciting to be able to play with these guys. … I felt like I performed pretty well. I’m still trying to get my legs under me, but I haven’t played a game since March.”
Gayle opened by knocking down two transition threes and two fastbreak layups. He also provided good interior penetration on a few possessions. Gayle’s ability to get to the rim was one of the few instances of interior penetration the Wolverines mustered against Houston.
Gayle will slot in at 3 for Michigan in the starting lineup, and today offered the first glimpse of how he plays alongside the rest of the starters. While he was more of a role player last season, Gayle will need to be a consistent scorer and a high-level defender for the Wolverines this season.
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