{"id":3284,"date":"2020-10-25T17:40:08","date_gmt":"2020-10-25T17:40:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peoriamag.com\/?p=3284"},"modified":"2020-12-14T17:41:53","modified_gmt":"2020-12-14T17:41:53","slug":"seven-questions-about-michigan-heading-into-big-ten-play","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/peoriamag.com\/?p=3284","title":{"rendered":"Seven questions about Michigan heading into Big Ten play"},"content":{"rendered":"
If you blinked, you might have missed it, but the Michigan men’s basketball team is done with non-conference play and on to a 20-game Big Ten slate, one that begins Sunday vs. Penn State. Looking back on the Wolverines’ 5-0 start, we break down some of the questions on our mind heading into league play.<\/p>\n

How impressed should we be that Michigan is 5-0?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The record itself, against teams all ranking outside of the top-100, is nothing for the Wolverines to puff their chests about. But there was a lot to like in Michigan’s opening stretch, especially in its last two games. Michigan showed a lot of balance and depth, so much so that two of its top three scorers so far haven’t even started a game yet (Hunter Dickinson and Chaundee Brown Jr., more on them below). The Wolverines also seem to be able to score in a number of different ways, as they have shooters, slashers, a post presence and players who can operate in the midrange.<\/p>\n

On-ball defense has been a minor concern, and it’s notable that Michigan has had to work for a couple of its wins despite entering every game as a heavy favorite. Still, the Wolverines look like a team worthy of being included in back portion of the top-25, and have done so while showcasing plenty of room for improvement.<\/p>\n

Our best guess: Having seen every Big Ten team in action so far, we’d slot Michigan fifth, behind Iowa, Michigan State, Illinois and Wisconsin. Similar to the beginning of the season, we’d put the Wolverines in the same second tier as Ohio State, Indiana and Rutgers. One change is that we\u00a0like Michigan’s odds to be competitive in every game more than before the season, as we have seen highly touted newcomers in action.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

\n
\n
\n

What does an unleashed Hunter Dickinson look like?<\/strong><\/p>\n

So far in Michigan\u2019s season, no development has been more notable than the arrival of freshman big man Hunter Dickinson.<\/p>\n

The former top-50 recruit is the only Michigan player to score in double figures every game so far, and is averaging a cool 14.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists and blocks per game despite coming off the bench in every single game. He\u2019s shown good quickness for his size and position, along with strength and an ability to get through traffic and is even a healthy 16 for 23 from the free-throw line.<\/p>\n

He also hasn\u2019t played a big man comparable to what the Big Ten has in store yet.<\/p>\n

\n
\n

We fully expect Dickinson\u2019s minutes and usage to increase, whether he\u2019s a starter or not, once Big Ten play begins. But while he\u2019s progressing and adjusting to the college game, Big Ten teams are developing increasingly effective scouting reports against him. How does he look when no one is surprised by him anymore?<\/p>\n

So far, Dickinson has answered this question in the most encouraging way imaginable. He hasn\u2019t forced his points, and they really haven\u2019t come against the flow of Michigan\u2019s offense. Dickinson has also shown himself to be a strong and willing passer for his position, which should make it tough for opposing defenses to truly key in on him. Avoiding fouls (2.0 per game) and turnovers (1.2) should also keep him on the court.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

Where things may be tougher to project is on the defensive end, as Big Ten big men can range from strong 3-and-D players like Nate Ruevers to back-to-the-basket throwbacks like Luka Garza. Dickinson has the size to defend the latter, but does he have the skills to do so? We have come away encouraged by his speed, can he defend small-ball bigs despite being 7-foot-1 and 255 pounds?<\/p>\n

Our best guess: Dickinson is still the early favorite to win Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and after seeing him in five games, we\u2019d be surprised if he didn\u2019t average at least 12 points per game this season. He should be steady, but don\u2019t be surprised if teams start to make his life more difficult by mid-January.<\/p>\n