Michigan Basketball: 3 questions facing the Wolverines in the Big Dance

Live by the three, die by the three

In previous years, Michigan has entered the tournament as one of the most prolific offenses in the country, powered by the ability to spread the floor and shoot threes. This year, the offense is still great, but it is so much more dynamic than just five guys who can shoot threes. Players like Jordan Poole, Zavier Simpson, and Kentucky transfer Charles Matthews are a huge reason for this.

All of the three players mentioned above can shoot threes but Matthews and Simpson prefer to drive the lane and go to the basket. Those types of players also open up the floor for the other players to go to the lane that normally would not. Poole does shoot a lot of threes but he does so much more. He is an explosive athlete who has no problem getting to the rim for a dunk, taking a defender off the bounce, or pulling up and shooting a three.

This new offensive resurgence for Michigan has really helped lead the resurgence on the defensive end of the floor. Michigan has the best defensive team they have had in quite some time under John Beilein. It leads to more players being in position on the defensive end of the floor.  One thing that gets lost in all of this is that, without the standard five guys around the 3-point line approach that Michigan is so used to employing is, with the more balance they have more of the big men in position to grab an offensive rebound to help get them an extra possession. For a team like Michigan, who can be deadly on the offensive end of the floor, an extra possession on offense is the difference between an empty possession and a three-ball.

Next: Upsets to watch for from each seed line

Michigan will have to play at its peak in order to advance as far as many have them advancing. One thing that always holds true: John Beilein is one of the game’s great coaches and he will have his players ready to play. They will give everyone a game and Beilein is not going to listen to any excuses if they are to lose a game. Just how far they advance and how well they play remains to be seen.