Michigan Basketball: 3 keys to winning the 2018 Hall of Fame Tip-Off
By Adam Childs
Don’t settle for outside shots
Michigan’s best half of basketball was the first half against the Wildcats when the continually got inside for open shots. They either took their defender off the dribble or ran the pick-and-roll well and got the ball to open guys inside.
When the Wolverines have their offense running like this they are at their best. When they settle for outside shots all game long, they can go through big scoring droughts. This was true when Michigan had elite three-point shooters, which they do not have this year.
Jordan Poole and Isaiah Livers have shown the ability to get hot from the outside but overall this is the worst three-point shooting team Jon Beilein has ever had at Michigan. So if they settle for threes or cannot get the ball inside it will be a problem for them.
Michigan spaces the floor very well They work off picks very well and they are a very good passing team. All of this should continue to get guys open inside or free the lanes for drives. The Wolverines still need to hit some outside shots, but take them when they are open and when it works within their offense.
One thing the Villanova game should have taught Michigan is that they can win without hitting the three and they are very skilled at the rim. They need to continue to find mismatches and exploit them. When they have their offense running as it did in the first half against the Wildcats they are tough to stop.