Michigan began its national championship defense Monday with a new head coach, a reshaped roster and an 84–68 victory over Oakland. For a program that experienced enormous success last season, simply getting the first win under Mike Boynton was an important step.
But the final score didn't tell the entire story.
The Wolverines received 17 points apiece from Roddy Gayle and Trey McKenney, while Tennessee transfer J.P. Estrella contributed 15 points and 12 rebounds. Freshman Quinn Costello added 13 points, giving Michigan encouraging production from both returning players and newcomers.
There were also some numbers that deserve attention.
Michigan made only seven of its 34 three-point attempts, and Oakland collected 21 offensive rebounds. Neither issue prevented the Wolverines from winning Monday, but both could become more significant against stronger competition.
With No. 4 UConn waiting Friday in Boston, Michigan won't have much time to address those concerns.
Starting the season in the win column >>>#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/GyLAz76akM
— Michigan Men's Basketball (@umichbball) November 3, 2026
The three-point shooting needs work
Michigan's perimeter shooting was one of the most noticeable weaknesses in its season opener.
The Wolverines connected on just 20.6% of their three-point attempts, missing 27 shots from beyond the arc. That is a difficult number to overcome against a quality opponent, particularly when a team attempts more than 30 three-pointers.
Fortunately for Michigan, its offense found other ways to produce.
The Wolverines made 24 of their 37 two-point attempts, demonstrating that they could generate efficient scoring opportunities closer to the basket. They also committed only nine turnovers, an encouraging sign for a team adjusting to new personnel and a different head coach.
That combination helped Michigan build a 47–36 halftime advantage and maintain control despite its struggles from long range.
The concern is whether the Wolverines can rely on that formula against opponents with stronger interior defenses.
UConn should provide a much more demanding test.
Oakland exposed a rebounding concern
The other number that stands out is Oakland's 21 offensive rebounds.
Michigan has enough size and athleticism to compete with almost anybody, but allowing that many second-chance opportunities is concerning.
Oakland finished with a 44–42 advantage in total rebounds despite losing by 16 points.
The Golden Grizzlies were unable to take full advantage because they struggled from the perimeter, making just six of their 26 three-point attempts. They also committed 15 turnovers, helping Michigan maintain its lead.
Against a more efficient opponent, however, those additional possessions could become extremely costly.
Michigan's defensive rebounding will be worth watching closely during the next several games, particularly as Boynton establishes his preferred rotations.
The newcomers provided encouraging signs
While the shooting and rebounding numbers deserve scrutiny, Michigan had several positives.
Estrella made an immediate impact in his first game with the Wolverines. The former Tennessee forward scored 13 of his 15 points in the first half and grabbed eight rebounds before halftime, helping Michigan establish control.
Costello also demonstrated that he can contribute early in his college career. The freshman made two three-pointers early in the second half, helping extend Michigan's advantage.
Those performances matter because the Wolverines are replacing substantial production from last season's championship team.
Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara and Morez Johnson departed for the NBA, while Dusty May left to coach the Dallas Mavericks. Boynton, previously an assistant under May, inherited a program facing unusually high expectations and significant personnel changes.
Michigan's returning guards provide an important foundation, but the development of players such as Estrella and Costello could determine how quickly the team becomes a championship contender again.
UConn will provide a much clearer answer
Michigan's victory over Oakland was a successful beginning, but Friday's game against UConn will offer a different level of competition.
The Wolverines cannot assume they will survive another poor perimeter shooting performance or another night of allowing more than 20 offensive rebounds.
They will need to defend, rebound and execute more consistently.
There is plenty to like about Michigan's first performance under Boynton. The Wolverines protected the basketball, received balanced scoring and demonstrated that their newcomers can contribute.
But the defending champions also left their opener with some obvious areas to improve.
Against Oakland, those weaknesses were manageable.
Against UConn, they could decide the game.
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