Will Tschetter evaluates first career start for Michigan

There are better ways to end your first career start than with a loss, and it’s easy to be tough on yourself after the fact. You’re probably going to blame yourself.

Those were the vibes Michigan‘s Will Tschetter was giving off after suffering defeat at Wisconsin 64-59 earlier this week. Tschetter finished the game with four points, five rebounds and two assists during 26 minutes on the court.

“I found out yesterday or the day before,” Tschetter said about making his first start. “I don’t think I gave it my all, I feel like I emptied the tank. I did everything I could to try to pull this big one out.”

Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard spoke on his decision to start the sophomore forward, noting that this opportunity will help Tschetter develop. Also, it was announced before the game that forward Terrance Williams was going to be out with a bruised knee.

Howard has been high on Tschetter for a while, so it was a perfect excuse to slot the former On3 Consensus four-star recruit into a legitimate role in the lineup.

“It’s no surprise to me because the young man has worked extremely hard. This being his second year, he’s been very patient waiting his turn but also at the same time, just feeding life to the team,” Howard said postgame. “This year, you get an opportunity to play more. Being a first start, there’s nothing to try to make it more different than what it is overall by playing when he’s not starting.”

Michigan will look to avenge its loss earlier this season to in-state rival Michigan State when they take on the Spartans Saturday afternoon. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET live on Fox. The Wolverines are two-point favorites heading into the matchup, per Caesars Sportsbook.