Candidates to be Michigan basketball's top shooter, including one with 'a flamethrower'

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Sophomore point guard Dug McDaniel made 33 three-pointers for Michigan Wolverines basketball last season. That’s tops among returning players. Senior forward Terrance Williams II drilled 17, which ranks second among returnees. The Wolverines need shooters to step up heading into the 2023-24 campaign, and there are some candidates to elevate that area of their game.

“There are a few guys,” graduate forward Tray Jackson said when asked who Michigan’s best shooter is. “The top three, I would say, is probably [freshman guard] George [Washington III], [graduate guard] Nimari [Burnett] and T-Will, Terrance Williams.”

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Washington is known as a shooter. During his prep senior season at Dayton (Ohio) Chaminade-Julienne, he shot 46.5 percent from deep. He’s confident in his abilities and proclaimed that he’s the Wolverines’ best marksman.

“I have to say me. I have to say me,” Washington said.

Washington said his range is one of his strengths.

“If I was willing to bet on a shot, half court,” Washington said of how deep he can go. “If we’re talking like sit there and make seven or eight out of 10, I’d say probably about the Michigan logo. In game, probably somewhere around there. To be honest, with that, it’s kind of a time and score opportunity, if it makes sense within the offense.”

Williams, meanwhile, might be the surprise option. However, he’s made big strides with his shot this offseason, after connecting on only 25 percent of his 68 triple tries a year ago. He recently made 56 of his 69 attempts from three in a shooting drill, according to the program’s social media.

“Absolutely,” Jackson said after being asked if he’s been impressed with Williams’ offseason work. “We’re in the gym every day. He’s in there at 6, I’m in there at 7. I see the work that he’s put in.”

Several Michigan players stuck around in the spring and summer to work with strength coach Jon Sanderson. The team’s motivation and strong work ethic has been a talking point all offseason.

“We got a mentality like we all know what’s at stake right now,” Jackson said. “This is the first team I’ve ever been a part of where everyone’s hungry to work and learn and grow as much as they can as a player. It’s very exciting to see. I can’t wait to see the results of it.”

Michigan graduate forward Olivier Nkamhoua said it’s between Burnett and Williams for the label as the team’s best sharpshooter, leaving out Washington from the top group.

“From the way things have been going, 4 and 5 are the ones that would have to argue with each other about that,” Nkamhoua said.

Burnett shot 32.1 percent on 84 three-point attempts last season. Twenty two of his 27 made triples came in catch-and-shoot situations a year ago, according to Synergy. He’s at 29 percent from deep for his career.

Nkamhoua did acknowledge, though, that Washington can light it up.

“40? [Washington’s jersey number]. He got a flamethrower on him. He do; he definitely do,” Nkamhoua said with a smile. “But nah, I’m not putting my money on a freshman. He definitely can shoot, but I would put it between 4 [Burnett] and 5 [Williams].”

Michigan assistant coach Saddi Washington said that the staff loves George Washington’s shooting ability, but that with the lack of guard depth they also want him to improve as an on-ball creator.

“For me, the biggest thing for me on the playmaking side of things is still figuring out that level of what worked in high school coming off of plays and what doesn’t work at this level, what defenders are looking for, what’s being baited, what’s not,” the Michigan freshman said. “Right now, those are the fastest things.

“But I’ve been making a lot better reads coming off of that ball screen and reading the low man, reading if that defender helps over, who he’s leaving, who’s sliding back up. That comes from a lot of film, a lot of getting in with our coaches and going over play by play to make sure I’m improving.”

The Wolverines lost their top three scorers from last season in center Hunter Dickinson (transfer to Kansas) and first-round draft pick guards Jett Howard and Kobe Bufkin. Finding players to step into prominent offensive roles, including from beyond the arc, is a major key heading into the season, which begins with a Nov. 7 tilt against UNC Asheville.