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One Michigan basketball freshman is ready to play now: 'Grab your seatbelts and strap in'

Anthony Broomeby:Anthony Broome•10/12/22•

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Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard
(Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

Michigan basketball has grabbed 3 starting point guards out of the transfer portal over the last 3 offseasons. Princeton transfer Jaelin Llewellyn joins Mike Smith and DeVante’ Jones as players of that ilk.

But finally, Michigan might have its point guard of the future under head coach Juwan Howard. And we are going to see a lot of him early – and often – during the 2022-23 season.

True freshman and Fairfax, Virginia native Dug McDaniel – a 5-11, 167 pound 4-star enrollee and No. 83 recruit in the 2022 class, per the On3 Consensus – has emerged as a legitimate threat for big minutes this season, even with Llewellyn on the roster. Head coach Juwan Howard raved about what he brings to the table during his session at Big Ten Media Days in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“Dug McDaniel is going to be special,” Howard said. “Having that chip on his shoulder and being competitive, smart, and just knows how to play. Has great basketball instincts. That kid is going to be someone where everyone needs to grab your seatbelts and strap in. He’s gonna do some things out there on the floor.

“Like all freshmen, you’re gonna make some mistakes. That’s a part of it. He is going to find his way to be a winner.”

McDaniel has impressed so mich that Michigan is legitimately preparing a 2 point guard lineup with both ball handlers on the floor. And Howard is not making a secret of it.

“He’s earned it. Dougie is going to make you play him,” Howard said, confirming that he will see time on the floor at the same time as Llewellyn. “I’m not afraid to say it to the public or to our opposing teams. It’s going to happen.”

Michigan needs a step from sophomore guards

By necessity, Michigan needs a leap from all of the guards on its roster this year. Among them are sophomores Kobe Bufkin and Isaiah Barnes, who kept hammering away at developing their games and their bodies over the summer.

“They put the work in, like I touched on and with you guys earlier in the summer,” Howard said. “They’ve been [in the gym] in spring and summer. Both have added weight and muscle. Their games have improved in a lot of ways. Kobe got a chance to play and average 10 minutes a game last year, and he’s gonna have a larger role this year.

“Isaiah is just scratching the surface. You’re gonna see him this season. It’s good just to know that we have a deeper team. We have an athletic team and once again, we have a young team.”

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