Michigan basketball showing signs of what many thought they could be

There are only seven games left in the regular season, and Michigan basketball is fighting for its NCAA Tournament life. Some bad losses early (Central Michigan) and a few missed opportunities (at Iowa) have them digging out rather than battling for a Big Ten title. 

But the Wolverines have played some of their best basketball in the last few weeks, and that’s a good sign. They’re more dialed in defensively and playing with a sense of urgency that hasn’t always been there. Individual confidence is rising in several players, and the pieces are starting to come together as they become more comfortable with one another. 

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“I think the thing we really improved [the most] on the end offensive end is reading double teams and being more comfortable playing out of those,” Michigan assistant Howard Eisley said Friday. “Hunter [Dickinson] is finding open guys and making an extra pass. 

“Another thing offensively I think has helped us is we’re getting back to playing in transition, and really playing at a pace that I think is better for us. The faster pace really helps our team get into our secondary offense better.”

It’s allowed junior center Dickinson to get deeper in the post earlier in possessions, as well, which has created better looks for him — and for his teammates when he’s doubled. 

On the defensive end, Eisley added, the Wolverines have been much more locked into the game plan.

“I’m starting to feel like our guys are really sensing the sense of urgency right now and knowing that we’ve got roughly a little less than a month now in conference play,” the Michigan assistant added. “So, we have to be very good and take every game one at a time, but the importance of every game really matters.”

Surging Indiana is a huge opportunity for Michigan

This one, though, is as big as they come. The Hoosiers have won 7 of their last 8 after losing three straight Big Ten contests, led by big man Trayce Jackson-Davis. Guard Jalen Hood-Schifino is the “stirrer of the drink,” Eisley noted, but Davis is one of the league’s best players at this point in the season.

“Obviously, they’re playing very good basketball right now … Trayce is having a phenomenal year and he really has improved his skill set,” Eisley said. “He’s going to be a force for us to reckon with — scoring on the low post and his offensive rebounding and his presence on the defensive end, as well. We have to do a good job on him, and it starts there. 

“…He’s using a bust-out dribble more, so he’s able to get a rebound on the defensive end and push it and go the length of the floor. His passing is much better this year, as well. He’s a very talented player. His ability to really run the floor is something I don’t think people really talk about that much. You have to do a good job on him and keep yourself between him and the basket.”

But Dickinson has always seemed to take matchups like these personally at Michigan. He scored 21 against Purdue’s Zach Edey in a loss, and he thrives on the competition. 

He’s also healthier than he was against Nebraska Wednesday when he was a bit sick.

“Hunter’s a big part of our team and what we do on both ends of the floor. He was a little under the weather, but you have to give him credit for showing up and playing,” Eisley said of the Michigan center. “He really gave us a great effort. Whenever we can have Hunter on the floor, it really makes guys’ jobs a lot easier … just his presence out there. 

“Against Trayce, we’re going to try to keep as much size and length on him as possible. It will be big that [Dickinson] is able to play for us.”

They’ll have to be locked in on their coverages to slow IU’s pick and roll action and work hard on keeping the Hoosiers off the glass. Do those two things and Michigan will have a solid chance to win. 

That would put the Wolverines in position to be in position to make a run at the NCAA Tournament, at least, and ensure second place in the Big Ten for at least another several days. With several tough road games still to come, it’s almost a must-win … and appears that’s how the Michigan team is treating it.