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thewolverines24
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9 PM Eastern on ESPNU. Opponent Preview:
EMU starts four transfers and have not played a D-1 team yet, so it's pretty tough to have any handle on what to expect from them. I think we can expect Emoni Bates to shoot the ball and shoot it a lot.
EMU's offense relies on ball screens and playmaking. They finished 91st in ball screen volume last year and their offensive game plan is to spread the floor out and let their playmakers operate. Last year their offense finished 330th in adjusted offensive efficiency, but there should be more options now with the upgraded roster of transfers. Their offense looks a lot like my turn, your turn. They finished 340th in assist rate last season and in their first game against D-II Wayne State they had 11 assists on 30 made baskets. That was without Bates in the lineup.
They weren't much better on defense last season, finishing 265th in adjusted efficiency. They try to over-help, pressure the ball on the perimeter, and speed up their opponent.
Keys:
Ball Screen Defense - There were signs of progress in our opener, but we will see how Michigan's defense deals with pick-and-pop threats, how it contains dribble one-on-one, and how it holds up against big shooting wings like Bates. All of those things caused problems for the defense a year ago. EMU provides an early, passable test to gauge progress.
Feed Hunter - Get him involved early and often against a team that starts a 6'8" center. He should dominate this game.
Guard Play - Llewellyn has been steady, but hasn't found much offensive aggression. Dug has been exciting, but hectic. Bufkin is starting to show some playmaking chops. How does this group fare tonight?
There's enough talent on EMU to be better than the 312th-best team KenPom is projecting. Who knows if that talent coalesces. KenPom isn't buying it and is predicting an 84-62 Michigan win.
GO BLUE!
EMU starts four transfers and have not played a D-1 team yet, so it's pretty tough to have any handle on what to expect from them. I think we can expect Emoni Bates to shoot the ball and shoot it a lot.
EMU's offense relies on ball screens and playmaking. They finished 91st in ball screen volume last year and their offensive game plan is to spread the floor out and let their playmakers operate. Last year their offense finished 330th in adjusted offensive efficiency, but there should be more options now with the upgraded roster of transfers. Their offense looks a lot like my turn, your turn. They finished 340th in assist rate last season and in their first game against D-II Wayne State they had 11 assists on 30 made baskets. That was without Bates in the lineup.
They weren't much better on defense last season, finishing 265th in adjusted efficiency. They try to over-help, pressure the ball on the perimeter, and speed up their opponent.
Keys:
Ball Screen Defense - There were signs of progress in our opener, but we will see how Michigan's defense deals with pick-and-pop threats, how it contains dribble one-on-one, and how it holds up against big shooting wings like Bates. All of those things caused problems for the defense a year ago. EMU provides an early, passable test to gauge progress.
Feed Hunter - Get him involved early and often against a team that starts a 6'8" center. He should dominate this game.
Guard Play - Llewellyn has been steady, but hasn't found much offensive aggression. Dug has been exciting, but hectic. Bufkin is starting to show some playmaking chops. How does this group fare tonight?
There's enough talent on EMU to be better than the 312th-best team KenPom is projecting. Who knows if that talent coalesces. KenPom isn't buying it and is predicting an 84-62 Michigan win.
GO BLUE!
