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With its first exhibition just two days away, the Michigan men’s basketball team held its Pro Day to showcase its players in practice drills and a scrimmage. Wolverines coach Dusty May and all players addressed the media as well, sharing insights on the upcoming season and what to expect. The program is looking for a fresh start with May at the helm, and this was a showcase of the early beginnings of what May is looking to build.
It was just a short glimpse, but lots was uncovered through these drills and quotes, so now The Daily breaks down some of the most important aspects of the day.
Michigan really, really wants to shoot the three
Starting out the practice Friday with shooting drills, there were no signs of difference from any other basketball practice. Players got warm and honed their jumpers, but as practice wore on a clear trend appeared: emphasis on the long ball.
As the 5-on-5 scrimmage started later on, the first six combined trips up the court from the two teams resulted in a 3-pointer, and four of them were makes.
“We’ve generated good shots,” May said. “A good percentage of them have been open threes, uncontested threes, which is what we take pride in.”
As the scrimmage wore on, threes continued to rain down. Looks inside were mostly limited to shots right at the rim, proving that May is hunting deep shots or layups in his current offensive ideology.
This could end up being a boom-or-bust strategy for the Wolverines. If they can get hot they could surprise some teams, but a cold night with a heavy emphasis on 3-pointers could spell trouble.
Tre Donaldson can lead the offense at the point
May has answered his point guard questionleading into the season, and junior Tre Donaldson is the man who will run the offense .
“Tre’s been our primary ball handler in practice,” May said Thursday. “… And we don’t typically play like a lot of teams do with a traditional point guard, we like to have three or four different (guards).
May alluded to his guard-heavy offense, but Donaldson looked like a composed and comfortable lead guard during Friday’s scrimmages. His handle was consistent and he appeared very comfortable with his shot.
He wasn’t a flashy point guard by any means, but rather one that can handle big moments, calm down an unsettled group and make the right play when it presents itself. That steadiness will be important for this team as it continues to gel, even if May wants to supplement him with additional ball handlers.
Defense remains in question
Every question sent May’s way since he was hired has been about his offense. Adjusting to the Big Ten, how quick he wants to play, the number of ball handlers, the list goes on and on. But that’s only half of the game, and arguably the less important half. May finally got a chance to talk about his defensive philosophy Friday:
“Contain the bounce and stay on balance,” May said. “Therefore you’re a good rebounding team if you can do those things … and that starts our break.”
Naturally, May’s answer trailed into turning offense into defense, and wanting to run in transition, but he did lay out his defensive plans nonetheless. He wants to keep ball handlers out of the paint and not have to scramble defensively. That’s easier said than done, although it is sound as a base philosophy.
One way in which May’s Wolverines are working towards balanced defense is by switching everything. In a small sample size from Friday’s scrimmage, the Wolverines were switching every matchup against ball screens on every possession. Whether a strong defensive guard like freshman Phat Phat Brooks or seven-foot-tall graduate center Vlad Goldin faced the screen, if there was a ball screen, there was a defensive switch to match it. This can create matchup problems, but it also keeps the process simple for the defense and should prevent too many scrambles or frenzied possessions.
It is extremely likely that May and his staff have a more nuanced approach hidden underneath Friday’s scrimmage’s ball-screen coverage, but switching everything now is one look into the basics of his defensive philosophy. While May’s offense has always been the focus, this first glimpse of his defense in the Big Ten could end up being more important.
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