The first official game of Dusty May’s tenure couldn’t have gone much better for Michigan. The Wolverines broke triple digits and nearly doubled Cleveland State’s tally, winning 101-53
Just as advertised, Michigan played a fast, exciting brand of basketball, and it played that style about as well as it could have. From a stellar shooting performance to tons of life throughout the rotation, the Wolverines left little to be desired in their first game.
With so much to like about the first official look at May’s version of Michigan, UM Hoops breaks down five key takeaways from Monday’s season opener.
Michigan shoots the ball historically efficient
It might only be the first game of May’s tenure as head coach at Michigan, but his team is already flirting with program history. The Wolverines shot 68.4% from the field against the Vikings, which is the program’s second-best single-game mark of all time.
The Wolverines posted a 77.2 effective field goal percentage in the win, the best of any team in college basketball on opening night.
Michigan did it by sticking to the analytically sound shot selection philosophy that May’s system emphasizes: 3-pointers and shots in the paint. Of the Wolverines’ 57 total shots, 50 were either a three, a dunk, or a layup. Michigan also made 19 of the 25 layups it took, getting to the basket and finishing strong.
“I thought the guys made a big-time adjustment since Toledo as far as finishing around the rim, having more power, more explosion, more determination,” May said. “We’ve worked on some things technique-wise, but more than anything else, guys were just determined to get the ball in the hole. Cleveland State’s physical. They’re athletic. So that’s a nice, pleasant surprise that our guys are able to correct that from one game to the next.”
The Wolverines didn’t shoot as many threes as they did in their exhibition games, only attempting 18 as they took what the Vikings gave them around the rim. But they shot 55.6% from beyond the arc, taking advantage of open opportunities when they got them.
Michigan likely won’t shoot at such a high clip every game, but to do so in the first game of the season bodes very well for the Wolverines’ offensive future.
Dusty May Promo!
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