Michigan Basketball Hits Its Stride, But a Crucial Week Looms
When Michigan plays to its potential, they don’t just win-they dominate. Saturday’s matinee against UCLA was a perfect example.
What started as a tight first half-just a two-point edge at the break-turned into a second-half clinic. The Wolverines blew the doors off the Bruins, walking away with a 30-point win that left UCLA head coach Mick Cronin going from fiery protests to stunned silence.
It’s tough to find much fault in a performance like that. Michigan looked locked in on both ends, especially after halftime. But if we’re looking at the big picture-and with a pivotal week ahead, we are-there are still a few habits this team needs to clean up.
Rotations and Rhythm
Head coach Dusty May has done an impressive job managing this team, but one thing that continues to raise eyebrows is his use of full-line substitutions. Yes, it keeps the starters fresh, and depth is a strength of this roster. But those wholesale changes can disrupt rhythm and open the door for opponents to climb back in-something Michigan can’t afford against elite competition.
Three-Point Trigger Happy
Another recurring theme: early-game shot selection. Michigan tends to come out firing from deep, sometimes a bit too eagerly.
This team has the size, skill, and spacing to get high-percentage looks in the paint whenever it wants. Settling for quick threes-especially before establishing an offensive flow-can let teams hang around longer than they should.
Rodney Gayle's Evolving Role
Then there’s Rodney Gayle. Last season, Michigan needed him to be a scorer.
This season, with more offensive weapons around him, his role has shifted-but the adjustment hasn’t always been smooth. Gayle is still forcing shots in traffic and turning the ball over trying to do too much.
What Michigan needs from him now is elite defense, rebounding, and smart ball movement. When he embraces that, he’s a major asset.
When he presses, it can slow things down.
Yax: The Steadying Force
One player who continues to be indispensable is Yax. Whether it’s locking down the opposing team’s best guard, setting up teammates with precision, or getting timely buckets, he does a little bit of everything-and he does it well.
His presence in the second half is no coincidence. Dusty May knows what he has in Yax, and it’s why he’s rarely off the floor when the game is on the line.
A Defining Week Ahead
Now comes the real test. Michigan hits the road for two massive games: first at Purdue, then a neutral-site showdown in Washington, D.C. against Duke.
We’re talking about a top-10 matchup followed by a top-3 one. These are the kinds of games that can define a season.
So here’s the question: if Michigan has to split the week, which win matters more?
Beating Purdue would give the Wolverines breathing room atop the Big Ten standings-a major step toward securing the regular-season conference title. But beating Duke?
That’s a national statement. It’s Duke.
It doesn’t impact the Big Ten race, but it sends a message to the rest of the country that Michigan is for real.
Of course, the ideal answer is simple: go 2-0 and make the debate irrelevant.
Poll Update and Baseball Buzz
Michigan also got a new number next to their name in the latest AP poll. It’s a good one-one that would make Ricky Bobby proud.
But rankings in February don’t mean much if you don’t back them up in March. This week will go a long way in showing whether Michigan is a contender or just a hot team in the middle of the season.
Meanwhile, a quick nod to Michigan Baseball, which opened its season 3-0. It’s still winter in Ann Arbor, but the boys on the diamond are already off to a strong start.
Staffing News: A Familiar Name Returns
On the football side, Michigan has added a new name to the coaching staff. Larry Black, formerly Vanderbilt’s co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach, is now set to lead the Wolverines’ defensive front.
And there’s a bit of a family tie here-Larry is the brother of former Michigan defensive lineman Jibreel Black. It’s a solid hire that adds both SEC experience and a touch of Michigan legacy to the staff.
Bottom Line
Michigan Basketball is rolling, but this week is the litmus test. Two top-tier matchups, one shot to prove they belong in the national title conversation. Buckle up.