Michigan Basketball's New Lob Threats: Elevating the Game Above the Rim
Michigan Basketball had a successful season last year, with Vlad Goldin and Danny Wolf excelling in the pick-and-roll, leading the team to victory in the Big Ten Tournament and the Sweet Sixteen. While the duo was effective, they didn't focus much on playing above the rim. However, with new players like Malick Kordel, Aday Mara, and Morez Johnson, Michigan is looking to add more lob threats to their offensive strategy for the upcoming season.
Head coach Dusty May expressed excitement about the team's ability to put pressure on the rim with the addition of legitimate lob threats. The guards, including Elliot Cadeau and L.J. Cason, are skilled at throwing lobs, with Cadeau boasting an impressive assist rate from last season. Assistant coach Akeem Miskdeen highlighted the athleticism of players like Malick, Morez, and Aday, emphasizing their ability to separate off the ball screen and finish above the rim.
The presence of lob threats like Kordel, Mara, and Johnson not only benefits the big men but also provides an advantage for guards like Roddy Gayle Jr. who can rely on lob passes when driving to the rim. This strategy puts pressure on opposing defenses and creates scoring opportunities for Michigan. The team's focus on incorporating more lobs in practice indicates a shift towards an aggressive offensive approach centered around attacking the rim and utilizing lob passes effectively.
A key aspect of Michigan's offensive game plan this season is the emphasis on playing above the rim, with players like Aday Mara acknowledging the unselfishness of the guards in setting up scoring opportunities for the big men. The team's commitment to executing more lob plays showcases their intention to capitalize on the athleticism and skill of their players to create scoring chances and put pressure on opposing teams.