Michigan men’s basketball picks up the pace, scores more on transition offense and defense

The Michigan men’s basketball team has adopted a new style of play this season that emphasizes a faster tempo and a focus on switching offenses. This shift in strategy is reflected in the team’s increased efficiency on offense, especially on fast break opportunities.

Compared to the 2022-2023 season, the University of Michigan team has increased its average number of possessions per 40 minutes by six and its average number of shots on goal by six. This increased tempo is designed to capitalize on the team’s versatility and increase scoring efficiency.

„It’s a decision we made over the summer,“ University of Michigan associate head coach Phil Martelli said Nov. 7.“ We are committed to being a transition team. Because – don’t tell anyone – one of our Achilles‘ heels may be our outside shooting …… , so in order to score enough points, we have to get off the court quickly.“

So far this season, the Timberwolves have stuck to their transition offense despite shooting 41 percent from 3-point range. Led by speedy sophomore guard Dug McDaniel, Michigan continues to pick up the pace and create scoring opportunities before the defense is fully established.

The emphasis on the transition offense has led to a significant increase in Michigan’s fast break scoring percentage. Last season, they averaged just 6.12 fast break points per game, which ranked 316th in the country. Now, they are averaging 11.33 points per game.

The increase in fast break points has not only improved their overall scoring, but it has also helped them create open three-point opportunities that catch defenses off guard.

„Our versatility allows us to get out, run and shoot,“ sophomore forward Will Cutting said on Nov. 10.“ If someone drives with their butt to the corner and he’s open, that’s how we practice. If you have a transition, three guys go up for a shot.“

That versatility isn’t limited to smaller guards, as seven of Michigan’s eight rotation players have scored on the fast break at least once. Senior forward Terrance Williams II led the team in converted points with 11.

The Wolverines‘ faster pace has created matchup problems for the defense.

„It’s really hard for people to match up against us when these guys are scrambling on offense and defense,“ freshman guard George Washington III said on Nov. 3.“ Especially in those moments.

While there are some costs to playing faster, such as an increase in turnovers, the pros of Michigan’s new style of play outweigh the cons. Their fast-break offense has allowed them to score five more points per game, while their point total has increased by nearly 20 points per game.

„The faster tempo is important to establish the flow of the game and the defense right behind them,“ graduate student guard Nemarie Burnett said Monday.“ Everything unfolds behind them.“

The Wolverines have rejuvenated their team by picking up the tempo and emphasizing a transition offense that has yielded positive results. They believe this new style of play will continue to be successful throughout the season.