Does Michigan run a similar offense to Mercer's offense?

[VolFreakJosh]

Quick question. I know Michigan is a really good 3 point shooting team and they like to get their 3 point shooters open as possible. I noticed Mercer did the exact same thing when we played against them. Is Michigan's offense pretty similar to Mercer's offense or is it a little different?

 

[bleedingTNorange]

There's definite similarities.

Mark Pancratz made a great point prior to the Mercer game that if we won, it would be a great prep for Michigan. Said they run a lot of the same stuff and are very similar in what they try to do, they're obviously better at it but it would be nice to have 2 somewhat similar scouts.

 

[DeadThree024]

Their style of play is similar. Michigan spaces the floor really well, and they do a good job of moving without the ball. Beilein's base offense has a two-guard front, two wings free-throw line extended or below, and a big in the middle of the floor at the high post area. They'll run Stauskas off a lot of pindowns, and they'll try to free him up in ballscreen situations. Stauskas is not just a catch and shoot guy. He's sneaky athletic, and can knock down the pull-up and get in the paint. However, I think Richardson's length, quickness, and energy can give him trouble.

 

[iKrager]

Solid info guys.

EDIT: One thing I will mention is our Perimeter Defense. I'm not looking at the numbers so I can be totally wrong, but from what I've observed during the Mercer game (and others) is that Tennessee is a mediocre team at defending the perimeter. It seems we can not get a stop on the perimeter when there's a hot perimeter team.

Examples of shooters we failed to stop: Scottie Wiebilkin, Texas A&M's Antwan Space TWICE. I'm failing to make a strong point as I lack more examples.


Do you guys agree or disagree that our perimeter defense will need some serious work this week?

 

[drewtigeralum]

Weirdly, Mercer probably has the better inside game. U.M. doesn't really have anyone to throw it to down in the block. Morgan scores all his points on garbage baskets and easy dunks. That being said, U.M. is way more talented 1-4. Also, U.M. likes to get out in transition and shoot the 3. Mercer couldn't accomplish that.

 

[UTK]

Michigan will drain 3s it's all how respond. We have to hit a few key 3s but we can't afford to get caught up into it, we still have to and very well can dominate the paint and rebounding.

 

[DeadThree024]

You're right, Corcey from Mercer was skilled, and he gave Duke fits off rim-runs out of ballscreens and post ups. Michigan doesn't have a big they like to post up consistently, and Beilein will certainly not try to beat Tennessee on the interior. As far as Tennessee's perimeter defense, Wilbekin has turned into a great player this year, and there's not many teams who have or will keep him out of the paint so that's a tough evaluation. Also, Tennessee is playing with a heightened sense of urgency, consistent effort, and greater attention to detail on both ends of the floor. As far as what Michigan might to try exploit offensively, I would look for them attack Tennessee in transition off a miss or make in order to get in the lane off penetration and free up shooters. It will be important for Tennessee to guard in transition and find shooters like Stauskas, and force Michigan to play 5 on 5.