Michigan's Defense Rises to No. 7 Nationally as May's System Takes Hold
Michigan's defensive transformation under first-year head coach Dusty May has been nothing short of remarkable. The Wolverines (6-1) have climbed to No. 7 in KenPom's defensive rankings, with their dominance on full display during their Fort Myers Tip-Off tournament championship run.
Wednesday night's 78-53 dismantling of No. 22 Xavier highlighted just how far this team has come. The Wolverines held their two tournament opponents to a combined 116 points, prompting high praise from Xavier head coach Sean Miller at the post game press conference.
"Dusty is an excellent coach... they've really improved as a team from two or three weeks ago until now," Miller said after his team committed 14 first-half turnovers. "Their depth, their size was impressive. They just wear you down physically."
Danny Wolf's emergence has been crucial to Michigan's defensive identity. The 7-foot junior posted what Miller called "an All-American effort" with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and four three-pointers while anchoring the defense.
Michigan forward Sam Walters (24), right, celebrates with center Danny Wolf (1)
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
"That was an extremely gritty performance, especially defensively against an Xavier program that we have the utmost respect for," May said. "We were as active as we've been, as physical as we've been, and it's a good starting point for us."
Michigan's depth has proven to be a significant factor in their defensive success. "Our second lineup continues to give us a jolt of energy almost every single game," May noted. "I think every game but one this year, our second unit has been extremely productive statistically and intangibly."
At Michigan's post game press conference Wolf credited May's belief in his defensive versatility: "Coach May made a comment that he believed in me more than I believed in myself defensively when he was recruiting me. I just want to prove daily that I can guard or switch on smaller guards on a nightly basis."
As Big Ten play approaches, Michigan's defensive prowess could be the key to their success. The combination of May's system, Wolf's versatility, and the team's depth has transformed Michigan into one of college basketball's elite defensive units. With conference play looming, the Wolverines appear poised to challenge the Big Ten's top teams.
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