Get ready for a thrilling new chapter in Michigan Basketball's offensive strategy! The Wolverines are about to unleash a powerful weapon that will take their game to new heights.
Last season, Michigan's success was largely driven by the dynamic duo of Vlad Goldin and Danny Wolf, who dominated with their pick-and-roll prowess. Goldin thrived down low, while Wolf's shot-creating abilities rivaled those of the best big men in the sport. This dynamic partnership served as the catalyst for Michigan's offensive prowess, leading them to victory in the Big Ten Tournament and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in Dusty May's inaugural year at Ann Arbor.
However, there's a new wrinkle to their game plan this season, and it's about to get even more exciting. Michigan is adding a vertical element to their offense that will have opponents quaking in their boots.
While Goldin and Wolf's pairing was a sight to behold, their game didn't often take them above the rim. Sure, Goldin would occasionally catch an alley-oop or two per game, but lob plays weren't a central part of Michigan's offensive strategy. That's all about to change, though, thanks to the personnel they've assembled for the 2025-26 campaign.
Head coach Dusty May is excited about the new additions, saying, "We haven't had a real lob threat since John Egbunu at Florida and Michale Kyser at Louisiana Tech. Now, we have a trio of legit lob threats in Malick Kordel, Aday Mara, and Morez Johnson. Our ability to put pressure on the rim is something we're eagerly anticipating this year."
But here's where it gets controversial... May might have overlooked another key player in this new offensive scheme. Assistant coach Akeem Miskdeen believes that Yaxel Lendeborg should be added to the list of lob threats. "Just look at Elliot Cadeau and L.J. Cason, they're exceptional point guards who can deliver those perfect passes above the rim. With our athletic big men like Malick and Morez, and Aday's height, we're a force to be reckoned with. Our guards are masters at throwing those lobs, and our bigs are skilled at separating off the ball screen and getting to the back of the rim."
The addition of these lob threats opens up a whole new world of possibilities for Michigan's guards, like Roddy Gayle Jr. If he gets stopped driving to the rim, he now has the option to dish it off to his big men, who will go up and grab those lobs. This puts the defense in a tough spot, having to make split-second decisions.
"It takes a lot of pressure off me personally," Gayle said. "Being able to get to the painted area and throw those high-arcing passes, knowing my teammates will go get it, is a huge advantage. It also gives us an edge on the offensive glass and puts more pressure on the rim. Teams will be scared when they see us flying through the air."
The benefits of this new offensive strategy are numerous:
- It puts pressure on the rim and can neutralize the impact of good rim protectors, something several Big Ten teams possess.
- It adds an extra layer of complexity to their offense, forcing defenses to prepare and put help-side players in difficult positions.
- It builds momentum and energy - there's nothing like a thunderous dunk to get an offense out of a slump, and you can finish off a strong run with a big alley-oop and celebrate as the other team calls a timeout.
- It keeps the big men engaged on offense, which pays dividends when you need them to gobble up rebounds and defend the rim.
- If opposing defenses are worried about lobs, it can create more driving opportunities for guards and offensive catalysts like Lendeborg.
During the two hours of practice open to the media last week, the number of lobs thrown was significantly higher than in any game last season. It's clear that attacking the rim and throwing lobs is a key directive for this season's strategy.
When asked about playing above the rim, Aday Mara praised his teammates, saying, "This year, our guards are not selfish at all. They understand that we'll be running to the rim, so it's easy for them to get us points when we finish with a dunk."
And this is the part most people miss... Michigan's new offensive strategy is not just about the lobs; it's about the trust and teamwork that has been built between the guards and big men. It's a beautiful display of synergy and a testament to the hard work put in during practice. So, will this new wrinkle in Michigan's offense be the key to their success this season? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure - it's going to be an exciting ride!
