Michigan kicks off their 2022-2023 season tonight at Crisler Center

The 2022-23 men’s basketball season has arrived and Michigan is looking to start their season on a strong note as they host the  Mastodons of Purdue-Fort Wayne. It will also be a time for head coach Juwan Howard to test out his newest recruits for this year.

After losing six roster spots to graduating teammates, the new freshmen will have to leave their mark on this team while adapting to new and various roles that may be needed from them.

Last year, guards DeVante’ Jones and Eli Brooks had strong contributions in the team’s system. Jones led the team in assists (4.6) and Brooks led in steals (1.2) so the young guards Jett Howard and Dug McDaniel will have to fill in those shoes.

For big man Hunter Dickinson, he will need to continue to improve and grow. Dickinson led in points and rebounds (18.6 and 8.6). Dickinson will also need to make his case to win Big Ten Player of the year this year to help elevate him to the next level.

Michigan is currently ranked 22 in the AP Top 25; they will need to continue to build off the wins from last year, along with improving on their struggles as well.

Last year, Michigan was 3rd in field goal percentage (46.7%) in all of the Big Ten. They will need to shoot the ball from 3-point range, as they were ranked 9th (33.9). Defensively, the team will need to step up; while averaging 3 blocks and almost 5 steals a game seems sufficient, the team was ranked 8th and 12th in those categories.

You can catch the game tonight on the Big Ten Network at 6:30 pm.

.(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)