The thought entering the 2023-24 season is Michigan basketball wasn’t going to be very good this year. The Wolverines lost star center Hunter Dickinson to Kansas via the transfer portal, and the team attempted to reload through similar means. Though Tray Jackson, Olivier Nkamhoua, and Nimari Burnett came aboard, the seeming addition of former five-star Caleb Love didn’t come to fruition due to admissions.
Before the basketball team starts the season in earnest with an exhibition game, the team had a secret scrimmage against No. 5 Marquette. And wouldn’t you know it, the maize and blue ended up coming out with a win, even without Juwan Howard at the helm (he’s still recovering from heart surgery).
Michigan beat Marquette 115-111 in a scrimmage today, per source.
They played four 12-minute quarters.
— Trilly Donovan (@trillydonovan) October 28, 2023
This wasn’t a typical game: It had four 12-minute quarters instead of two 20-minute halves. However, it’s a good development for the Wolverines. Of course, that score leaves a lot to be desired defensively, but perhaps the maize and blue could surprise once the season comes.
The season starts in earnest on Nov. 7 but Michigan basketball will host an exhibition game on Thursday against Northwood.