Dickinson is the key reason. He's a 7'1" presence, who is extremely nifty around the hoop offensively and defensively, he gives them that back line protection and can erase shots. He's a real problem.
Livers is healthy this year and has played a full season. From December to almost February last year, he was on the shelf. Wagner is significant improved and I think Smith is an upgrade over the kid from last year, as he can shoot it.
They're good and probably the favorite to cut the nets down. I'm interested to see how we stack up.
last year's kid was X(Z?)avier Simpson. Smith is probably an upgrade offensively, but defensively and team leadership, I think Simpson is a step above.
I've watched a fair bit of Michigan (wife is an alum..house divided tonight!) Very concerned about this game. As you mention, Dickinson changes the complexion of the team. Much like Kofi has done for us. They're just so balanced now. The range of PPG on their starting lineup is ~6pts. ours is 17. And of course, the high end of ours is a player that may not play or is coming back from injury. However, my biggest concern is the same issue we had with MSU and Maryland. Tall, athletic wings that can score. Livers and Wagner are those. Our only hope, imo, is to 1) find a way to shut them down (least likely, imo), 2) make it up by shutting down smith and dickinson (very possible) and/or 3) shoot lights out on the other end (possible).
I do think we have better depth though. Austin Davis has decent size and experience, but isn't a difference maker like Giorgi can be on certain nights. And they don't have anyone close to Belo coming off the bench. We get them in foul trouble (unlikely, but who knows) or make 'em run and get them tired, could pull this out.
(30+) on them while locking up Smith and stalling their offense, pulling us to an epic win (with or without Ayo). Would love to see him shine on the biggest stage -- so far -- this season and get the recognition he deserves.
