After dominating Oakland in a 121-78 victory to open the season, No. 7 Michigan showcased a potent, high-flying offense and the depth of its new-look roster. The Wolverines broke a school record with 69 points in the first half and were led by standout performances from transfer Morez Johnson Jr. and freshman Trey McKenney. Here are three positive takeaways from the impressive win.

Morez Johnson Jr. is an instant difference-maker

The transfer forward from Illinois made an immediate impact, proving to be a dominant force on both ends of the floor. Johnson scored 24 points, with 20 coming in a record-breaking first half, and his early 14 points helped spark a 20-0 run that put the game out of reach. Beyond his scoring, Johnson's athleticism and physicality were on full display, highlighted by a chase-down block that thwarted an Oakland fast break. He brings an energy and presence that was clearly missing last season, suggesting he will be a centerpiece of head coach Dusty May's revamped team.

The freshman class provides immediate firepower

Michigan's prized 2025 recruiting class wasted no time making its mark. Freshman guard Trey McKenney, the crown jewel of the class, shined brightly off the bench, shaking off a quiet exhibition season to pour in 21 points. McKenney was an efficient scorer, particularly from beyond the arc, where he knocked down 6-of-8 three-point attempts. The immediate productivity of this first-year player suggests a bright future and gives May a level of depth that was not quite there last year.

The Wolverines' offense is fast, fun, and unselfish

As promised by Coach May, the Wolverines played at a blistering pace and shared the ball with impressive unselfishness. Their first-half offensive explosion included a whopping 12 assists on 18 made field goals and points coming from a wide variety of players and methods. Seven Wolverines scored in double figures, showing that this offense is far from a one-man show. This free-flowing, up-tempo style stands in stark contrast to the stagnant offensive sets of the previous regime. Even with preseason All-American Yaxel Lendeborg hampered by a hand injury and coming off the bench, Michigan's deep and talented roster proved it could score from anywhere on the floor. The new system and roster have instantly created a potent offense that will be exciting for fans to watch.

Game Statistics

Here are some key stats from Michigan's 121-78 win over Oakland:

Michigan broke a school record scoring 69 first half points, which broke the previous record of 66 points, that was set in 1987 against Eastern Michigan.  They shot 64% from the field and 54% from three-point land.  They also had an impressive 21:8 assist to turnover ratio.  

Conclusion

While it is just the season opener against a mid-major opponent, the commanding win over Oakland offers a glimpse into a significantly improved Michigan basketball team. The infusion of talent from the transfer portal and the freshman class, combined with Coach May's new up-tempo system, appears to have completely revitalized the program. The Wolverines' scoring punch, defensive intensity, and collective energy suggest a team that is not only a force in the Big Ten but one that will be entertaining to watch all season long.