It’s true that the last three games of the Michigan basketball non-conference schedule were easy. Detroit, Alabama A&M and Jacksonville, aren’t really recognized names in Division I basketball.
However, after already playing teams like North Carolina, Texas, UCLA, VCU and LSU, playing a few easier opponents before Big Ten play didn’t seem like a bad idea. It gives more young players a chance to gain experience, while also keeping the team fresh during a time when scheduling can be difficult.
But as it turns out, according to an interesting piece by Andrew Kahn of MLive, Michigan basketball is actually hurting itself by playing teams like Jacksonville and Alabama A&M, which rank among the worst teams in college basketball.