5 Things I Want to Learn About Michigan Basketball During Foreign Tour

The Wolverines are overseas and will play three exhibition games starting Sunday.

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Michigan basketball is currently in Lithuania for a nine-day foreign tour, where the Wolverines will play three exhibition games.

Mike Boynton Jr.'s program will play its first game on Sunday, the second on Monday, and then travel to Croatia for another game slated for Thursday of next week.

With Michigan set to play three exhibition games, here are five things I want to see from the 2026-27 Wolverines.

Who emerges as the third ball handler

L.J. Cason was Michigan's backup point guard last season, but a late injury forced him to miss the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. In his place, the Wolverines had Trey McKenney take on the role, as did Roddy Gayle Jr. if needed.

Entering the new season, McKenney will play the '2', and as of now, there is not an ideal backup on the roster. Columbia star Kenny Noland committed to Michigan, but after another court ruling, he is currently ineligible and who knows if and when he will be permitted to play.

The Wolverines are going to want to mix things up and see who can take over as the main ball handler when Elliot Cadeau needs a break. It could be freshman Joseph Hartman, or maybe even Brandon McCoy Jr.

Will the pick and roll work with J.P. Estrella and Moustapha Thiam

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Speaking of Elliot Cadeau, he ran Michigan's offense to perfection last season. As the season marched on, Cadeau only became better. His go-to was the pick-and-roll with big men Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr.

Obviously, they aren't on the roster any longer and the Wolverines signed two of the better big men in the transfer portal by landing Tennessee's J.P. Estrella and Cincinnati's Moustapha Thiam. Cadeau is going to want to run the P&R with the big men and this will be a good test to see how it goes.

Estrella is a force down low, but the 7'2" Thiam prefers to play more outside and has a mid-range game. It will be interesting to see how he can get involved with Cadeau.

How does Michigan's paint defense

The Wolverines were among the best teams in the paint last season — on offense and defense. Aday Mara was the best shot-blocker in the nation and Morez Johnson Jr. was a terror down low.

Again, they aren't there any longer and it's going to be up to both Estrella and Thiam to hold down the paint. Thiam is one of the better shot blockers out there, he led the Big 12 in blocks two seasons ago. Michigan will be playing against elite competition in its three-game exhibition.

If the Wolverines can hold their own in the paint against a men's national team, things will look up for the Big Ten season.

Does Brandon McCoy Jr. look good against elite talent

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It might take some time for Brandon McCoy Jr. to get acclimated to the college game, but the kid is a five-star and he's full of talent. By all accounts, McCoy Jr. has been nothing but impressive since he stepped onto Michigan's campus.

With playing against some talented teams, this will be a good litmus test for the superstar freshman. McCoy Jr. is probably the most athletic player on the team, and he's also an A-defender.

There will be some growing pains this season, but let's see how McCoy Jr. looks in his first games as a Wolverine.

Is Ricky Liburd ready

One player who has been tabbed as a breakout candidate this year is sophomore Ricky Liburd. The former three-star didn't see any action this past season as a freshman, but the coaching staff and players are excited about what he can do.

Liburd is pushing for a starting role, battling Brandon McCoy Jr., and he's also looking at being the sixth man if he doesn't start.

He is a three-and-D wing and Liburd will be thrust into a lot of game action this season. Let's see if he's ready for the big stage.