Ann Arbor — As the Wolverines enter the final quarter and the grueling portion of their Big Ten slate, they’re going to need everyone to capture the regular-season crown.
And if they continue to get this version of guard L.J. Cason, opponents should watch out.
Cason has upped his play and followed up a career-best 18-point showing at Northwestern with a 13-point effort in Saturday’s 86-56 demolition of UCLA at Crisler Center.
“L.J. Cason is playing as well as just about any guard in our league the last couple games,” coach Dusty May said. “He’s a sophomore that’s waited his turn. He’s been patient. He’s stayed the course. He’s growing up in front of our eyes, and I’m not talking about just his performance.
“He’s becoming a constant to everything that we’re doing, in the success we’re having.”
More importantly, Cason has been stacking consistent performances off the bench. Over the last four games, he’s averaging 12.8 points, 3.5 assists and a steal in 23.5 minutes while shooting 54.8% from the field (17-for-31), 46.7% from 3-point range (7-for-15) and 83.3% from the foul line (10-for-12).
He’s been running the show at point guard, like he did over the final 15 minutes in the comeback win at Northwestern. He’s been playing alongside guard Elliot Cadeau in the backcourt. He’s been getting into the paint and making sound decisions, whether it’s scoring or playmaking.
“I feel like I’m being more of an impactful player, being more of a point guard, more of a leader, and being vocal,” Cason said.
“I think my preparation in practice has been better than usual. In basketball, there’s ups and downs. I think this is part of my ups throughout the season.”
Cason noted his mindset whenever he checks into the game is to do whatever he can to help the team win. Against UCLA, that meant attacking in transition and creating for himself and others.
In the first half, he knocked down two 3-pointers. The first one immediately answered a deep ball UCLA had made nine seconds prior. The second one came when he shook off a defender with a step-back move. He added a driving layup and dished an assist to Morez Johnson Jr. on a wraparound pass when he penetrated the paint.
In the second half, Cason keyed a 9-0 spurt that pushed Michigan’s from 12 to 21 points. He had an and-1 layup that bounced on the back of the rim a few times before dropping. He fed Johnson for another basket at the rim. And he capped a sequence where Michigan blocked two shots on defense with a fast-break layup that had the Crisler Center crowd buzzing and forced a UCLA timeout.
As Cason put it, the team is only as good as its last man. Everybody is pushing each other in practice. Facing Cadeau every day has made Cason a better player and helped him develop as a point guard.
“Coming in I don’t think I was a true point guard but every day I’m watching Elliot, watching how he commands the team and puts everyone in place,” Cason said. “I’m learning from him every day and I’m slowing growing into that position.”
Cason’s emergence makes the Wolverines (24-1, 14-1 Big Ten) more difficult to beat, especially when he brings his A-game. He’s one of four reserves, along with Roddy Gayle Jr., Trey McKenney and Will Tschetter, who can step up on any given night and make a difference.
As May explained, it’s “comforting” knowing he has a bench unit that can check in and provide an “acceleration.”
“Sometimes it’s a matter of us finding the right combination that game, the right combination of guys to play together,” May said. “Our staff does an amazing job of that, of coordinating who needs to be with who, when, where, what.”
As of late, Cason has been part of that winning combination, just like he was late last season.
“He’s an unbelievable human being, and he’s a pleaser,” May said. “For us to see the growth, for him battle through some low points last year and finish strong, we don’t make the Sweet 16, we don’t win the Big Ten tournament if he doesn’t stay the course last year. Then even this year, through a couple bumps, he’s getting better and better.”
Legend in the house
Cazzie Russell, the only Michigan men’s basketball player whose jersey number is retired, was on hand for Saturday’s game as the program celebrated the anniversary of several teams at halftime, including the 1986 Big Ten champions, 1976 national runner-up and Russell’s 1966 Big Ten title squad.
Russell and other alumni attended Michigan’s practice on Friday and watched film with the team.
“To actually spend time with them and talk to them, it brought joy to my heart, because these guys laid the foundation,” guard Nimari Burnett said.
“It’s a beautiful thing, and just having these guys around is amazing.”
During the game, Russell sat right next to Michigan’s bench. However, May admitted he was too focused on the action to notice Russell’s enthusiasm on the sidelines throughout the contest.
“If he’s pumping his fist and he’s proud of our guys then that’s all that we care about, especially for the people that have done as much for this university as Cazzie has. I mean, our gym is called ‘The House That Cazzie Built,’” May said. “He’s at the top of the list. But all the former players, we want to make those guys proud and have a moment where they are reminiscing about their team and them playing.”
jhawkins@detroitnews.com
@jamesbhawkins
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: L.J. Cason ‘becoming a constant’ to Michigan basketball’s success
Reporting by James Hawkins, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
