Burke utilizing his weapons (w/Beilein video)

On a birthday to remember for Michigan point guard Trey Burke, the sophomore poured in his ‘usual’ 22 points—but it’s what hes doing outside of the scoring column that’s impressive early on.

As a freshman just a little over a year ago, Trey Burke was forced to score the basketball night in and night out, and he did so in impressive fashion averaging nearly 15 points per game throughout his first campaign.

Through two games in his sophomore year, Burke has continued the scoring with 21 points in the opener against Slippery Rock followed up by 22 points Monday evening in yet another blowout victory over IUPUI. Most importantly for the Wolverines and Burke, his assists are way up from a year ago—and for good reason. Michigan has weapons offensively, such as a Nick Stauskas who knocked down three triples Monday night, a Glenn Robinson III who couldn’t miss until late in the second half, as well as big men Jordan Morgan and Jon Horford who were able to break free for a couple of easy ones.

“He understands all the things that are happening much better,” said Coach Beilein after the win Monday night. “Hes always looked for people, he’s never been selfish— but now I think he understands what could be open once he reads how they’re playing him.”

Early in Monday night’s round one Preseason NIT game against IUPUI, the Jaguars played Michigan very aggressive defensively, aside from the few early mental lapses going under screens against Burke who calmly knocked down a couple of three balls. Later IUPUI worked their way over top of the high ball screens, overplaying Burke but allowing both Morgan and Horford to go relatively unfettered to the rim.

Defensively the Wolverines continued their strong man-to-man attack, getting stops and rebounds allowing quick, easy buckets in transition leading to the 91-point explosion.

“The efficiency today was more about our defense in the second half,” said Beilein. “We were in fast break mode the whole time, were not giving up offensive rebounds—because we do have some pretty large guys that can go and get it, they outlet well; and you have Trey and Timmy handling the ball, thats pretty good.”

Now 2 and 0 to start the year, Michigan has a quick turn around as they prepare to host Cleveland State tonight at Crisler Center, at 8pm, with a trip to New York on the line.

To watch video of John Beilein from his post game press conference, press play below.