Beilein Says Austin Hatch to Play in Italy
Kind of a throw away line in a Caris Levert story but Beilein says Austin will play in Italy.
Beilein said freshman Austin Hatch, whose high school career was limited due to a series of tragedies, including two plane crashes, will participate in a few games overseas.
Bielfeldt won't be ready, and they seemed a bit blind sided by the DJ Wilson injury. Not sure if it was something that happened suddenly or a gradual thing for Wilson.
Beilein said Wednesday the injury to the 6-foot-9, 220-pound freshman forward "was the most unexpected" and limited him from doing "almost everything." The loss is a blow to Wilson's development, who Beilein said was experimenting at multiple positions.
http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2014/08/caris_levert_to_retur…
August 13th, 2014 at 1:19 PM ^
Here's even more encouraging news on Hatch:
On Austin Hatch, Beilein says it's been rewarding to watch, trying so hard to get motor skills back to what they were. They're very close.
— Kyle Bogenschutz (@KyleBogie) August 13, 2014
EDIT: Having read other coverage of Beilein's press conference, I think the above tweet is misleadingly written. Like others, I took "They're" as referring to Hatch's motor skills. It actually refers to Beilein and Hatch, meaning the two of them are very close, as even the tweet below says. I apologize for posting this without the proper context. Here's exactly what Beilein said:
"Austin Hatch is continuing to do rehab; he’s in some drills and he probably will play in some games over there, but he’s not as ready as we hope he will be later on.”
And this didn't make it into Baumgardner's story:
Beilein says Austin Hatch is 'working his tail off,' says he and Austin are 'very close' after going through this experience.
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) August 13, 2014
August 13th, 2014 at 2:00 PM ^
I have to assume he's making good progress though. To be able to get back on the court is an amazing thing.
August 13th, 2014 at 10:05 AM ^
Oh. I thought for a minute this meant, like, professionally. I forgot about the Eurotrip. So this is news I like after all.
August 13th, 2014 at 10:09 AM ^
I have a feeling that Austin is going to replace Zack Novak as my all time favorite Wolverine Hoopster.
August 13th, 2014 at 10:17 AM ^
I want him to make it. He will have a huge following if he can make it back. It sounds promising from Beilein's comment.
August 13th, 2014 at 1:32 PM ^
August 13th, 2014 at 10:30 AM ^
I'm hoping for ample footage of the games in Italy. Also, "My prerogative" is a hilarious response to the Bielfeldt question.
August 13th, 2014 at 11:20 AM ^
I love that line and his approach. Basically, he's upfront and honest with guys and doesn't pull any b.s. From the sounds of things, he's the same on the recruiting trail. Tells the truth, whether or not it's what the recruit/player wants to hear.
August 13th, 2014 at 10:32 AM ^
August 13th, 2014 at 10:45 AM ^
August 13th, 2014 at 10:43 AM ^
Beilein and his staff have done so much more for Hatch than I think a lot of staffs would perhaps, and the great show of class and warmth through the entirety of Hatch's recovery from both injury and loss has made me very proud of that program and the team. Hopefully, we get to see Austin on the court at Crisler this season too - I bet the cheers will be awesome, and indeed, they would be well-deserved.
August 13th, 2014 at 11:17 AM ^
with what Beilein is doing for Hatch and what Hoke did for Stephen Loszewski. There really is no reason to pick. They are both special for different reasons but we can be proud of both of these programs for the way they present themselves. I'm sure there are a lot of special stories from the Mott visits the players make that never become known.
August 13th, 2014 at 1:49 PM ^
August 14th, 2014 at 8:21 AM ^
as well
August 13th, 2014 at 11:59 AM ^
his story worth a movie.
August 13th, 2014 at 12:05 PM ^
I would also love to see him get on the court this year as well, and I can't even imagine the applause he will receive when he finally checks in. That being said, he's pretty much shoe in for redshirt this year, no?
August 13th, 2014 at 1:36 PM ^
Can't he play in the preseason game and RS? Not sure if we have one but I thought Donnal played in 1 game last year (preseason).
August 13th, 2014 at 2:05 PM ^
Donnal played in both exhibitions last season. There's one scheduled for this year on November 10 vs. Wayne State, and Hatch (or any other freshman) could play in that game and still redshirt.
August 13th, 2014 at 10:55 AM ^
I am stunned that he is "very close" to making it all the way back. I was happy just to know he was conscoius and able to walk again and hoping he could eventually get a degree. It may be happening on the baseketball court, but the recovrery of Austin Hatch transcends basketball.
August 13th, 2014 at 11:18 AM ^
Wow...great news.
August 13th, 2014 at 11:25 AM ^
Austin Hatch?
More like Awesome Hatch.
Amirite?
August 13th, 2014 at 11:49 AM ^
if this is true. WOW
August 13th, 2014 at 11:55 AM ^
I know generally the support and hope for hatch within the fanbase has been astounding. I would like to point out to people however that a handful of "fans" said he would never play in a Michigan game and were already planning on what to do with his scholarship. Glad to see him on course to prove them wrong.
August 13th, 2014 at 1:16 PM ^
Never miss an opportunity to make yourself seem better than other people!
August 13th, 2014 at 1:51 PM ^
It wasn't a matter of making myself look better to anyone. My point was, as a fan base and as human beings we all should have been more supportive, let the kid fufill his dreams and let Beilein, staff and Hatch worry about scholarships and numbers.
August 13th, 2014 at 1:43 PM ^
Video of Hatch talking to the media today, via UMHoops:
August 13th, 2014 at 2:05 PM ^
August 13th, 2014 at 2:06 PM ^
So stoked for this kid. Talk about someone to root for. If anyone hears of Austin Hatch jerseys on sale at some point please post.
August 13th, 2014 at 3:26 PM ^
What winners he and Coach Beilein are! Sorry Spike, I may have a new co favorite player : )
August 13th, 2014 at 3:28 PM ^
Not sure why but when I first read the headline my first thought was that he was leaving our team to go play professionally in europe. Needless to say I was extremely confused.