swc_92

April 2nd, 2023 at 1:40 PM ^

Oh boy, not surprising in the slightest though! Best of luck to Kobe as he moves forward, still sad for us nonetheless (selfishly). For UM, barring some sort of unforeseen miracle with the guys we do have progressing significantly, I am struggling to see how next season will be an enjoyable one. Just too much valuable outward attrition and not enough replacement via recruiting or get-able guys in the portal. Things just don’t feel very healthy right now for what has regularly been a top 15 program over the past decade now (sorry, that’s just how I feel). 

alum96

April 2nd, 2023 at 1:54 PM ^

Hat tip to Kobe and staff for development in the past 12 months.  Who would have thought this would happen a year ago?  Congrats - he is more NBA ready than any of the guys who left last year early.

spacecowboy

April 2nd, 2023 at 2:06 PM ^

not sure I see the talent to make an nba roster.  a good choice for him and not a good thing for Howard's program.  when caris went down I doubted him so it is really a matter of Kobe's work ethic and finding a niche at this point.  Wish him the best.

 

A2Townie

April 2nd, 2023 at 2:24 PM ^

What sucks the most about the last couple years is our early departure guys didn't even have helluva seasons.  Nothing to go down in the folklore of Michigan basketball. Not even a signature moment. 

 

Maizinator

April 2nd, 2023 at 2:29 PM ^

Good luck to Kobe.  I certainly enjoyed watching him play and it makes sense for him to take what the NBA is offering.  

I don't envy college coaches right now.  Trying to thread the needle of having the talent to win, but not get taken by the NBA or competitor's NIL, while maintaining some semblance of standards and ethics seems nearly impossible.

The Deer Hunter

April 2nd, 2023 at 3:59 PM ^

This post is in full meltdown. 

I don't blame Kobe or Jett for pursuing their dreams. This is likely the optimum time for both according to the draft board. I am a little salty @ HD for jumping ship like a rat off the Titanic, but it's his decision. 

As for Juwan, there were a lot of shitty could've should've moments this season but one season isn't a trend. We'll find out a lot more about his adjustment to the current climate that is CBB these days. Next season will be very telling. 

Maizinator

April 2nd, 2023 at 4:15 PM ^

I also can't help but wonder what the season would have looked like if Frankie Collins didn't bolt.  We lost a ton of very close games and some really important ones early in the season.  Not making excuses for missteps along the way, but I can't help feeling the trajectory of the season could have been very different had Frankie stayed.

los barcos

April 2nd, 2023 at 10:28 PM ^

Well, that’s the rub. College ball can be made or broken by one or two players. This team is completely different with Terrance Shannon, or really just one of any other player that left early last year.  
 

And yes, that does fall of Juwan, but context does matter and he will have the opportunity to turn his luck around.

Really, it just takes one player (and maybe that player already is on the team…)

Merlin.64

April 2nd, 2023 at 4:25 PM ^

Perhaps we should relax, take a deep breath, and see how Coach Howard responds to the challenges created by these departures and the new normal in college basketball?

I know that patience is not as common among fandom as it once was (or is reputed to have been), and the spread of the internet has given disgruntled fans greater freedom to vent to a wider audience. Feelings expressed in the heat of the moment are rarely to our credit, however.

Remember, a few short seasons ago they were calling for Harbaugh to be run out of town.

SD Larry

April 2nd, 2023 at 6:02 PM ^

College basketball is slipping  in my view, primarily because one and dones by players of modest accomplishment is now almost the norm.  Hard for fans to keep a connection to teams around the country with so much turnover.  Good luck Kobe.  Hardly got to know ya but wish you well.  Good luck on a new beginning for Michigan basketball Coach Howard.

Off topic, the best thing I read about this NCAA tourney is that each of the Fab 5 reached out to congratulate Coach Dutcher on making the Finals.  At least relationships in college basketball still matter and I hope that does not change too much though I wonder.

abertain

April 2nd, 2023 at 6:06 PM ^

Good luck to Bufkin. I think he could have gotten a little more run as a freshman to get the kinks out like levert, but I wish him luck!

 

2 projected first round picks and a college all American center and no tourney. Make of it what you will :)

Hail_To_The_Khakis

April 2nd, 2023 at 7:24 PM ^

People want to keep Howard?

1. He said he would kill somebody 

2. He slapped a coach

3. Team didn’t make the tournament 

4. Last two seasons at .500 with 4 NBA draft picks and an all BIG center

5. Roster construction 

 

He should have been gone last year

Neg away!