Let us now praise Derrick Walton

Submitted by Erik_in_Dayton on
The young man has struggled at times this year, and some of us couldn't help but wonder after the Iowa game whether Spike should start, but Walton just had his best game in the biggest game of his young career. He had 19 points (on only 7 FG attempts) along with 4 assists to one TO. He also became only the second Michigan PG to win at MSU since Bill Clinton was president. So, major credit to our clutch freshman! Also, wooohooo!!!
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Wiseguy

January 25th, 2014 at 11:14 PM ^

I remember reading an article about Walton last year. He said he watched every Michigan game as more than just a fan/commit. He watched it as a student. He spent the entire game watching and studying Trey. Derrick has come along way and I am really excited to see what he does against Purdue.

Joined: 01/18/2014

MGoPoints: -92

AlwaysBlue

January 25th, 2014 at 11:30 PM ^

good job on the defensive end tonight too. He plays with force. As he continues to learn JB's offense (which by all accounts is not easy) he's going to be a big time player.

Joined: 11/23/2008

MGoPoints: 7854

Deltroit3030

January 25th, 2014 at 11:37 PM ^

I will admit (tho I am a Spike slappy) that I was almost leaning towards Spike starting, or getting a good amount more minutes after the Iowa game (but like I said, I already liked what he brought before that). But the best thing for this team is Walton being legit and Spike being a great role player. And tonight that was the case... he shined when we needed him. And at the free throw line- holy hell that was huge, on the road especially. Big props to Derrick and I hope he continues and grows form here.

Joined: 01/09/2014

MGoPoints: 638

Wolverine Devotee

January 25th, 2014 at 11:39 PM ^

Remember when state fans were celebrating Trey going pro?

I do. And I remember warning them not to piss their knickers since Derrick Walton was coming in.

Yeah.....

Joined: 06/29/2009

MGoPoints: 31528

Michigania

January 25th, 2014 at 11:46 PM ^

Struggled? Those WERE growing pains. HOLY COW. WALTON HAS ARRIVED FOLKS. Omg what a stud he is. Seriously. Talk about a BREAKOUT. and he went what 9 for 10 from the line? Thats SUPERB POISE.

Granted Stauskas was a MAN tonight... He really grew up from last yr. i was afraid about that.

GO BLUE

Joined: 01/25/2011

MGoPoints: 2001

SF Wolverine

January 25th, 2014 at 11:51 PM ^

was the freshmen.  Figured the sophs would hold serve in light of their prior experience at Brelin + tourney experience.  Walton delivered in every way possible.  If he continues to progress, this is a bitch of team to get out come March.  Coach B seems to get guardss; if he can progress LeVert and Walton as we go foreward, look out!!

Joined: 10/04/2010

MGoPoints: 24916

Tater

January 26th, 2014 at 2:05 AM ^

Derrick Walton has improved greatly over the course of the season, but with his clutch three-pointer and free throws, I think he has officially come of age. This team looks like it is already prepared to do some damage in the NCAA Tournament.

Joined: 08/13/2008

MGoPoints: 30584

aiglick

January 26th, 2014 at 2:16 AM ^

Still a long season to go. If they continue to practice hard every day and take it one game at a time I think we're all going to be very happy. The blessing and curse of the Tournament is that anything can happen but this team has proven that they have a lot of talent and are able to realize that talent no matter what happens the rest of the way. Three top 10 wins in a row are you kidding me. I believe they'll continue to get better and appreciate their hard work and dedication to this season and getting better.

Joined: 11/27/2010

MGoPoints: 21563

brandanomano

January 26th, 2014 at 5:34 AM ^

With the way this team is set up, that's all we need him to do to make a run in the tournament and for the big 10 title. We don't need him to win games for us like Trey did last year, we just need him not to lose them for us. This year's team right now is deeper and more talented than last year's, and that's after losing the National Player of the Year and a preseason all-American. Also, they're only going to improve from here. Think about that shit.

Joined: 09/05/2009

MGoPoints: 5086

Michigan Arrogance

January 26th, 2014 at 9:07 AM ^

remember when people said the only real success beilein had at M was b/c of Burke?

remember when everyone just thought we got lucky picking out Darius Morris?

remember that time in like 2010 when M was like 2-5 on Feb 1st and Beilein was on the hot seat?

NEITHER DO I BABY

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 35515

Filipiak1

January 26th, 2014 at 9:50 AM ^

Walton Jr is a 4 year player. Can you imagine the growth you'd see from him being under our coaching?! Walton Jr and Irvin will be the next Stauskas and Levert this summer, putting in work and striving to reach above their potential. Go blue! I love you!

Joined: 12/28/2013

MGoPoints: 1104

ilah17

January 26th, 2014 at 8:06 PM ^

Watching Big Ten Finale right now. Coach B said after the game, the team loves Derrick, freshmen have to earn that and he earned it right away. Loved hearing that!!

Joined: 12/15/2011

MGoPoints: 4185