Mid-Season Review: Michigan Basketball
edit- Changed title to avoid confusion with halftime shows.
The Nebraska game is the halfway point for the 2012/2013 regular season (if you count Slippery Rock), so lets take a look at the season so far.
15-0 (2-0)
Key Wins:
| Wins (RPI 1-50) | |||
| RPI | DATE | OPPONENT | SCORE |
| 42 | Nov. 23 | Kansas State* | 71-57 |
| 15 | Nov. 27 | North Carolina State |
| Wins (RPI 51-100) | |||
| RPI | DATE | OPPONENT | SCORE |
| 71 | Nov. 21 | Pittsburgh* | 67-62 |
| 69 | Dec. 4 | Western Michigan | 73-41 |
| 86 | Dec. 8 | Arkansas | 80-67 |
| 97 | Dec. 15 | West Virginia* | 81-66 |
| 92 | Jan. 3 | @ Northwestern | 94-66 |
| 75 | Jan. 6 | Iowa | 95-67 |
Losses:
:)
Strength of Schedule - 14
First Half MVP:
Trey Burke - 18.2 PTS, 7.5 AST, 1.9 TO, 55% FG, 41% 3PT, 1.3 STL
Big Ten POY and National POY candidate.
First Half 6th Man:
Mitch McGary - 15.3 MIN, 6.1 REB, 5.5 PTS, 1.1 TO
He has been very impressive as of late, especially when he gets hit in the nose.
Biggest Surprise:
I'm going to go with two guys in this category for different reasons.
Nik Stauskas - 29.7 MIN, 54% 3PT, 51% FG, 89% FT, 1.1 TO
We knew he could shoot coming in, but THIS BOY CAN FLAT OUT SHOOT!
Caris LeVert - 14.1 MIN, 47% 3PT, .20 TO, 4.1 PTS
His stats don't jump off the page, but he has really impressed me for a guy that was projected to redshirt.
Stuntin Like My Daddy:
Tim Hardaway Jr - 32.8 MIN, 49% FG, 5.0 REB, 2.9 AST, 16.4 PTS
Glenn Robinson III - 31.0 MIN, 59% FG, 6.1 REB, 12.5 PTS
These guys know how to dunk.
OVERALL IMPRESSION:
January 8th, 2013 at 10:15 AM ^
...is the best I've ever seen. And I saw the 89 National Champion and the Fab Five teams. This team has more depth, better shooting, more versatility, better coaching and the best point guard in the nation. This team may disappoint not getting to the Final Four but there is a certain amount of luck getting that far. But they sure do have the whole package.
January 8th, 2013 at 10:49 AM ^
Both the '89 team (4 lottery picks and like 10 NBA players) and the Fab Five (3 lottery picks) were more talented than this team.
But college basketball was a lot more talented and veteran back then prior to so many early entries. So, in relative terms, this team seems better now, but let's see how they are midway through the B1G schedule. Either way, it's fun to at least be having this discussion.
January 8th, 2013 at 11:07 AM ^
You really have to wait and see what happens. I don't know if the Fab Five had the depth that this team has. The Fab Five had 5 really good starters and decent guys off the bench, but other than those 3 lottery picks no one else really stuck in the pros did they? The Fab Five never won a big ten title either.
The '89 team was loaded.
January 8th, 2013 at 12:31 PM ^
The fact that three of the starters had long, productive NBA careers is actually pretty good. Look at the history of NCAA champions--most of them have some stars and some guys that you forgot about because they never sniffed the NBA.
The 89 team was stacked and it caught fire at the right time. I don't think we can compare this year's team just yet. If Stauskas nets 20 ppg in the tournament, then we'll talk.
January 8th, 2013 at 12:57 PM ^
Agree about game changers coming off the bench. I guess I just look at UM's bench this year and see a couple of guys in McGary and LeVert who are going to be pretty solid contributors in the years ahead. Both of these players seem to be getting better everytime they take the court - it'll be interesting to see where they are at after 18 conference games.
January 8th, 2013 at 1:13 PM ^
Not only did the Fab Five produce 3 lottery picks, none of them turned into busts. All three had long, productive NBA careers and were legitimate stars. Off the top of my head, I can think of some teams that have produced 2 players like that from one squad, but not three. The Fab Five were uniquely talently, and uniquely under-achieving as it ultimately turned out.
That said, this team has the potential to eventually prove to be that good...and hopefully achieve much, much more.
January 8th, 2013 at 9:54 PM ^
Graduating in '93, I got to see a ton of the Fab 5. It is true that in some ways they underachieved (no Natn'l championships, no Big 10 championships, blocking balls too far out of bounds [Bill Walton anyone?], etc.) but they *were* truly spectacular. I don't think you can begin to understand the combined athleticism.
This year there have been multiple conversations about, "Michigan has been PRACTICING ally-oops this year!" and the like. The Fab Five never gave the impression that they practiced ANYthing. They exuded cool. And power. And swagger. And style. All of it. Fisher didn't as much coach the team as he just tried to harness it so it went in the same direction.
I remember so many plays where I'd think, "No, no...no ... ... no ... NoNoNo ... YES!" But there were many times where it didn't work out also.
With all that said, this team, this year, is TOTALLY different. On Sunday against Iowa, I was never really concerned about any point in the first half. And the players? Smooth. They understand the system, have completely bought into it and each other, and are so uniquely capable of executing it.
They were down 7. Then there was a couple of lead changes. Then it was halftime and they were up. ELEVEN. And never looked back. It was ultimately a thorough and complete dismantling of Iowa. The Fab Five era was about volatility; up or down, but rarely sideways. Bielein feels like the opposite of that.
We'll learn a lot more on Sunday. And I'm SO looking forward to enjoying the ride.
January 9th, 2013 at 10:55 AM ^
There were a lot of sloppy turnovers and a lack of consistant outside shooting with the Fab Five, as great as they were. There were a lot of awesome moments and highlights, too. It was exhilerating and aggrevating at the same time. And I think people are forgetting that Pelinka, Voskuhl and Eric Riley (another guy who stuck in the league for a few years) were on that bench as well. There was some depth.
Where I think this current team has an advantage is that they seem better assembled to fit together. And they're better coached. I don't think Fish just rolled the ball out there as some suggest, but Beilein has a system and a philosphy that he's adapted very well to this team. And they're more consistant and reliable.
January 8th, 2013 at 10:18 AM ^
Sunday's game turned from somewhat competitive into a hightlight reel in a matter of minutes!
January 8th, 2013 at 10:24 AM ^
I know there is approximately 0.1% chance of this happening, but can you even imagine if Hardaway Jr and Burke returned next season? /head asplode
January 8th, 2013 at 10:35 AM ^
I'd say even less than that. Burke has made it clear he's declaring after this season, if not expressly in what he's said, but in his actions with the way things transpired at the end of last season. Hardaway, as the season goes on, I think his chances of staying get smaller and smaller.
January 8th, 2013 at 10:41 AM ^
Ya I've pretty much assumed those guys are gone from the start of this year. GRIII is the one I really would like to stick around for another year. I'm hoping we can hold on to him for atleast one more year.
January 8th, 2013 at 12:33 PM ^
Welcome to big-time basketball, where you don't even bother to consider your stars coming back.
January 8th, 2013 at 1:02 PM ^
I can imagine us being the favorite to repeat as National Champion (please, yes, let it be so).
January 8th, 2013 at 10:46 AM ^
I agree with the plesant surprise of LeVert but I don't think his red-shirt was because of a talent deficit. Mostly, I think it was because he was really skinny and because the staff thought that he was not a substantial enough upgrade over vogrich to justify not redshirting him.
I think the coaches have since realized he is a significant upgrade and Coach Bacari said this a week or so ago, " [LeVert] walked onto campus at 6'4ish and 164ish, now he's 6'6 185!!! It's aMaizeing what hard work and genetics can do."
So I think him adding to his frame has made the coaches deicision that much easier.
January 8th, 2013 at 12:56 PM ^
I thought with normal progression that Vogrich would be a pretty solid contributor this year. He was strong off the bench last year and played much more aggressively than his first two... He just seems lost out there this year... Maybe he will sort it out in time to help in the BIG run...
January 8th, 2013 at 1:08 PM ^
Vogrich's disappearance is the one negative this year (though he's been replaced with guys who have much higher upsides). It's hard to see how he'll sort it out, though. He's completely out of the rotation, a pretty big fall from a guy who began the season as a starter.
January 8th, 2013 at 11:10 AM ^
I took a look at how Trey Burke and Ty Lawson's old-school stats compare. The comparison, especially between Sophomore Trey and Junior Ty is not unfavorable.
| Player | Year | Season | Team | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG% | 3P% | FT% | TO | MIN |
| Ty Lawson | Frosh | 2006–07 | UNC | 10.2 | 2.9 | 5.6 | 1.5 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 0.356 | 0.688 | 2.2 | 25.7 |
| Trey Burke | Frosh | 2011-12 | MICH | 14.8 | 3.5 | 4.6 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.433 | 0.348 | 0.744 | 2.8 | 36.1 |
| Ty Lawson | Soph | 2007–08 | UNC | 12.7 | 2.7 | 5.2 | 1.6 | 0 | 0.515 | 0.361 | 0.835 | 2.2 | 25.3 |
| Trey Burke | Soph | 2012-13 | MICH | 18.2 | 3 | 7.5 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.546 | 0.406 | 0.767 | 1.9 | 33.1 |
| Ty Lawson | Jr | 2008–09 | UNC | 16.6 | 3 | 6.6 | 2.1 | 0.1 | 0.532 | 0.472 | 0.798 | 1.9 | 29.9 |
Obviously, caveats apply. 1. The season's not over yet and our most difficult games have yet to be played. 2. Ty had slightly fewer minutes, so the numbers aren't perfectly comparable. But with how the past few games have gone, who's to say Trey stats won't improve by seasons' end?
Also, these numbers got Ty Lawson a consensus second-team All American, #18 in the draft. I think we all hope to see Trey ending more like consensus first-team/borderline-to-consensus POY.
January 8th, 2013 at 11:57 AM ^
While there may be a slight discrepancy in minutes, NC played about 9 extra possesions a game that year based on data I saw on kenpom so I think the comparisons are fair if not narrowly preferential to ty lawson.
January 8th, 2013 at 11:07 AM ^
The first thing that sticks out for me at the halfway point is Trey Burke. This kid has shown glimpses of Isaiah Thomas level mastery. His game is very cerebral. He has obviously done enough work that his game appears effortless. He is the glue.
The next things that stand out is the talent assembled and the coaching. There is a reason these NBA greats are sending their sons to Michigan. The staff is top notch and the style of play is NBA ready. Beilein is orchestrating a masterpiece thus far.
This team is special. The chemistry is there. However, college basketball is a grind. The length and intensity of a season really sharpens teams. What remains to be seen is, how well this team continues to grow and refine. As well as how well other teams grow and refine. Right now, Michigan is elite.
January 8th, 2013 at 6:52 PM ^
January 8th, 2013 at 11:20 AM ^
I thought this thread was going to rate the various Michigan Basketball halftime "shows" that have occurred this year. I saw a snippet of the halftime jump-ropers with mad skillz on the BTN broadcast last Sunday. That was good stuff, especially when followed by a Rotel commercial.
Also, our team is good.
January 8th, 2013 at 11:48 AM ^
The best half time shows that I've ever seen were all at Crisler arena. Over the years, some of the games have been forgetable but I'll always remember the "mascot" basketball game of a bunch of second rate mascot (including Big Boy) stumbling up and down the court and barely managing to even get one bucket before halftime ended. Classic weirdness.
January 8th, 2013 at 11:56 AM ^
I'm sorry I let you down.
January 8th, 2013 at 1:09 PM ^
On the contrary, I was much happier to see a thread about how freaking awesome this team is versus a bunch of YouTube vids about halftime shows!
January 8th, 2013 at 11:24 AM ^
We find out soon enough whether or not Trey Burke has become the truth. Look no further than the Ohio State matchup. If he has reached the level of the masters, he cannot be stopped or slowed. Aaron Craft and the Ohio State defensive game plan will be the test for young Burke. If his will has evolved to an elite level, he will display it by playing like a cold blooded assassin.
January 8th, 2013 at 12:00 PM ^
This will be a big test in a lot of ways for Burke. Craft's a heck of a defender. I would like to think that Burke will have a solid game - maybe not what we've become acccustomed to this year but solid.
However, last year in the game when Craft was all over Burke it seemed Burke got frustrated and it kind of snowballed on Burke and affected the team. If Craft is doing a decent job on Burke, can Burke keep his head and realize that instead of dropping 18 pts with a high FG%, maybe this will be a game where he only gets 10 pts but he's setting his teammates up and keeping the offense performing at a high level.
January 8th, 2013 at 12:13 PM ^
This holds for the entire team, too. OSu's biggest strength is its pressure D on the perimeter. Shannon Scott's steal rate is actually higher than Craft's, and the other guys are long with quck hands. It's vital that THJ and Stauskas stay under control and value the ball, particularly when they penetrate. The biggest danger in this game is that the perimeter guys try to play too quickly and suffer a bunch of turnovers leading to easy buckets. OSU struggles enough in their half-court offense that if Michigan keeps their turnover rate low, they stand a very good chance at winning, and road wins in the Big 10 are going to be golden.
January 8th, 2013 at 11:36 AM ^
AJ Mc Carron's Gf is the truth.
January 8th, 2013 at 12:15 PM ^
The biggest surprise for me has been how well Michigan's rebounded the ball on both ends of the floor while rarely playing two bigs. THJ and GRIII have really been doing great work on the boards, and McGary's an incredibly talented rebounder (his rebounding and outlet passing, if not his offensive game, remind me of Kevin Love).
January 8th, 2013 at 12:38 PM ^
I have a feeling that the Nebraska game slightly improves some of these already very nice averages indeed:
| Points/Game | 80.7 |
| Avg Score Margin | 21.4 |
| Assists/Game | 16.8 |
| Total Rebounds/Gm | 38.4 |
| Effective FG % | 59.30% |
| Off Rebound % | 34.00% |
| FTA/FGA | 0.278 |
| Turnover % | 12.70% |
| Opp Points/Game | 59.4 |
| Opp Effective FG % | 46.60% |
I think I could get used to this team winning by an average of 21 points because they seem like they could do that more often than not.