I have scrolled this thread somewhat so forgive me if I repeat something but a group of teenagers and just twenties went to EL in front of 15,000 soon to be out of work farmers and won a game in arguably the toughest arena in the toughest conference in prime time against the #3 team in the country.
Let me begin by saying that I am certainly not ready to hang John Beilein from the Burton Bell Tower. I believe before we run to Stadium Hardware for a long durable rope, we need to reflect back on where this program was before his arrival. After we spend 10 minutes doing that, then we can begin to examine some other things...
**couple things from above:
Almost ANY major conference team can gear up at home and play a top team close at home. Before we all become excited with the way UM played Kansas and OSU at home, realize that winning basketball games on the road in Division 1 is not an easy thing to do, even for the best teams, just ask Duke. I would hope and pray these kids can get up for Kansas! I could sit here and address Kansas' issues and why that game was so close, but that's not really the point of my post..
Northwestern is a SOLID basketball team. Carmody is an excellent coach who now has a decent amount of talent, and a number of upperclassmen. They play good half court defense, and have excellent spacing on offense, which allows there above average shooters open looks, and their PG Thompson the freedom to make good decisions. As a bettor of College baskets, I was shocked that NW was not a DD favorite in Evanston, and cashed on the 6' I had to lay. That also however is not the point of this post..
I personally do not believe UM has the personnel to run Beilein's system. Please remember that his system is built around shooters, AND SPACING, effort, and teamwork. We have a handful of decent shooters. That being said, even good shooters don't put the ball down when their looks are contested. IMO, this comes from a lack of discipline, belief in the system, reluctance to screen correctly, not moving with a purpose without the basketball, and thus horrific spacing on offense.
As much as I do not enjoy all the praise DM receives from the BTN, and as much as I HATE the fact he has no LH, I do believe he is talented and can get better. THJ is athletically very gifted, JH the same. Yes, they are extremely young, but does that mean they can't run this system? And the bigger question, why is Beilein recruiting these type of players to run his kind of system??? Michigan has been so much better in the open court this year. I don't have numbers in front of me at 9 am cst, but when they win the FB points battle, they WIN games! Of course you have to run an offense in the half court, but at what point do you realize you have a couple incredibly gifted athletes and a PG who excels in pushing the tempo and making things happen? And I am not a huge fan of DM, I just would rather focus on his strengths instead of dwelling on his weaknesses-I get to do that with each game I re-watch.
The future is there. It is not as bad as some are making it out to be. I believe however there needs to be a better grip on the system, and the players recruited to play in it. It's kind of like putting Andrew Luck in a wishbone, bad analogy, but I haven't had enough coffee for a better one. CM is going to be solid. DM has a chance to be good. The other kids aside from Horford and Hardaway Jr. are role players who have a chance to fit. This team just needs more direction, confidence, discipline, and experience.
Just my $.02 as a College basketball fan, and GO BLUE!
As a friend of the FB "Ron English", I do not believe that to be really him. "He" also posted a status about 2 weeks ago that read, "I really hope my interview goes well tomorrow..." FWIW...
Recent Comments
Nobody is surprised by this right? And obviously that 3 by a freshman contested with 20 left on the shot clock was smart.
I spent way too long reading this nonsense.
I spent way too long reading this nonsense.
I spent way too long reading this nonsense.
I spent way too long reading this nonsense.
Thank you for your intelligent opinions in this thread. They are obviously needed.
Thank you for finally a voice of reason. Iowa played well, and this team hasn't played well since 2018.
I have scrolled this thread somewhat so forgive me if I repeat something but a group of teenagers and just twenties went to EL in front of 15,000 soon to be out of work farmers and won a game in arguably the toughest arena in the toughest conference in prime time against the #3 team in the country.
7-0. Next please.
Yeah but that is because Kovac actually wanted to catch him...
Let me begin by saying that I am certainly not ready to hang John Beilein from the Burton Bell Tower. I believe before we run to Stadium Hardware for a long durable rope, we need to reflect back on where this program was before his arrival. After we spend 10 minutes doing that, then we can begin to examine some other things...
**couple things from above:
Almost ANY major conference team can gear up at home and play a top team close at home. Before we all become excited with the way UM played Kansas and OSU at home, realize that winning basketball games on the road in Division 1 is not an easy thing to do, even for the best teams, just ask Duke. I would hope and pray these kids can get up for Kansas! I could sit here and address Kansas' issues and why that game was so close, but that's not really the point of my post..
Northwestern is a SOLID basketball team. Carmody is an excellent coach who now has a decent amount of talent, and a number of upperclassmen. They play good half court defense, and have excellent spacing on offense, which allows there above average shooters open looks, and their PG Thompson the freedom to make good decisions. As a bettor of College baskets, I was shocked that NW was not a DD favorite in Evanston, and cashed on the 6' I had to lay. That also however is not the point of this post..
I personally do not believe UM has the personnel to run Beilein's system. Please remember that his system is built around shooters, AND SPACING, effort, and teamwork. We have a handful of decent shooters. That being said, even good shooters don't put the ball down when their looks are contested. IMO, this comes from a lack of discipline, belief in the system, reluctance to screen correctly, not moving with a purpose without the basketball, and thus horrific spacing on offense.
As much as I do not enjoy all the praise DM receives from the BTN, and as much as I HATE the fact he has no LH, I do believe he is talented and can get better. THJ is athletically very gifted, JH the same. Yes, they are extremely young, but does that mean they can't run this system? And the bigger question, why is Beilein recruiting these type of players to run his kind of system??? Michigan has been so much better in the open court this year. I don't have numbers in front of me at 9 am cst, but when they win the FB points battle, they WIN games! Of course you have to run an offense in the half court, but at what point do you realize you have a couple incredibly gifted athletes and a PG who excels in pushing the tempo and making things happen? And I am not a huge fan of DM, I just would rather focus on his strengths instead of dwelling on his weaknesses-I get to do that with each game I re-watch.
The future is there. It is not as bad as some are making it out to be. I believe however there needs to be a better grip on the system, and the players recruited to play in it. It's kind of like putting Andrew Luck in a wishbone, bad analogy, but I haven't had enough coffee for a better one. CM is going to be solid. DM has a chance to be good. The other kids aside from Horford and Hardaway Jr. are role players who have a chance to fit. This team just needs more direction, confidence, discipline, and experience.
Just my $.02 as a College basketball fan, and GO BLUE!
As a friend of the FB "Ron English", I do not believe that to be really him. "He" also posted a status about 2 weeks ago that read, "I really hope my interview goes well tomorrow..." FWIW...