Beilein on Poole
I went to the Beilein show at Pizza House last night. Jordan Poole came up, and Beilein praised his play off the bench against Wisconsin, but then talked about the late turnover, saying that sometimes Poole plays like "Bambi on ice" (not the first time Beilein's used that analogy to describe a player who doesn't always stay balanced). I love Poole's skill and confidence (he rarely seems tentative even in tense situations), but he can also seem like he's all arms and legs, and a bit out of control.
Anyway, I expect him to be a starter/leader before long. This article from a week or so making the Vinnie Johnson/microwave comparision after his games against Purdue and Indiana does a good job of describing the spark he can bring to the team:
https://www.michigandaily.com/section/basketball/microwave-poole-raisin…
February 13th, 2018 at 9:19 PM ^
Poole is definitely going to be starting next year. Assuming Wagner leaves, I expect it to be a Simpson-Poole-Matthews-Livers-Teske lineup.
February 13th, 2018 at 9:23 PM ^
February 13th, 2018 at 9:31 PM ^
It's clear Simpson improved substantially from his freshman to sophomore season.
While I think very highly of David DeJulius (because I think he's grossly underrated), the notion that a true freshman will replace a junior is difficult to believe.
If DeJulius is freshman Trey Burke/Chris Paul-level then sure. Otherwise, I expect freshman DeJulius to be the back-up if Eli Brooks doesn't step up his game.
February 13th, 2018 at 9:48 PM ^
February 14th, 2018 at 1:37 PM ^
I would love to see Simpson spend a lot of time working with a shooting coach in the off season. He has good court vision and for a little guy, is a great finisher at the rim. The pull up element of Walton's game within Beilein's offense was underappreciated. If Simpson can develop something similar...it would be nice
February 13th, 2018 at 10:41 PM ^
Simpson is more entrenched in the starting lineup than either Poole or Livers. There is going to be competition at several positions.
February 14th, 2018 at 12:46 AM ^
I agree with that. But I highly doubt he'll supplant a fourth year guy, at least for the first half of the season. It took Livers half the year to start over Robinson despite being a far better player. If Matthews continues playing like he has during conference play, the door will be open a crack.
February 14th, 2018 at 6:42 AM ^
for playing time? I think it's more likely he would start alongside him. Most likely at the 4, but I wouldn't rule out the possibility of Matthews moving down to the 2.
February 13th, 2018 at 9:53 PM ^
February 13th, 2018 at 9:58 PM ^
you'd think he'd have be in the top 100 recruits
February 14th, 2018 at 9:17 AM ^
February 13th, 2018 at 9:22 PM ^
February 13th, 2018 at 9:50 PM ^
February 13th, 2018 at 9:22 PM ^
February 13th, 2018 at 9:23 PM ^
February 13th, 2018 at 9:24 PM ^
February 13th, 2018 at 9:26 PM ^
February 13th, 2018 at 9:32 PM ^
February 13th, 2018 at 9:35 PM ^
Ibi always looks like he's ready to mean mug someone, poole a little more poppy after the camera zooms in...
February 13th, 2018 at 9:47 PM ^
February 13th, 2018 at 10:43 PM ^
Prince and Morris Day combo.
Come on now - FLY - allelujah!
February 14th, 2018 at 7:54 AM ^
Hallelujah
February 14th, 2018 at 12:04 AM ^
February 14th, 2018 at 12:50 AM ^
I got confused but lately it's been pretty easy: if he's on the court, it's Poole.
February 13th, 2018 at 9:41 PM ^
...if Wagner returns.
PG: Zavier Simpson / David DeJulius / Eli Brooks
SG: Jordan Poole / Ibi Watson
SF: Charles Matthews / Ignas Brazdeikis
PF: Isaiah Livers / Brandon Johns
C: Moritz Wagner / Jon Teske / Austin Davis / Colin Castleton
I think Adrien Nunez goes prep if we don't lose Watson or Davis as a transfer.
February 13th, 2018 at 9:47 PM ^
Nunez is in a post grad year right now at St. Thomas More. He already has played 4 years of HS basketball.
February 13th, 2018 at 9:47 PM ^
Hope to see Iggy at the 3 and Matthews at the 4 to start.
February 13th, 2018 at 10:38 PM ^
February 13th, 2018 at 9:48 PM ^
Someone is going to depart early. I'd bet on two over just one.
February 13th, 2018 at 10:01 PM ^
Wagner and Watson. Your 2018-19 depth chart:
1 - Simpson/DeJulius/Brooks
2 - Poole/Nunez
3 - Matthews/Iggy
4 - Livers/Johns
5 - Teske/Davis/Castleton
I think Matthews is the true X factor. He's got the tools. Just got to figure it out. I'm betting he will.
This is a really good roster. Though I think the 2019-20 team may be the one with the Final 4 potential.
February 13th, 2018 at 10:15 PM ^
I see him returning for his senior season barring an epic Mitch McGary-esque run in the NCAAT.
If he's in a Michigan uniform, then I expect us to be a top-5 to top-10 team in 2019.
But I agree that the 2020 team sets up to be a FInal Four caliber team.
February 13th, 2018 at 11:02 PM ^
February 13th, 2018 at 11:07 PM ^
February 13th, 2018 at 11:38 PM ^
February 13th, 2018 at 11:59 PM ^
mainly because if next year goes really well, Poole or Livers might not be back. I think Poole has B1G PoTY potential as early as next year, and may go the Stauskas route. Livers is more of an NBA athlete already, and if he can polish his game off over the summer we might not have either of those guys come 2020.
February 13th, 2018 at 10:51 PM ^
one badass looking roster. Can't remember a potential 10+ deep Michigan team with this much balance between shooting, quickness and size. The 88-89 team perhaps comes to mind, but that team really only went 8 deep at most.
Going to be a fun few years of Michigan hoops! Go Blue!
February 14th, 2018 at 2:39 AM ^
February 14th, 2018 at 6:52 AM ^
Griffin started.
Hughes and Higgins were major contributors off the bench. Kirk Taylor was the other player in the rotation before his injury. Calip took over his role in the tournament.
February 14th, 2018 at 10:47 AM ^
I had a senior moment, as I was sure Griffin started and don't remember Voskuil playing for that team. Appreciate the confirmation.
February 17th, 2018 at 4:19 PM ^
February 13th, 2018 at 10:05 PM ^
February 13th, 2018 at 9:50 PM ^
February 13th, 2018 at 10:02 PM ^
February 13th, 2018 at 10:05 PM ^
February 13th, 2018 at 10:15 PM ^
February 13th, 2018 at 10:29 PM ^
February 14th, 2018 at 2:36 AM ^
February 14th, 2018 at 8:27 AM ^
DeJulius wll be starting next year at some point. He can 1. Shoot the three, 2. shoot the three of the dribble, 3. Make free throws.