The Face of U-M Basketball Post-Manny?
For argument's sake, let's say Manny Harris decides to jump to the big leagues following this season. Who then do you see being the "face" of Michigan basketball for the next couple years?
My vote is for Zack Novak and here's my two reasons why.
1. This kid's hustle and grit is very respectable and has created quite a decent following. He may not light up the stat sheet, but he brings many intangibles that can help swing a game in our favor, not to mention he's slowly emerging as a locker room leader.
2. He is a strong representative of Beilein's system (aka 3-pointer reliance). He showed Sunday that he can make a clutch shot when called on.
I feel Novak fits the current culture of Michigan basketball the most once Manny departs. Other honorable mentions would be Stu Douglas, and Darius Morris.
January 20th, 2010 at 3:39 PM ^
I'd tend to agree with you on this one in regards to Zack. Word out of the program does seem to indicate despite his underclassmen status, Zack continues to take on a growing leadership role despite the presence of Sims and Harris.
January 20th, 2010 at 3:42 PM ^
TREY ZIEGLER!!!! Wishful thinking?
January 20th, 2010 at 3:54 PM ^
The second coming of Kevin Lee Pittsnogle Jr. Getcha popcorn ready.
January 20th, 2010 at 4:03 PM ^
Agree, albeit a less disheveled version of 'Snoggle
January 20th, 2010 at 4:19 PM ^
They may both be 6'10", white, and players for Beilein, but their games are very different. Smotrycz can put the ball on the floor.
January 20th, 2010 at 6:52 PM ^
Pittsnoggle was a HELL of a player, regardless of his cult status. I would take him on my team every day of the week.
January 20th, 2010 at 4:12 PM ^
the face for quite a few years, I hope. Not meant as sarcasm.
January 20th, 2010 at 4:15 PM ^
i would have to say the most prolific scorer or the player with the ball in his hands the most, so I will go with Morris
January 20th, 2010 at 4:22 PM ^
If you're talking about the team leader, definitely Novak. But Morris will eventually be the star player - maybe even next season.
January 20th, 2010 at 4:24 PM ^
When Novak and Douglass are seniors, I think this team will look a lot like the senior-laden Butler team of a few years ago, with no stars but a bunch of grinders who can convert open shots and drive opponents nuts from three-point range. Since Novak is the consummate grinder, I agree that he will probably be the "face" of the team.
January 20th, 2010 at 4:32 PM ^
is my favorite player on the team now, even with Manny. He will be the most vocal and emotional leader for the next two years. I don't think, however, he will be "the face" of U of M bball. Maybe Zeigler, maybe Morris. Those two both have NBA potential. When people do a feature on basketball, they usually go with the leading scorer or shot-blocking/rebounding big man. I guess I could see Novak giving the team its identity. In other words, when you think of the style and character of the team, I could see it emulating Novak.
January 20th, 2010 at 8:16 PM ^
What this points to is what exactly do we mean by "the face of the team"? The guy who gets the most hype from ESPN/BTN/etc. types? I think it should refer to the guy that most fans think of as their favorite player, even though he's not necessarily the statistical/hype leader. Just look, for example, at how many folks on this thread are identifying Novak as their favorite, and pointing to his growing leadership role & intensity. He's someone we're all proud of & we feel better when he's on the court than when he's not. Sounds like the face of the team to me.
January 20th, 2010 at 5:20 PM ^
I say that Zeigler could be if he, you know... commits. Other than that I think LLP could have the offensive firepower to be the "face". Other than that maybe Morris or US Standard.
January 20th, 2010 at 5:45 PM ^
I'm pulling for Novak. As a senior he will be the unquestioned leader of the program.
January 20th, 2010 at 5:54 PM ^
Way outside the box here, but Blake McLimans.
Yeah I know he's a "project", but from all accounts the 'potential' (way over used word) is there and if he pans out he will be perfect for Beilein's system. I'm imagining him turning out like a Hummell type player, just taller and maybe not as clean cut. Heck, Smotrycz will likely be better than Blake right away, but it'd be terrific for both to produce a lot.
I can see Novak being the next Kramer type tough team guy where the announcers and media just slobber on him nonstop, and of course, it's mostly deserved.
Of course Morris is the obvious choice because he is the point guard and has all the tools to be very, very good.
January 20th, 2010 at 6:06 PM ^
I agree. He always plays hard and seems to be great for this system.
January 20th, 2010 at 8:21 PM ^
For some reason, I have a strong feeling that he's going to be a leader starting next year (not necessarily THE leader, of course, but you know). Coach Mahoney came to one of the Maize Rage meetings and basically confirmed the hunch by saying that DMo has tried to be a leader this year too, but it's just hard for a freshman who's not quite adjusted yet to take on that role with guys like Manny and Sims who've already been around the block.