Mlive story re: MBB Open Practice
Mlive did a five point summary on the open practice held by the basketball team. Some interesting things brought up that have me looking pretty positively at the coming year. The down side is turnovers, which isn't a surprise with a young team.
The first point makes me the most hopeful but there is more in the article.
Kameron Chatman is a player Michigan’s most highly touted freshman is multifaceted and college-ready. The general consensus among the scribes perched up on the observation deck was that Chatman will be a day-one starter, barring anything unforeseen. The 6-foot-7 wing drilled smooth left-handed 3-pointers as a standstill shooter and off the dribble. He looked comfortable and capable making decisions with the ball. He finished in traffic. Most interestingly, Chatman worked in drills with both the guards and post players. He said later that he’s comfortable playing on the blocks, likes scoring down low with his left hand and that he’s comfortable defending the 2-through-4 positions. That’s a solid mix that ought to equate to plenty of playing time
Mlive will also have a live chat on Michigan football and basketball at noon today for anyone interested.
August 14th, 2014 at 9:39 AM ^
Watching this practice video and some of the workout videos from McGary/Stauskas/GRIII makes you realize just how awesome these dudes are at shooting the basketball. It's really quite incredible. I've played a lot of basketball over the years and would consider myself a decent shooter, but I'd have a tough time hitting 50% of my shots just goofing around. Some of these dudes do it consistently, in games, while playing against other top athletes.
August 14th, 2014 at 9:50 AM ^
You should be able to hit 45-50% of your shots in a game (I believe this is avg team shooting for D1, and is a bit higher for top tier schools). In terms of shootaround, drills, etc. you should be around 65% (higher if you are a "shooter").
August 14th, 2014 at 11:18 AM ^
August 14th, 2014 at 11:39 AM ^
He actually isn't really that far off. The avg team definitely isn't shooting 50% from the field, but the 50th ranked team in FG% this last season came in at 46.8% (Elon). Also, big 5 conference teams litter that category which means it isn't a statistic held up largely by the lower end of the spectrum.
August 14th, 2014 at 12:28 PM ^
August 14th, 2014 at 12:35 PM ^
being top 50 isn't the norm when there are 356 Division 1 teams.
August 14th, 2014 at 6:39 PM ^
August 14th, 2014 at 9:40 AM ^
Also, Derrick Walton is going to have a year like Yogi did last year. He and Caris are going to be the B1G's best backcourt.
August 14th, 2014 at 10:42 AM ^
IMO, Walton will be the 2nd best PG in the league this year (behind Ferrell). I think he'll be the most improved player in the league and have a career production wise a touch above the Craft/Appling level. I have him leaving as after his junior year rather than being a "OMG He's STILL here?! B1G senior" like they were.
August 14th, 2014 at 9:52 AM ^
Seems like a trip to Italy was just what was needed. last summer, the guys already knew what they had to do to improve, and the additions of Walton and Irvin to the rotation were comfortably managed.
This year it's going to be a ton of new faces.
August 14th, 2014 at 10:30 AM ^
August 14th, 2014 at 10:40 AM ^
GRIII2...I'll take it!
August 14th, 2014 at 11:19 AM ^
Amazingly if Mitch had been able to come back I think this would have again been a final 4 caliber team.
August 14th, 2014 at 11:20 AM ^
August 14th, 2014 at 12:25 PM ^
August 14th, 2014 at 12:51 PM ^
turn it over at a slightly higher clip than teams the last couple of years did, but this staff does a great job of teaching and preaching not giving away possessions. Will be fun to watch this these guys develop. Timing is great for this Euro trip, given how young they are and how inexperienced 4-5 of these guys are who are going to get a lot of minutes.
August 14th, 2014 at 12:55 PM ^
as much as anything and I expect them to be much better by the first real game. You have to also remember that the standards are high for Michigan so when the coaches are upset, it could be a relative thing. Beilein teams do not turn the ball over.