basketball

I follow Michigan basketball intently, however life's demands rarely allow me the time to seach for some obscure media outled-feed-stream type thingy to watch the early season exhibitionish slate, so last night was my first look at the madness taking place inside Crisler.  I have followed Michigan basketball intently, suffering along with Courtney Sims and Lester Abram in an empathatic fashion as opposed to at their expense in those years, and was anxious to take a look at this team.

For those that follow this blog primarily for football with a little basketball and hockey thrown in their during slow times, it is time to pay attention to Michigan basketball.  I understand "Cleveland State, consider the opponent, don't get ahead of yourselves etc." and agree with all of that, but what Beilien trotted out there last night has the making of an elite basketball team, not next year, or once "these guys mature," also known in college basketball as the team that struggles for 4 seed and goes out in the second round, but in the Kentucky, Final Four, did you see that dunk kind of way.  And the chemistry that is already evidenced with so many new faces is the kind of thing that creates special teams.  I am excited about taking this show to Madison Square Garden, and I think Michigan maybe the show as opposed to part of it.  These guys are good and this team may have been worth the long, long wait that hoops fans have endured to see Crisler really rocking again.

second round of NIT tip off 8 PM ESPN2

Cleveland State beat Bowling Green earlier tonight in OT 79-73 so Michigan will play CSU tomorrow if they win.

9 PM ESPNU

The road to the Tip off NIT Championship begins in Crisler tonight with Michigan taking on IUPUI at 9PM(ESPNU).

The Cliffs notes version: If Michigan can hold serve on their home court, they move on to Madison Square Garden to play Pittsburgh, and possibly Virginia or Kansas state in the championship. But lets not put the cart before the horse. Tonight Michigan takes on IUPUI. (Dylan's preview lives here..http://www.umhoops.com/2012/11/12/game-2-iupui-at-michigan-preview/. ) Turns out IUPUI is coached by

NTTodd Howard...Maybe

No, NTTodd Howard either...

Dylan sums up the difficulties Mr. Howard might face this year(you know, besides the dental work and laser hair removal)

"Things won’t get any easier for Howard in his second season as he loses his top scorer (Young), rebounder (Christian Siakam) and point guard (Stephen Thomas) from a year ago. "

After Michigan takes IUPUI behind the woodshed, it will be either Cleveland State or Bowling Green for the chance to go to NYC...

I dont know that New York City is ready for GRIII Mitch McGary et al... They might have just a little bit of fun.

IUPUI was predicted to finish 5th in the Summit League and won their first game of the year beating Utah Valley 67-54 on Friday night.  I think we win 94-58.  What say you mgoblog?

THJ had an awesome night. The McGary steal, pass to Trey, Trey alley oop to THJ was a fantastic play. This team is exciting.

[Mgoblue.com] Men's Hoops vs. Slippery Rock Highlights

Edit: also a great recap from UMHoops here