basketball

For all the unwarranted criticism he gets around here, Dave Brandon is an exceptional human being.

He donated more than 4 Million dollars to build Mott Children's hospital, and contributed to the Michigan Stadium renovation fund before he even took the office.  He earned the Distinguished Alumni Service Award in 2007, The Bennie Oosterban Award for Service, Dedication and CEO Coach of the Year in 2008.  He raised 3 sons and a daughter, and "enjoys spoiling" his 7 grandkids.  

He took a 3 Million Dollar pay cut to take over an athletic department that was hemorhaging credibility like a stuck pig.  He was tasked with cleaning up his predecessor's disastrous 3,5,7 win football hire and a basketball team that after finally breaking into the tournament seemed to be sinking back into mediocrity at 15-17.

Brandon provided strong leadership and a stronger backhand through one of the darker(albeit ridiculous) chapters in Michigan football history.

He hired a coach who immediately breathed life into a program on the ropes.  That coach took a 5 win/yr team to an 11-2 record and a BCS bowl win. 

There have been some disappointments since then of course, but think where the program would be if that injection of credibility hadn't have happened.

He hired this man

And this man

Who have helped bring Michigan to the Championship game and the Elite Eight a year later.

He oversaw the rebuilding of Crisler Arena

which continues to help land elite recruits.

I think it is a fair assumption that Brandon has done more for Michigan athletics and the world at large than 99% of us on the board, a fact that can get lost in petty vendettas and very real differences of opinion.

In this man's opinion, Brandon has made very real sacrifices and deserves a great deal more respect than he gets on this board.

Lots of rumblings from NBA insiders that LeBron could be headed back to Cleveland. This seems to be confirmed by Cleveland's salary-cap clearing "trade" today. They ditched Jarrett Jack and his $6.3MM salary, along with Tyler Zeller and Tyler Zeller and Sergey Karasev, for nothing but cap space.

In my opinion, I think this is a great move from both a team and money perspective.

From a team perspective, Cleveland stands in stark contrast to Miami. Rather than being full of bloated salaries and past-their-prime stars, they're loaded with young talent and have the potential to be very good in the coming years. Add LeBron to the mix with Kyrie Irving (somewhat overrated but still solid), a Wiggins (who would benefit by easing into a high-level role), and Tristan Thompson, and you've got a squad that can easily contend for a title in the East.

From a money perspective, LeBron is going to make the max no matter where he goes, so salary isn't the deciding factor. Endorsements are. Now that he's the biggest star in the NBA, it doesn't matter if he's based out of Cleveland or New York/LA/Chi. The name LeBron Jame name recognition is global and his endorsement deals won't decrease just because he plays in a secondary market. If anything, being on a team with young talent may help increase his longevity as a title contender and thus his relevance in the league, keeping his endorsement money flowing at a high level through and beyond his prime years.

From Wash Post:  SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Kings have signed first-round pick Nik Stauskas (STOUS-kiss) to his rookie contract. Kings general manager Pete D’Alessandro made the announcement late Tuesday night. Sacramento selected Stauskas out of Michigan with the eighth overall pick in June’s draft. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

This is a very good article on Zak's game and how critical his development could be for our team next year.  It references how many of our players make a big jump in their Sophomore season.

There is a ton of production to be replaced.

http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2014/07/off-season_overview_za...

Morris will spend July trying to latch onto with San Antonio, which already features point guard Tony Parker, but recently learned key free agent point guard Patty Mills will miss up to seven months with a shoulder injury. Link

Morris will spend July trying to latch onto with San Antonio, which already features point guard Tony Parker, but recently learned key free agent point guard Patty Mills will miss up to seven months with a shoulder injury.

Hopefully he will be able to take advantage of the situation.

While playing 31 minutes, scoring 18 points, and grabbing 13 rebounds (6 offensive!), Mitch also managed to drop this sweet dime. (Someone, please feel free to embed.)

http://sports.yahoo.com/video/assist-night-mitch-mcgary-013353722.html

I hate you, NCAA.