Trey

Disclaimer: It's a freep article and sorry if this has been posted. Didn't see anything yet.

The video clip is benign, but the comments in the article could possibly add some extra motivation for Burke and company in tomorrow's game.

http://www.freep.com/article/20130405/SPORTS06/130405059/michigan-basketball-final-four-syracuse

With the 2012 Basketball season approaching at ludicrous speed (Seriously, Exhibition play begins in under a month, and the NIT season tipoff in 5 weeks), I thought I'd pose a bit of a snowflake here, but one that we should all have good fun with at any rate.

It seems that, in many basketball years, a pair of players come together either as a starting group or under special circumstances (like when a team goes big or small), and bring a special element to the court. For instance, in 2010-2011, it seemed like Morris and THJ paired up in beautiful ways sometimes, with Morris finding ways to get THJ the ball in places where he could make it rain. It just seemed like when they were clicking, things really took off.

I'm wondering if there is a pair of players for 2012 - 2013 you're excited to see pair up, to see what transpires.

I really hope we get to see Michigan go big with Morgan and McGary at the 4 and 5. If you'll all remember last year, when Morgan took on Sullinger and pretty well owned him:

It shows us what an evolving, fired up Morgan is capable of. He has the heart, the motor, and the body to get it done. Now put a 6' 10" beef machine with the heart and motor of Novak next to him, ready to collapse on the hoop to put down opponents' attempts to go up, or pick up offensive boards like they were pennies on the sidewalk. It's the kind of big inside combo Michigan hasn't had since before I really got into watching them. I'm excited.

Is there a combo for this year that excites you with possibilities? Doesn't have to include freshmen. Just another year of development can help big time, even with veteran players.

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/59033/at-the-watercooler-2012-13-avengers-team

Over at the college basketball watercooler blog on ESPN.com Myron Medcalf named his Avengers team for the 2012-2013 season.  Which consists of Nerlens Noel, Cody Zeller, Doug McDermott, Peyton Siva, and Trey Burke.  Basically this is a preseason All American team and I thought it was cool to see a Michigan player getting some publicity.  When was the last time a Michigan Basketball player was a preseason All-American.

made by my brother, he also made a denard one a few months back

     Well, Saturday at 2 Michigan takes on the Arkansas Razorbacks in the great land of Clinton(Bill that is).

     Big Nasty's team comes fresh off their road blowout loss to KY http://www.kentucky.com/2012/01/17/2032252/kentucky-vs-arkansas-9-pm-espn.html 

a team with considerably more NBA talent than your Detroit Pistons.

     Beilein may continue with the "3 players back" philosophy that yielded multiple rebounds to MSU, as Arkansas makes a living by pushing the ball up and down the court, trapping, and running motion.  They call it "40 Minutes of Hell" harkening back to the '94 glory days   http://bloghawgs.com/2012/01/09/remembering-hawg-ball-sec-storied-40-minutes-of-hell-edition/ First year coach Mike Anderson was the apple that fell directly beneath the Nolan Richardson tree.  They're going to press.  A lot.

     6'3" Freshman SG BJ Young is your major scoring option out of the backcourt at 15pts/g.  He is shooting .418 from downtown.  He also excells at attacking the basket.  Think Trey Burke only taller with more recruiting hype and considerably less heart.  This is likely Stu's assignment.

     6'1" Junior PG Julysses Nobles leads the Razorbacks in minutes played, assists, and consecutive consonants in his first name.  Most of his scoring comes from outside.  This is Trey's assignment.

     Cautionary tale about checking your sources:  Marshawn Powell is indeed out for the season.  Thank you to those of you who knew this and did not point out that I ate a lot of paint chips as a kid.  That is more than I deserve.

     This actually leaves Jordan Morgan at a considerable advantage in the post.  They've got a 6'8" freshman named Devonta Abron and a 6'8" senior named Michael Sanchez.  Niether one has much of an offensive game.  Abron is a pretty good rebounder.

     6'2" Mardracus Ware wins the "Oh Lord please dont leave him open from downtown" award.  He is shooting something like 51% for 3.

       Regardless of outcome, this is going to be a great opportunity to learn to win on the road.  With limited information, I'm going to compare Arkansas to the Clemson team Michigan beat in the tournament a few years ago.  If Trey gets in foul trouble we're cooked.