The Situation: Basketball

Am I the only one who thinks it's time for Beilein to pony up the cash for the fine and publicly call out the officiating?

You have to be the squeaky wheel sometimes, but Beilein doesn't strike me as that kind of guy.

"Big Ten referees all own Snuggies" = awesome. It's good to laugh on a Monday.

The Big Ten officials' credo seems to be "We don't call shooting fouls but we'll call the smallest of moving screens every time (and we like charges too)." This is a big reason why conference games are routinely in the 50's...I could live with just the above if it weren't for the fact that the same refs get whistle-happy at the end of games.

All of that said, U of M left the Iowa game wide open and I don't think we can complain that they lost...I just think we can complain that the overall officiating leads to a frustrating league to watch.

Also, I humbly submit that Manny Harris needs to learn a 10-ft pull-up jumper.

I know Manny has been frustratingly inconsistent. But that suit he's wearing in the pic w/ Beilein is FANTASTIC. And I'm not even being sarcastic. That is the best fashion statement made by a UM athlete since the Fab Five introduced the yellow jerseys and super-long shorts. Actually, the light blue and yellow plaid may even trump the fab 5.

Manny Harris = my favorite Michigan basketball player ever (though I do wish he'd drive the lane more and kick to open players).

UPDATE: His real first name is Corperryale? Holy crap, if he had a last name even close to Biakabatuka, he'd be giving Tshimanga a run for his money.

was his own damn fault. he had a wide open layup and instead decided to try and draw a foul instead of just making it straight up. if he makes that layup we go up 4 and shoot free throws the rest of the way.

I am completely at a loss to explain why Harris was on the bench for the entire overtime. Beilein's explanation that Harris's game was off makes no sense. Yeah, his game was off. But he's your best freakin' player! And even if he couldn't throw it in the ocean off a rowboat, maybe he could have played a little defense, an aspect of the game which completely eluded Michigan during the overtime when Iowa's *2nd string* point guard carved them up like a fatted Christmas goose.

And while I agree that Big 10 officials suffer from a mysteriously inability to blow the whistle in his favor (that charging call mentioned above was hilariously bad), Harris doesn't help himself with his poor shot selection and his lack of a mid-range game.

I couldn't agree more. Outstanding haberdashery by The Snow Man Manny Fresh.

I think Brian is way too nice in his assessment of JB in OT. Sitting Manny is fine to start OT if he really felt that way, but when Iowa scores 7 quick points you need your best streak scorer (not to mention a better defender than Merritt) to come in an try and stop the momentum. If nothing else it gives Iowa more to think about on the defensive end. Very disappointed in how JB handled OT and his "defense" of his decision.

Brian, I disagree on Shepherd. For every game that he's gotten in, he's grade out like shit in my UFRs.

We've got enough money to own our own network but not enough to bother with competent officials. If I was Manny I wouldn't take it to the lane either, he won't get a foul called no matter what. That "charge" Brian wrote of was a six point swing. Instead of a bucket and one Iowa hit a 3 pointer at the other end. Thanks Big Ten for sucking the life out of me.

There is no such thing as "Big Ten officials." NCAA basketball officials are not restricted to conference boundaries. For instance, Eddie Basketball officiates in 3 or 4 different conferences.

hmmm, a nice coppery ale from Grizzly Peak would be nice right about now.

It's one thing to want a defensive lineup to start OT, but once the Wolves fell behind by 2 scores we needed points. JB should have gone with Manny and maybe even Grady. What does Merritt ever add?

Also, this game turned into a "bow down little brother show" as Jake Kelly (Carmel High School 07), put the screws to Stu (CHS '08)

First of all, Beilein has shown flexibility through his insertion of CJ Lee over Kelvin Grady. No one needs to repeat the obvious fact that Grady is a far superior offensive player than Lee, but now Grady gets playing time only when Michigan is leading. I find Lee's playing time reassuring because defense always wins championships at any level.

Second, Shepherd is not playing simply because you need to at least be able to shoot somewhat decently in order to play for Beilein (notice how Lee can give you an occasional three or a nice drive to the basket). That much is for sure. That is his system and it won't change anytime soon.

Third, while both Harris and Sims do not necessarily fit Beilein's offense, the use of Sims is a good example of Beilein's willingness to adapt. I remember Beilein saying something about how Sims loves the middle of the court and that is why he is getting more time inside this year. Beilein could have easily insisted that Sims play from the perimeter (the preferred spot for the PF in his system), but since Sims was willing to take the time to develop a previously non-existent three point shot, Beilein adapted to his strengths, all for the better of this team.

These observations lead me to believe that what happened with Harris is personal. These are the moments that can turn a team for better or worse. You either take the punishment or you leave. Sims needs to really assert some leadership here and rally the team around Beilein. A disaster scenario looms if Harris tries to divide the team and ends up transferring. That is the last thing this team needs. Remember, these new guys (Douglass, Novak) have come a long ways in one season. Their confidence can only be visible shaken if they fail to the make the tourney. An inspired, united team should beat Purdue at home and maybe they can muster one at Minnesota (most likely).

The incident extends far beyond just one game. It could define Beilein for better or worse.