Will any more jerseys be raised at Crisler?

#5

Going to get real controversial for a minute, look at that chart, and say none of the above.  

http://bentley.umich.edu/athdept////baskmen/baskmaa/grantaa.htm

Gary Grant came to Michigan in 1984 and made an immediate impact on Wolverine basketball. Excelling defensively, he was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 1985 sparked Michigan to a 26-4 record and the Big Ten Championship. Nicknamed "The General," the 6-3 Grant later developed the offensive skills to make him the best two-way guard in college basketball. The first Big Ten player to score 1,000 points, pass for 600 assists and collect 200 steals in a career, Grant earned numerous accolades including: consensus All-America honors in 1988, AP and UPI Big Ten Player of the Year in 1988 and All-Big Ten honors in 1987 and 1988. Grant is Michigan's all-time leading assist man with 731 for his career and 234 for the 1987-88 season. He holds the career and season record for steals (300, 86 in 1986-87) and also ranks fourth in career scoring (2,222 pints), third in career field goals (896) and third in career three-point percentage (46.11%).

Interesting point about the best players leaving early these days, which may in fact prevent most from having jerseys retired.

I watched M BBall back in the day, stopped for about 15 years after the Fab 5, and came back 3 years ago with the Darius Morris / Tim Hardaway freshman year team. I saw Gary Grant play, and though he was an outstanding player, I didn't think as I watched that this was someone who would have his jersey retired.  Rice and Webber were probably the two I saw that would be there.

If Burke stays on his track he's certainly that caliber of player, but you're right he likely won't accumulate the stats needed in 2 years.  Would be wonderful to have a Columbus kid with a retired jersey in Crisler.

The only one a legit argument can be made for, in my opinion, is Grant.

Jalen would be a distant, distant second.

The "leaving early" thing is interesting. I hope that Michigan never retires a number of a player that was here for only one year. Even two years would have to be really, really special.

For example, I see no way in which Trey leaves after this year and deserves a number retired (even if we win it all, he wins POTY, and goes #1 overall).

#1, #3, #10, #11, #52

Gary Grant.  Period.

(BTW, nice analysis).

I agree with ST3 that Grant deserves the closest look.  He also raises the issue of All American and All Big status.  This would get me to think more about Rumeal, Juwan, Jalen, and Rickey Green (the fastest guard I have ever seen I think).  It seems like the Fab FIve guys will never make the grade though.  

We do have a couple of interesting Academic All Americans in Zach (the first in a long time).  One other name that deserves a look already has the Hustle Award named after him, Steve Grote.  Here is some added info on him for the youngsters on the blog.  

Steve Grote: A four year starter, Grote was the epitome of a hustle player. He is one of 5 Michigan players to earn All-Conference honors in each of his four seasons. He is also the first player in NCAA history to play in 4 NCAA Tournaments.

Grote ranks 10th on Michigan’s all-time list with 358 career assists.

Grote averaged 11.5 ppg in his career and averaged double digits in scoring all 4 years of his Michigan career (1973-77).

A 1976 Sports Illustrated article said, “Grote has started 78 of 86 games since his freshman year and is frequently called the most punishing runner at Michigan, which makes Bo Schembechler wonder why he is wearing short pants and sneakers.”

Grote holds the school record for most career fouls with 407 and for most career disqualifications with 25.

In 1977 Michigan established the Steve Grote Hustle Award, given each year to the player who displays the greatest effort on the court, in both practice and games.

Grote was a first-team Academic All-American 3 straight years.

One word.  Patches.

I agree about Gary Grant.  Other than Grant, I'd say Jalen and that's about it right now.  I want to say C Web because I loved the guy, but.. yeah that... plus he was only here 2 years.  Burke could get there if he came back at least one more year.  Several of the freshmen could get there if they stayed long enough.

You make a good point about the effect of the best players leaving early.  If that means no more jerseys get retired, that's fine with me.  Those who stay will be champions.

I was actually at Gary Grant's last home game in 1987, as a 12-year old visiting my 2 sisters at Michigan (yes, cool story bro, I know). He was really remarkable, and was a 4-year guy who won Big Ten championships...if anyone else deserves, IMO it's him.

After that, I believe #5 should be retired. It's really hard to pick Jalen over Juwon - really, to even distinguish one over the other - but I feel like if you retire #5 you accomplish not only retiring Jalen's number but also recognizing the Fab Five in its entirety.

Yes, more jerseys will be raised.

Looking at your list, I believe Burke could be so honored, if the following happen in 2013:

• Michigan wins undisputed Big 10 Title;
• Michigan wins National Championship;
• Burke has some incredible assist total;
• Burke leads us to both the Big 10 and national titles.

While there may be a tradition of not raising the jersey of someone who doesn't stay four years, I think Burke could see it happen if he leads Michigan to the above.

Texas retired Durant's number after only one year. Of course, it was a pretty good year. I personally don't agree with it, but there are plenty here who do.

If Grant has not had his number retired already, it's probably not going to happen as time pushes him further from people's memories. Not saying he is not worthy.
There really are not any I would say have been worthy. I know that may seem tough, but you really should deliver on two aspects. 1) were you widely considered one of the best players in the country for at least one year. 2) did you bring your team to a final four (like John Wallace of Syracuse carried his team).
Think of it this way, other than Burke this year, has there been anyone at Michigan in the past 20 years who stood out on a National level like: Kevin Durant, JJ Reddick, Adam Morrison, Anthony Davis, or for you old schoolers, Glen Robinson, Shaquille O'Neal, Chris Jackson, Never Nervous Pervus, Calbert Cheany, Steve Alford, I could go on and on.
The issue with the Fab Five is two fold, one the stigma with C Webb cheating. Two, they have to share the focus. Would C Webb have been as good without Jalen, would Jalen have been as good without Howard and so on. Glen Robinson had to share the stage with Counzo Martin. Enough said.

I may be the only one, but I think it'd be cool to somehow recognize the impact that the Fab Five had on the team and on college basketball in general.  Would it be totally lame to raise a "Fab 5" banner???

"The General" (Grant) deserves it.  He was a great player on some excellent teams.  It's not listed above, but he also racked up a ton of assists.

McGee, I'm not sure.  He put up big numbers but played during a down spell (at the end of the Orr era and beginning of Frieder's) when we were mediocre.  I kind of see him in the same boat as LaVell Blanchard.  I wouldn't necessarily have a problem with those two being honored (Blanchard was a great all-around student-athlete who put up with a lot during his four years), but I don't know if it'll happen.

I wouldn't have a problem with Jalen or Juwan.  I believe Jalen did end up graduating (from Maryland).

Grant and Jalen.

That is all.

Love that they chose to raise 5 numbers for the first batch.

...his bio is pretty damn impressive:

http://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/baskmen/baskmaa/wilmoraa.htm

Not to mention, he's previously been inducted into the Michigan Athletics Hall of Honor:

http://www.mgoblue.com/genrel/030304aaa.html

If Burke stayed all four years I bet his would be up there