...like a smart young man.

Hardaway was a late bloomer at Palmetto High in Miami -- with Beilein being the first big-time college coach to pay considerable attention to him -- before his scoring average jumped from 23 points as a junior to 32 as a senior.

Even when other schools showed interest, Hardaway kept his commitment to Michigan.  "I chose Michigan because of great academics, biggest alumni in the country," he said. "What more can you ask for?"

Indeed.