Brandon John's appreciation thread

Submitted by UMfan21 on February 16th, 2020 at 2:46 PM

Way to come in for injured Livers (again).  He is showing aggression finally, and really drew a lot of fouls today.  Made some clutch 3 pointers too.

He is quick and shifty and really gets past defenders with ease when he wants too.  His aggression was huge today.

UMinSF

February 16th, 2020 at 2:58 PM ^

I love his game. Athletic and aggressive, with a pretty damn good stroke too. He's got NBA talent.

If he can play a bit more under control and improve his defensive footwork, he's gonna be a star next year.

I love the way he attacks the glass, especially on offense. He's got such a quick, agile jump. 

So much fun to watch guys improve and grow - he's come a long way.

Go Blue! Go Johns!

doughboy

February 16th, 2020 at 7:04 PM ^

Very impressed with how Juwan has worked with and handled Brandon.  JH has built up his confidence and helped improve his skill set on the court, while also helping him work on and through the psychological part of the game.

The interview by Zavier after the Rutgers(?) game where he complimented Brandon on having a big game was awesome.  X was saying how EVERYONE on the team loves Brandon and how he's the nicest, most helpful and hardworking guy out there.  It was great to hear what good chemistry the team has and the support they give to each other, especially workhorses like Brandon.

 

UMfan21

February 16th, 2020 at 9:32 PM ^

Disagree.  He was very passive last year and the start of this year.  There were media stories about how he lacked confidence and was working through it mentally.

I chalk his assertiveness up to increased self confidence.  This is NOT how he was playing before Livers got injured.

Ham

February 16th, 2020 at 3:09 PM ^

11/16 from 3 the past 6 games. 3/3 today. High energy and when he has confidence, he can get to the rim at will. Love seeing him blossom.

aiglick

February 16th, 2020 at 3:13 PM ^

If Wagner could get his three point shot working and Livers avoids the big injury this team is dangerous and nobody wants to play them.

I think Big Jon is going to come around too and glad to see him still hustling out there and hitting the deck for loose balls.

freelion

February 16th, 2020 at 3:10 PM ^

Totally agree. I have been calling for more minutes for him all season. I think he is really coming on strong and will be a big piece in the tourney.

MGolem

February 16th, 2020 at 3:24 PM ^

The early season comments about Johns struggling with confidence explained so much regarding his choice to play for Beilein rather than Izzo. And it seems Howard could be even more of a good thing in helping him reach his potential.

 

rob f

February 16th, 2020 at 3:33 PM ^

We're a deep team now.  John's (apostrophe  /s ) improvement has been spectacular, if not unexpected, but it was pushed along by the necessity of playing well due to the injuries to Livers.

Such depth is invaluable as the season progresses, especially at tournament time when a lot of games are squeezed in tightly. 

UMinSF

February 16th, 2020 at 4:52 PM ^

Very true - and Johns also gives us a jolt of athleticism, especially on the boards. 

We've settled into a really strong 8 man rotation.

Simson-Brooks-DDJ at guard

Wagner-Livers-Johns at forward

Teske-Davis at center

Occasional small-ball lineup with 3 guards and/or Johns at C.

Only thing missing is a big guard to match up against some opponents. 

That's a strong, deep team. Would be even more dangerous if Castleton can give us a few solid minutes and Bajema can crack the lineup for instant offense.

FrankMurphy

February 16th, 2020 at 5:10 PM ^

I absolutely LOVE his physicality and the way he crashes the boards. If you observe his demeanor as a shot goes up, he looks like he has an I'm-gonna-get-this-Goddamned-ball-even-if-it-kills-me mindset.

He has all of the physical and mental tools to be a superstar. With another offseason of conditioning and working on his game, he could have a huge breakout year next year.