Eli Brooks Appreciation Thread

Submitted by Jordan2323 on March 12th, 2021 at 5:52 PM

I know we had one for March Smith but I think Eli deserves one big time! He finished with 16 points and four rebounds on 4-8 from three. This was after a gruesome looking ankle injury five days ago. He started off rocky in this game with an air ball that was about 2 feet short and then ended up with the above stat line as well as playing great defense. That back cut by him from Franz was a thing of beauty. Every time Maryland would cut it close in the second half Eli would hit a big three and close that door. 

UMinSF

March 12th, 2021 at 6:05 PM ^

He's worthy of some appreciation. Michigan is so much better with him on the court - and his second half today was a marvel.

The way is shot looked early on, it seemed a mistake to play him. Tentative, flat-footed, complete funk - then suddenly...

the mature, focused, joyful Eli returned! Clutch shots, perfect floor spacing, tremendous syncopation with other players. 

Eli does so many little things so damn well. Love me some senior guards!

Jordan2323

March 12th, 2021 at 6:22 PM ^

I will also say he will be even more crucial tomorrow and for two primary reasons. One, his defense on Washington and keep him from going off.  Two, because I feel like they will zero in on Smith, especially after today. Eli will have to step up and probably handle the ball more tomorrow than he did today. 

DennisFranklinDaMan

March 12th, 2021 at 7:49 PM ^

It's also an important lesson for all the fans who not only gave up on him two years ago, but spent tons of time actively ripping him. Not only do people improve over time ... there are also intangibles that his coaches and teammates see, that the statistics don't always capture. The results of his absences this year demonstrated that pretty effectively!

uncle leo

March 12th, 2021 at 8:15 PM ^

I'll happily own up to being one of those fans.

A couple years ago, I just did not see it in him. He was scoring 2 a game and just didn't feel like he was going to turn into a functional Big Ten player.

He grew up in a hurry. I have really enjoyed watching him on the court- really crafty dude and plays his ass off.