Holy Novak: What an Effort!
Wisconsin just got ambushed in Ann Arbor. It was like there were 5 Novaks on the court at all times today. These boys have a legit shot at winning the BIG. I was beyond impressed with the effort on the court.
Belien was beaming in his post game interview on CBS, he always accentuates the positive, but he was downright giddy today
Stu: 5 steals and was all over the court today
Trey: outplayed and outhustled an All American
Jordan Morgan: where did this whirling dirvish come from, since the 2nd half of the IU game he been Charley Hustle
THJ: Doesn't need to hit 3's to dominate. Relentless effort and outstanding athleticism are lethal
Novak: This guy is beyond description, I know I wouldn't want to play against his psychotic ass
Smot: Stuck his nose in the middle of everything today and battled like the rest.
Vogrich: I feel for the kid, he has elevated his overall game, but is a bit behind these other guys with their improvement. Minutes are going to be tough to come by with Novak and Stu on a mission to have a fantastic senior campaign.
January 8th, 2012 at 8:39 PM ^
They need to seriously consider renaming it the Grote/Novak Hustle Award.
January 8th, 2012 at 9:41 PM ^
Thanks for reminding me about Steve Grote. Yes, I think Novak fits the Grote mold, although I think Novak is probably even better.
January 8th, 2012 at 8:40 PM ^
From UMhoops:
Perhaps the most impressive stat: Michigan was +32 with Novak on the floor and -14 in the five minutes he was on the bench.
January 8th, 2012 at 9:01 PM ^
Novak is an intense competitor, but he's also a class act (much like his coach).
For evidence, see how he handled Bo Ryan's attempt to get him called for a technical (from annarbor.com article):
Afterward, Ryan said he held no hard feelings toward Novak, and actually paid him a compliment.
"At a time like that in a game, if I can get two free throws and the ball, (I'm doing it)," Ryan said. "But Novak was great, he came up to me and said 'coach, if I was where you were, I'd have done the same thing.'
"He was great. I like that guy."
January 8th, 2012 at 9:05 PM ^
Our future coaching list is going to look something like this:
2020 - Beilien retires. Bacari Alexander hired following 5 successful years at Akron.
2027 - Bacari Alexander to NBA. Assistant Coach Zack Novak promoted to head job.
Book it.
January 9th, 2012 at 12:26 PM ^
Anyone know of a torrent of the game? I was there and I would love to see the CBS call.
January 9th, 2012 at 1:33 PM ^
There should be a torrent up at MGoVideo later today.