How does MBB become a truly elite program?
Over the weekend, I was having a conversation with a couple of Michigan fans regarding the "elite" status of our program. All agreed that we are not really an elite program. While we have shown flashes of it lately, we really needed to maintain some level of consistency and sustainability to really be considered elite. Also, we all agreed that we are likely in that second tier below the traditional elite programs (Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, etc).
Where opinions started to differ, was whether we can truly EVER be an elite program given the state of college basketball. One guy was very much like many on this board: we can't be a Duke or Kansas etc. and that just the way it is and there is nothing we can do about it. A couple of us, including myself, we're less satisfied and more bullish about where this program can go. To get to that next level of college programs will largely be dictated by winning more big games on a big stage. And in doing so, we think the following things need to happen (in no particular order):
1. Recruit slightly better talent-wise (i.e. more stars) than what we currently do and more consistantly. There seems to be a high correlation between talent and winning (duh!). Finding diamonds in the rough are great, but seems as though you can't build a sustainable elite program on them.
2. Spearhead a change in NCAA regulations around recruiting. Third hand accounts suggest recruiting is a dirty business, and one in which we will not partake. This obviously hurts our ability to recruit top talent and address the issue in point #1 above. For example, if we can somehow lead an effort to push the NCAA to adopt a hockey type model for recruits (in essence mitigating the one-and-done effect) and implementing tighter regulation around some of the recutiing filth (i.e. bagmen, etc), we can be more competitive regarding recruiting.
3. Coaching profile. I like JB. I think he is one of the best minds in the game. I wish we got him when he was younger. Our opinion: the best model in college basketball is to find a young, talented, hungry coach that will stay ~20+ years in the program, implementing best practices and innovative basketball methodologies (i.e. Coach K, Izzo, Boehiem, etc.). This would give the program an "identity" that resonates well with top recruits across a couple generations. There are obvious excpetions here.
So what are your thoughts? How can Michigan become a truly elite college basketball program? Or perhaps you think we already are an elite program. Would be curious to hear those thoughts too.
without consistently recruiting at a higher level, especially in the front court, and Beilein will not do that. He will never give bigs enough playing time to get and keep 4 and 5 star centers and power forwards. With that handicap, even if he's developing under-the-radar guys to their max potential in the backcourt, you have no margin for error...all the other pieces have to be working at peak efficiency to have great seasons year after year.
And if this program wants to be even near elite after Beilein leaves, the LAST thing they should do is hand over the reins to one of his assistants, none of whom has won a single game as a college head coach. Elite programs do not maintain success by replacing a great head coach from within. You go out and find the best damn guy you can get, no matter where. Making coaching decisions based on sentiment is a recipe for years of mediocrity...case in point, Brian Ellerbe. For all the fawning people do over Jordan and Alexander, there are reasons why coaches are assistants. Find a young, talented HEAD coach who has already proven they can develop players and win consistently, and make them a big time offer.
March 30th, 2015 at 10:35 PM ^
Unless Michigan is at the point of being able to recruit on the level of Kansas, UNC, etc. when Beilein retires, hiring from within the program might be the better option, IMO. If LaVall Jordan is still around, he'll have had probably 10+ years under Beilein, and be able to continue implementing the same system going forward.
And FWIW, Butler just gave its head coach a six year extension. So that diminishes the likelihood of Coach Jordan having the chance to take the head gig at his alma mater.
March 30th, 2015 at 10:45 PM ^
Why is it that the traditionally great basketball programs also traditionally stink at football (and vice versa)? Can a school be elite at both over an extended period of time? Florida couldn't keep it up. They were probably the closest I can think of over the last 10 or 20 years.
MSU has come damn close. This will probably come to be looked upon as the golden age of MSU athletics.
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Florida Basketball disagrees with you this year. Plus with OSU you had the Fickell experiment. But other than that, you are right. They have definitely been more consistent.
Elite means you win championships.
Go balls to the wall after clear cut one and done guys. Hire staff that will help get guys ready for NBA play. Understand that you are going to be the NBA D league and embrace that. Don't sell kids on the college as a college but as a place where they can shine and show NBA scouts they are ready to go.
That and throw as much at players as your stomach and compliance will allow.
Again, I don't want to be elite that bad.
March 30th, 2015 at 10:31 PM ^
But ultimately, I think the writing is on the wall as to what kind of program we will be. JB is building a program with the next tier kids. The 3 + 4* guys who aren't one and dones mostly, but who likely will be there over time. You need to pass along a culture and you can't do that with one and dones. Plus, let's be honest, in an academic situation like U of M it does stream out some kids anyways.
So if JB builds off 4 stars that stay 3+ years that operate in his program, I think you'll see the type of success that could be interpreted as Elite over time. Somewhat like Louisville's program. Pitino has got some tremendous players that learn his system and every once in a while picks up one and done talent (kind of like we have) but he didn't lose that many of them in a row like we just did. But while we have the Siva's and Blackshears galore, we are missing out on the manimals like Harrell.
One thing I would like to see JB do is continue to look at these transfers to fill holes when there is the potential for a few years of that player and they fill a need. I see what he's doing with the Cornell guy and think it's somewhat promising but we should be in on JW3 from Mizzou. In him, Mizzou is losing a guy who is 6'9", needs to bulk up and heal for a year (camp Sanderson anyone?) but who brings athleticism, a three point stroke and from what I hear out of MU good grades and a good attitude. That's the kind of gap bridger who keeps us in the tourney in down years vs what we had this year.
On a side note, as someone who doesn't post on these boards often but visits and really appreciates much of what you guys share on here, I can tell you that the panic that is sometimes thrown around is quite suspicious. It sometimes reads like very subversive comments meant to cast dispersions on a great fan base.
Sorry it's so long. Damn I'm verbose.