Let's take a moment to appreciate Austin Davis
Was very glad to see Davis back on the court - at first simply to see him recovered from injury, but later to see him contribute significantly to the biggest game of the season thus far.
Young man could have transferred out at several points during his college career to find more PT and a team that would feature him more prominently... especially after the coaching change and then Dickenson joining. Yet, he persevered and is clearly one of our best rotation players.
We were very fortunate to have him available against Wisconsin - when he subbed in for Dickenson the team didn't lose a beat (and often looked even better last night). If he would have been out, maybe those minutes go to Johns... I love the guy's energy but he still needs more improvement to be able to match-up against the likes of Wisconsin's starters (at least from what I saw, but I am no expert).
Well done.
January 13th, 2021 at 8:18 AM ^
I appreciate Austin Davis.
Thread Jack - Michigan up to 4th in KenPom and 3rd in NET. These both feel about right... the one item I disagree with is Michigan's AdjD ranking in KenPom of 11th... DID YOU WATCH THE LAST 3 GAMES!?!?!
I appreciate Austin Davis.
January 13th, 2021 at 8:28 AM ^
I just looked over the game stats again and Davis didn't feature very prominently... yet it *felt* like he was critical at times watching the game in real time. Not an expert opinion.
January 13th, 2021 at 8:51 AM ^
This is exactly true - Dickenson was a bit out of sorts early in the game.
JH pulled him and put in Davis who gave us some energy and buckets while JH talked to Dickenson and let him watch / recalibrate.
Dickenson came back in and looked like his usual dominant self.
It was a short time but critical in terms of launching that massive 43-6 run.
January 13th, 2021 at 9:56 AM ^
Yeah, but how did Dickinson do?
January 13th, 2021 at 8:21 AM ^
The flexibility of this roster is outstanding. Bringing in Smith and Brown was brilliant and game-changing. Having Austin back is critical.
January 13th, 2021 at 8:22 AM ^
He immediately got us a bucket with a pretty post move once he subbed into the game. He's a little slow and fouls a lot but man, he does work in the paint. Glad to have him back
January 13th, 2021 at 8:24 AM ^
he may foul a fair amount, but when he's in the lane ain't nobody coming down it doing the phi-slamma-jamma. he is a big, solid dude who can body with the biggest this team will face and clear out the paint if/when needed. sometimes you need a very large hammer, and i'd say he's that guy.
January 13th, 2021 at 8:25 AM ^
He did great. And it was great for him that he got to play again.
January 13th, 2021 at 8:28 AM ^
I know I have mentioned before that I have ties to Austin through close family members (not that I expect people to remember, I am not an important poster) and I would never, ever, say a bad word about Beilein but I can promise you Howard was the best thing that ever happened to Country. If anyone tries to give you the RCMB line that Howard is catching lighting in a bottle, his X's and O's suck, etc just point out the vast improvement of Austin under him.
Also, let's give a tip of the hat to both Austin and Livers as captains of this team - anytime guys that are seeing little to no court-time are that engaged tells you everything about team chemistry and unity.
January 13th, 2021 at 8:54 AM ^
Given the long garbage time stretches, the end of bench guys are amongst are leading the players in terms of minutes. Kidding! (but not totally kidding)
January 13th, 2021 at 8:47 AM ^
Austin is a glue guy, and as such, is underappreciated outside of the locker room. Listening to Coaches Howard and Beilein talk yesterday, you could see the love Juwan has for the unsung guys on his roster. This is the next big challenge for Coach Howard, how do you cultivate a team with 4-year guys like Davis, Brooks, and Johns and highly touted players like the class coming in next year. The sense I have is that the team chemistry flows from the sincerity and openness of the coaching staff resonating with both the core 'stars' and the bench mob. What a fun team to watch!
January 13th, 2021 at 8:48 AM ^
After the game Seth Greenberg made a great comment about this team, and specifically what Howard has brought: the NBA is a league of specialists. I don’t look at the roster and see many, if any, “elite” players. But, each player has a critical role, and they are all becoming elite at performing their specific role. Davis gave some impact minutes off the bench, especially on defense but also on offense screening, sealing, passing, and finishing. He’s become a real contributor.
January 13th, 2021 at 9:50 PM ^
Astute observation and I remember Greenberg saying that. And with Juwan specifically, you have a guy who encompassed every role imaginable throughout his long and winding career. College basketball is about having everybody understand their role and be able to execute it. You don’t have to to have multiple stars or future NBA prospects to win it all. This year’s team is one of the better I’ve seen in terms of having all the pieces fit together. Hopefully it continues.
January 13th, 2021 at 8:49 AM ^
Couldn't agree more. Also want to call out how he appears to be a stellar senior captain, taking Dickinson under his wing and having amazing energy on the bench when he was on the shelf over the past several games. This team is special, regardless where they finish in May, and we should appreciate the ride greatly
January 13th, 2021 at 8:50 AM ^
He was limping at one point running back down court. Has anyone heard about that post-game? Hope the foot didn't flare up again.
January 13th, 2021 at 8:52 AM ^
Dude is a walking bucket... he'll be able to get his well into his 50s at any rec league, YMCA, gusmacker etc. Assuming he doesn't continue his basketball career at the next level.
January 13th, 2021 at 8:57 AM ^
Quality young man. Captains Davis and Livers are both quality young men. And Juwan has molded a team of high quality young men. The mental toughness of this team just punches their opponents in the face.
January 13th, 2021 at 9:01 AM ^
Absolutely, and he's going to be a critical part of this team making a deep run. There's no backing down when he's in.
January 13th, 2021 at 9:20 AM ^
He's really turned himself into a productive player and an even better teammate/leader/mentor.
Love the center rotation/dynamic. This team really gets up and down and plays with a ton effort - it's a damn luxury to have 10-15 minutes of a 5th year walking bucket to spell the star freshman center.
January 13th, 2021 at 10:00 AM ^
My understanding is that Austin is the best student on the team. He loves being at Michigan and being on the team.
Many here were calling for Austin to be nudged out the door or hoping he would transfer back when we thought there was a scholarship shortage. And puzzled when Juwan announced fairly early that Austin would be back.
Juwan is a wise man.
January 13th, 2021 at 10:08 AM ^
I LOVED seeing him get on the court and first offensive position post up and baby hook for 2. He is the ideal teammate that makes everyone on the team better!
I could see a successful coaching career from him after his playing days are over.
January 13th, 2021 at 10:09 AM ^
He makes the most of his abilities and does not try to do things outside of his set of skills. Seems to have a great attitude. Every team needs someone like him.
January 13th, 2021 at 10:37 AM ^
I have been talking about him all year as a significant piece of this team. His added depth and senior leadership, especially in the center position, is absolutely invaluable. He makes a few mistakes on defense but he makes up for it offensively.
January 13th, 2021 at 11:43 AM ^
When Austin's career here is over, it would be nice for him to be able to say he's been to two Final Fours.
January 13th, 2021 at 12:20 PM ^
Really love this dude and that he stayed with the team, even with the incoming Dickinson. Glad he came back quickly from the injury and that he's playing well. Every great team needs guys like this.
Glad to have you back, Big Country!!
January 13th, 2021 at 1:46 PM ^
Davis exemplifies what this team is all about, which is the team. He gives great effort and I appreciate his team first mindset. It seems everyone has bought in on that, which is a testament to Coach Howard.
January 13th, 2021 at 4:26 PM ^
Did I notice that, post game, he tabbed Mike Smith to lead The Victors? Like, come on fella, you earned this and its your time. Nice leadership and captaincy. Best ears on the squad, bar none.