Let us now praise Derrick Walton

Submitted by Erik_in_Dayton on
The young man has struggled at times this year, and some of us couldn't help but wonder after the Iowa game whether Spike should start, but Walton just had his best game in the biggest game of his young career. He had 19 points (on only 7 FG attempts) along with 4 assists to one TO. He also became only the second Michigan PG to win at MSU since Bill Clinton was president. So, major credit to our clutch freshman! Also, wooohooo!!!

IncognitoWolverino

January 25th, 2014 at 10:09 PM ^

A freshman coming through with clutch free throws like that, especially in such a tense rivalry game, is incredibly promising! I think this game is a real turning point in his career here, can't give him enough props for coming though when it counted!

IndyBlue90

January 25th, 2014 at 10:11 PM ^

FTs had been one of his biggest struggles and he sunk them like a seasoned vet. Even his one miss worked out great, because it bounced high in the air an a bumbling MSU big man wasted at least two seconds trying to figure out what to do with it. 

pz

January 25th, 2014 at 10:12 PM ^

Great game for him, and excellent to see him stepping it up after some struggles earlier in the year. We need him to keep it up to make a run this year.

champswest

January 25th, 2014 at 10:14 PM ^

I said that he just needs time to develope and he will only get that by playing.

The only thing that I have been on him about is his late game free throw shooting.  But, he was money tonight.  Great way to step up.

MichiganStudent

January 25th, 2014 at 10:14 PM ^

He was incredible tonight. Its amazing to see his progression from the beginning of the season. He is so much more confidently aggressive and poised out there.

alum96

January 25th, 2014 at 10:14 PM ^

Super clutch FT at the end, great floor leadership all game, some key field goals as well - all in a very tough environemtn that usually swallows freshman.

Can I get a shout out for Coach Jordan too?  His development of guards at UM has been nothing short of amazing.

Blue from Ohio

January 25th, 2014 at 10:18 PM ^

Kudos to Walton and Beilein.  Walton showed such a toughness tonight and kudos to Beilein for finding kids with the passion to be great.  From the Burke, Walton, Stauskas, workout videos you can tell the caliber and toughness of player that Beilein recruits.  Great job Walton and Go Blue, Go 2014

BlueCube

January 25th, 2014 at 10:20 PM ^

tournaments. He was cluctch. As always I feel you have to commend the whole team and Beilein because they pull it together when times get tough. The signs of a great team.

LSAClassOf2000

January 25th, 2014 at 10:26 PM ^

By himself, Walton had a 71.43% effective FG percentage amd was clutch with 9 out of 10 from the old charity stripe. An excellent performance indeed, as Walton, Morgan and LeVert accounted for over half of all rebounds as well (Walton contributed 5 of them, all defensive). The story begins there, but overall his performance is definitely praiseworthy. 

Rodriguesqe

January 25th, 2014 at 10:27 PM ^

its fun watching walton grow game to game. i didnt think this game was great by him... until the ft's. damn impressive.

and credit to beilein. he's grooming this kid perfectly. spike is a really good backup. but this team's highest ceiling is with the stud recruit.

next one up is irvin. i thought he was close after the minny game. we need him to find a groove.

Rodriguesqe

January 25th, 2014 at 10:27 PM ^

its fun watching walton grow game to game. i didnt think this game was great by him... until the ft's. damn impressive.

and credit to beilein. he's grooming this kid perfectly. spike is a really good backup. but this team's highest ceiling is with the stud recruit.

next one up is irvin. i thought he was close after the minny game. we need him to find a groove.

ilah17

January 25th, 2014 at 10:36 PM ^

I was so excited for Derrick to become a Wolverine, and very anxious to see how he would hold up under the pressure of following Trey Burke. I have been so impressed with how he has improved during the course of the season, and tonight was huge for him!!!