MBB 11-0 Snowflakes Thread

Submitted by Mr. Yost on

I'm sitting here in the Barclays Center after a pretty solid game and another Michigan victory. I thought I'd share my thoughts since this is the first game I've seen live this year.

  • Early in the first half it was clear we came to play - the level of focus and execution made the second half a little sickening at times because you saw what "they COULD do."
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  • Burke and Hardaway play big in big games...both guys truly came to play and it was clear from the jump. I've NEVER seen Burke as animated as he was after WVU called the first timeout to stop the bleeding. A little Novak came out!
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  • Stauskas is waaay to emotional - hopefully as he matures he can control this. It was clear he wanted to show out on the big stage (hence all the dunk attempts). However, after he got that tech, he was a completely different person...he was trying to force everything and it looked like he was playing with a Me vs. The World mentality. Completely took him out of his game.
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  • I also thought Stauskas should've been pulled midway through the 2nd half - he wasn't making shots, he was turning the ball over and his attitude was SHIT. I don't know if it showed on TV, but you could tell he was just whining and crying about everything. Granted he has a VERY good case at least two times, but after awhile it was past letting the freshman play through "freshman moments" and it was clear he needed to just sit and regroup. If WVU would've climbed all the way back --- I would've put it on Coach B not pulling Stauskas.
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  • With that said, I thought we needed to go with Burke AND Albrecht with Hardaway and a couple bigs. We needed a 2nd ball handler vs. the press --- it was clear they were taking away Burke and trapping everyone else.
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  • With THAT said --- I've been saying this for 2 years now..."why do team wait so long to press us?" It's clear we don't handle pressure very well. I know everyone doesn't have the personnel to do this, but top level teams should press us all game. And zone press, if you man press we'll give it to Burke and he'll work the ball up, but if you zone press we turn the ball over more.
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  • I thought Burke played his best game since that OSU game at home last year.
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  • Hardaway played within himself - even with all the 3's, they were mainly good shots.
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  • I touched on Stauskas, but also, his defense - it's atrocious. He's AMAZING on the offensive end, but he's almost just as bad at defense. I've been saying this all year, but his man just hasn't been making shots. Tonight he was. They were running his man through screens and he doesn't know how to read a screen on defense yet. He also helps too much and leaves his man too often. Moving forward, he's clearly one of the best 5, but late in halfs and in games we should sub him out on defense.
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  • Morgan is Morgan, glad he got his Morgan charge call late in the game.
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  • Speaking of which, the officials were pretty bad tonight. WVU was allowed to get up in our grill and play old fashioned Big East basketball, yet we got called for every ticky tack foul. I didn't mind most of the no calls on WVU, but don't call them on us! At least 5 fouls were called on Michigan that were complete crap and at least 5 times we got fouled and a whistle never blew.
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  • My heart sank for Horford, I couldn't tell if he was just pissed that he hurt himself again or if it was a Fitz pissed cause he knew it was season ending.
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  • Levert looked nervous out there (I would be too).
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  • Again, thought Spike should've played WITH Burke. Also should've given him a blow before the 4 minute media late in the game. Burke was GASSED. He wanted nothing to do with the ball before that timeout.
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  • McGary has to sloooooow down on offense. Defensively, I'm okay with 100mph because he gets so many rebounds because of it.
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  • Huggins whines more than my 6 month old nephew. It's beyond annoying that he literally cries about EVERYTHING. Shut up. YES - it was a foul. ON YOU. ARGH!!
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  • Moment of the night: Drunk WVU fan sitting courtside kicks over his beer (or the guy next to him) and the whole arena boos him INCLUDING WVU fans.

Awesome experience! Great night! AMAZING ARENA! GO BLUE!!!!

Mr. Yost

December 15th, 2012 at 10:41 PM ^

This can go in the "Rejoice" thread...my "WAAY TOO LONG" post took too long and there's already somewhat of a postgame thread.

I've been typing on this damn iPad since before the game ended. Oh well.

Mr. Yost

December 15th, 2012 at 10:57 PM ^

It was his worst game the year...he'll bounce back and be fine. Just hated his attitude on the floor tonight. Even yelled at his teammates after he got pickpocketed because no one told him someone was behind him. It was all out of frustration, but thought he should've been pulled and settled down.

OmarDontScare

December 15th, 2012 at 10:54 PM ^

Relax man. Stauskas didnt have his best game but he's one of the best Freshman we've had in 20 years. Chill. We're 11-0.

Brown Bear

December 15th, 2012 at 11:01 PM ^

In your op

I also thought Stauskas should've been pulled midway through the 2nd half - he wasn't making shots, he was turning the ball over and his attitude was SHIT. I don't know if it showed on TV, but you could tell he was just whining and crying about everything. Granted he has a VERY good case at least two times, but after awhile it was past letting the freshman play through "freshman moments" and it was clear he needed to just sit and regroup. If WVU would've climbed all the way back --- I would've put it on Coach B not pulling Stauskas.

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I touched on Stauskas, but also, his defense - it's atrocious. He's AMAZING on the offensive end, but he's almost just as bad at defense. I've been saying this all year, but his man just hasn't been making shots. Tonight he was. They were running his man through screens and he doesn't know how to read a screen on defense yet. He also helps too much and leaves his man too often. Moving forward, he's clearly one of the best 5, but late in halfs and in games we should sub him out on defense.

Mr. Yost

December 15th, 2012 at 11:20 PM ^

But got an access denied...

Anyway, the main points were that my comments were just being honest and telling you all what I saw.

I get Nik's one of the best freshman we've ever had and we're 11-0, but he's not perfect.

When you see/hear him yell at his teammates because he gets pick pocketed and no one yells to tell him a man's coming behind him --- that's not good. That's a poor attitude.

When he gets hacked and the ref doesn't call it and he leaves his team playing 4v5 while he stands at the other end. That's not good --- that's a poor attitude.

He's not a bad kid, just an off night.

One other thing I had mentioned was how he reminds me of Grevis Vasquez of Maryland with a better jumpshot. He reminds me of a player that you hear people say "he's going to be better as a pro." I think he'll make the NBA and I do think he'll be a better where defense isn't a premium until it matters.

However, he was clearly being picked on tonight. He guarded multiple guys throughout the game and as soon as he was on someone, WVU treated their guy like Reggie Miller or RIP Hamilton and ran him through 4-5 screens and Stauskas couldn't keep up or read the screen correctly. Or they're run straight ISO and put Stauskas in the corner. He'd help too much on the driver and in the first half they missed all the 3's. In the 2nd...they made them. He's got to give token pressure and let Morgan clean up the mess if the driver gets to the basket.

Besides we're the only team in the country that has a player that can drive to the basket, create space and then hit a layup while falling down.

RDDGoblue

December 16th, 2012 at 8:34 AM ^

"When you see/hear him yell at his teammates because he gets pick pocketed and no one yells to tell him a man's coming behind him --- that's not good. That's a poor attitude"

No, thats asking his teammates to be fundamentally sound.  I didnt play hoops to the highest levels, but even I know that if a defender is approaching a ball handler from behind, you call out "wolf" or whatever the teams terminology is to help the ball handler.  Obviously it depends on exactly what/how he did the yelling, but I am inclined to not think this is a big deal.  I bet if Novak did that a year ago, it would be "leadership".  If Stauskas does it now, its "poor attitude".

I did notice him getting pretty upset with the officials.  I cant say that I blame him a bunch, as it seemed very one-sided.  I dont think that Stauskas was any more upset than Morgan was at times.  I did miss the play where he got hacked and didnt get back on defense.  He probably does need to get a bit better at shrugging off a poor call, sure.  But thats a lot of guys.  Beilein players are better than most at hustling and worrying about bad calls later.  Nik will get there.

The notion that he was missing shots and that was a cause for him needing to be pulled is a bit off.  He is one of the best shooters in the nation, and he was getting good looks.  Good enough that Rafferty on TV would be saying "Oh, you cant leave him open".  Those threes dont always fall.  He missed 3-4 good looks.  You dont yank a great shooter for missing a few good looks.

On D, maybe he isnt Gary Payton.  Hell, maybe he isnt average.  But I simply do not see him as this big giant negative.  I promise that nearly anyone being run through 3-4 screens in a row to get their man open is going to play less than flawlessly on D.  I would have to go back and re-watch the game to see (and I probably will if I can find it), but I am not sure that the criticism of Stauskas' defense is warranted.

Not saying that Nik had a great game.  But outside of not taking great care of the ball by moving a bit too fast on offense, I dont see a reason to be a message board poster composing multiple posts and paragraphs to illustrate the kid's poor play and bad attitude.

Mr. Yost

December 15th, 2012 at 11:11 PM ^

In fact I joked about making an EXIT: Trey Burke thread because he's gone after this year...as he should be. He played a GREAT game on the big stage tonight. I'm sure scouts were watching.

IMO he just turned himself into a late lottery pick. Good for Trey - I'll be blessed to watch him for the remainder of this year.

j.o.s.e maizenblue

December 15th, 2012 at 11:51 PM ^

First, OmarDontScare, I've never commented on someone's screen name, but you sir have one of the best!

In regards to Stauskas attitude, I dont mind a little swager... I think the entire team has a little and they all feed off it. So long has a player doesnt embarass himself, the team, and school theirs nothing wrong with a little emotion.

B-Nut-GoBlue

December 15th, 2012 at 11:15 PM ^

Interesting thoughts on Stauskas.  I wasn't there and believe it to be a different vibe in person.  I was watching but 75% watching so I wasn't gathering what you were on that whole situation.  I know it's 2012 and Freshman play big time now-a-days, but he is young and will grow the more he plays in AA.

Agree about having Spike out there with Burke in the latter part of the game (second half of the 2nd half).  Indiana is a pressuring team, from the get-go, and is going to give Michigan fits if they keep to this lackadaisical approach to ball-handling; Olidipo will be licking his chops.

Michigan is about to be the No. 2 team in the country, so First-world problems, I know.  I still find it okay to critique things that need critiquing.  Go Blue, overall looking like a fine team.

HarBooYa

December 16th, 2012 at 12:43 AM ^

WaY to hard on Stauskas. He was actually pretty decent on offense and defense i thought. His help d was decent and he got a board or two. After his tech he was not the same and missed the four shots but the guy can't keep shooting 90% and I don't think any of the shots he took were bad. Further the dunk he had and the play where they made a questionable traveling call were seriously talented plays. Saying this guy should've been benched for a half vs getting a breather and a talking too is over the top IMO.



Also, the fight in the crowd in the second half was something to behold.

B-Nut-GoBlue

December 16th, 2012 at 4:45 PM ^

Agree.  I had no problem with him  trying to do/actually doing what he was out there.  He has talent beyond shooting 3s and him trying to create off the dribble and also attacking the hoop off the dribble are all okay by me!

tbeindit

December 15th, 2012 at 11:16 PM ^

I agree with the 2 point guard move later in the game, but I don't think we struggle against the press.  Let's not forget Burke had ZERO turnovers and the main person of attack with the press is the point guard

Gobluegobluegoblue

December 15th, 2012 at 11:21 PM ^

About teams not pressing us early...I hope Indiana does not do this. Even though they lost, and it was an emotional game for Butler (meaning they played out of their minds), Indiana's press looked great today.

Bb011

December 15th, 2012 at 11:29 PM ^

Too harsh on Stauskas in your OP, no he didn't have his best game but he's a freshman( Too be fair, from reading the comments and your response, I think the way you wrote it made it seem like you were being more critical of him than you truly feel)  . Otherwise your points are all good.

dinsdale613

December 15th, 2012 at 11:39 PM ^

Is the best in the country, period.  Burke looks like he is on mission this year to prove to everyone how good he and this team are and Hardaway is playing great all around basketball.   I look forward to watching this team because they are just so fun to watch.  With Indiana looking vulnerable today everything is right there for this team. 

robmorren2

December 15th, 2012 at 11:45 PM ^

Stauskus has to be out there to stretch the defense and keep lanes open for Tim & Trey. There's a reason they were getting right down the lane all night long. Whoever was guarding Nik never came off to help. The presence on Stauskus is just as important as the shots he hits/misses. Just watch Sparty play and you'll see what happens in the half court if you don't have shooters to space things out.

chitownblue2

December 16th, 2012 at 8:19 AM ^

When that happened to me, they waited for the swelling to decrease, then put me in a cast from mid thigh to mid calf for three months.

So....unless treatment has wildly changed since about 1996, he's done for the year.

Buck Killer

December 16th, 2012 at 8:30 AM ^

My daughter dislocated hers after a good fall while horseback riding. I was sick to my stomach at the sight of it. Their was a doctor with us and he put it back in place. She limped for about a week and then was fine.

trueblueintexas

December 15th, 2012 at 11:55 PM ^

Not that they are the Arkansas of old, but that game basically proved trying to press Michigan hard full court is useless. Had WVU tried running a true press tonight, Michigan would have countered with Albrecht and Burke like they did against Arkansas. WVU was basically trying to take the ball out of Burke's hands to put pressure on the other guys to initiate the offense. It didn't work really well.

Bb011

December 16th, 2012 at 12:01 AM ^

Exactly. I'm not actually sure if pressing us is the best idea. If burke gets the ball then he can just explode up court for an easy basket. I personally think that we didn't look good tonight against the press because we were ahead and just got sloppy due to the big lead let up.

Zoltanrules

December 16th, 2012 at 12:01 AM ^

It was good to see him on the bench with ice (vs in the hospital). How did he look limping off the court at the end of the game?

Burke turned in the best performance I have seen by any player this season. Enjoy his brilliance while we have him.

ALL our freshmen need to play more defense with their feet, especially when we go up by 12+ points - they seem to relax.

Looking forward to EMU Thursday : )

Generic MGoBlogger

December 16th, 2012 at 12:02 AM ^

Yelling at teammates is one of my ultimate pet peeves.  I understand he is a superb talent on the court, but in these situations you really have to control yourselves. From past experiences playing sports, it would annoy me to death to hear another teammate getting on someone because they made a mistake no matter what degree, and it really kills team chemistry and confidence. This game is called a team game for a reason, and harping on your teammates for making mistakes only hurts the team... I know this quote is more football related but it's said, "The Team, The Team, The Team" for a reason and not "Me, Me, Me."

Leonhall

December 16th, 2012 at 8:30 AM ^

Wasn't snowflakes, it was a BLIZZARD! That said, my only complaint is the annual 5 minute lack of focus, this will cost us a game against better competition. Burke was the best player on the floor, I wouldn't mind seeing he and spike together more too. Mitch needs to do the little things, screen, rebound, etc. doesn't seem comfortable on offense.

allintime23

December 16th, 2012 at 9:47 AM ^

Good points. I really can't get over on the overall improvement of Morgan. He's so much more aggressive and confident in his positioning. I've been extremely happy with his play all year.