MBB 2012 - What pair are you most excited for?
With the 2012 Basketball season approaching at ludicrous speed (Seriously, Exhibition play begins in under a month, and the NIT season tipoff in 5 weeks), I thought I'd pose a bit of a snowflake here, but one that we should all have good fun with at any rate.
It seems that, in many basketball years, a pair of players come together either as a starting group or under special circumstances (like when a team goes big or small), and bring a special element to the court. For instance, in 2010-2011, it seemed like Morris and THJ paired up in beautiful ways sometimes, with Morris finding ways to get THJ the ball in places where he could make it rain. It just seemed like when they were clicking, things really took off.
I'm wondering if there is a pair of players for 2012 - 2013 you're excited to see pair up, to see what transpires.
I really hope we get to see Michigan go big with Morgan and McGary at the 4 and 5. If you'll all remember last year, when Morgan took on Sullinger and pretty well owned him:
It shows us what an evolving, fired up Morgan is capable of. He has the heart, the motor, and the body to get it done. Now put a 6' 10" beef machine with the heart and motor of Novak next to him, ready to collapse on the hoop to put down opponents' attempts to go up, or pick up offensive boards like they were pennies on the sidewalk. It's the kind of big inside combo Michigan hasn't had since before I really got into watching them. I'm excited.
Is there a combo for this year that excites you with possibilities? Doesn't have to include freshmen. Just another year of development can help big time, even with veteran players.
October 7th, 2012 at 1:50 AM ^
October 7th, 2012 at 2:04 AM ^
October 7th, 2012 at 2:23 AM ^
The freshmen will be fun to watch, and they should add a lot to the team, but I'm most excited about Trey and THJ. I'm just thrilled that Burke returned for another year. Can't wait to see him doing some Iverson-like crossovers and making beautiful 3-pointers. I expect a better overall game from Tim than last year. And, I really hope his ball handling skills have improved. This basketball season should be great. Looking forward to another B1G championship.
October 7th, 2012 at 2:25 AM ^
Trey Burke and Mitch McGary. I can't wait to these two run pick and roll with the threat of McGary popping out for the jumper.
October 7th, 2012 at 2:35 AM ^
Everything you read about GR3 really points to him being the best athlete to come to Michigan basketball in quite some time. We have had a couple recruits nearly as highly regarged as him in the last 10 years, but I don't think any of them were as athletically gifted as GR3 is advertised to be. He has the potential to be an absolute stud, and having one of the top point gaurds in the coutry to get him the ball is going to be awesome.
October 7th, 2012 at 3:26 AM ^
October 7th, 2012 at 4:28 AM ^
October 7th, 2012 at 6:32 AM ^
October 7th, 2012 at 7:41 AM ^
October 7th, 2012 at 7:46 AM ^
The beauty of it is I don't think it is going to be a pair. I think it will be a team effort. Burke driving and finishing or feeding the big guys now that we have a legit inside threat to keep defenders honest. GRIII creating off of the penetration and finding gaps off of Burke and THJ mid range attempts. Then Stauskas knocking down the permiter kick outs from defenses trying to stop the penetration and/or McGary kick outs from rebounds(ERMAHGAWD we might actually rebound). Then Beilein actually having some long arms with his defensive schemes is one of the least talked about aspects but may be a hidden strength of this team. Yeah this squad seems to ballance each other very well. I'm excited.
October 7th, 2012 at 9:03 AM ^
October 7th, 2012 at 9:07 AM ^
With the loss of key seniors, it will be interesting to see how the team remakes itself and how team chemistry pans out. Cautiously optimistic here.
October 7th, 2012 at 9:18 AM ^
We're going to need more than a pair if we want to reach our Final Four/National Championship dreams. We're going to have to have 4-5 guys playing at an elite level. I truly think we can get that from Morgan-McGary-GRIII-THJ-Burke. That lineup has a chance to be ELITE. I mean UNC/Duke elite.
Who becomes the leader? Even though the lineup is elite, who becomes the national level player?
Can Burke find the "hot player"? We're going to have a lot of weapons and Burke is one of them...will he be able to find who is hot?
Who is the spark off the bench (all elite teams have one)? We're going to need someone to come in and give us energy off the bench...who's that firey player?
Can Burke control the game? Burke is going to have to lead more and control the game more. We've got a lineup that is going to fall in love with 3's and jump shots at times - no questions. When we go cold, is the light going to go off in Burke's head to that says "NO MORE LONG SHOT - GET IT INSIDE!?" That is going to be huge, if he doesn't have that, we're going to lose more than one game because shots aren't falling. If he has that "light"...to control the entire game...this team is as good as anyone.
October 7th, 2012 at 9:30 AM ^
I don't know what to expect out of this year, but it's nice to see that one or two people remember THJ. It was definlitely looked like other coaches and players adjusted to THJ in his second year. Now, THJ has had the summer to, for the lack of a better word, retaliate. Or, to oversimplify, "his shot will start falling again this year."
For those comparing McGary to Novak, there is one major difference: the odds are against us getting to watch McGary for four years in a Michigan uniform. I'm happy, though, to see Michigan consistently getting the quality of players where four years is an issue. You need a mix of both to compete, unless you just buy players outright like UK, UCLA, and, of course, Ohio.
October 7th, 2012 at 9:43 AM ^
I think we all know Burke is the key to how far we go and the amount of time we see the hot THJ versus the cold THJ will dictate if we're good or great......but I have some alternate thoughts:
-- I think GR3 is going to be exciting, perhaps not because of how he creates his own points but because of how Burke gets him the ball and how he creates points off turnovers and athleticism. I don't think we've had someone who can play above the rim in a long time and he's going to be fun to watch.
-- I am setting my expectations low for McGary as a freshman. I think the depth in the front court is going to diminish his opportunities and I think his offensive game is limited. As a hustle/rebounding guy with size he'll play a solid role, but I don't see him being an above average player......THIS year.
-- I think the most important player on the team this year is Stauskas believe it or not. They need somone who can handle the ball when teams press Burke, they need someone to hit open shots, and they need him to be competent on defense. Unless THJ makes a huge leap this year and can play the 2-guard spot most of the time (instead of at the 3) then I think Stauskas is critical for their success.
-- I think Lavert red-shirts but Spike plays 5 minutes per game backing up Burke.
-- I'm curious to see if Horford, the biggest and most athletic center on the team, forces his way into minutes.
October 7th, 2012 at 10:47 AM ^
They have the possibilty to be the best 4-5 combo in the B1G, maybe in the country. I think Morgan takes a big step forward because he doesn't have as much pressure on him to be the main big man force down low. Horford should improve to relieve pressure and even MClimans should relieve a little pressure as well (with Bielfeldt getting somet ime too). Now Morgan loses that imense pressure and gains a right hand man in McGary. It's going to be Great to see what will happen down low in the lanes for the first time in YEARS.
side prediction, Stauskas will have a pretty good year. With the bigs kicking it out for open 3's. Not Frosh of the year good, but "who's that kid? and why did he not get recruited by every major program" good.