Michigan B-Ball Ranked 10th at CBS
Michigan is now ranked 10 at CBS. Ohio has dropped to 8th. Michigan has the most losses of any in the top 10. As I think about it, Michigan can play with almost anyone if Hardaway is on his game. And if Smotrycz is hitting, (along with Stu, Novak, & Burke,) we can give anyone fits. I have to say, I don't know how we'll beat the likes of Michigan State and some of the longer, athletic teams, but given how Beilein has coached the team, we can mask our weaknesses and somehow manage to compete. Considering that we already beat MSU, now Ohio, and played competively with Duke, we're doing very well. This is unbelievable. When we add McGary, Stauskas, and Robinson, we'll be in a better place yet.
Link: http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/rankings/top25
February 20th, 2012 at 11:32 AM ^
Just crazy, when was the last time we were a consensus Top-Ten team? I know polls don't matter, and we're borderline, but it's still awesome
February 20th, 2012 at 11:39 AM ^
February 20th, 2012 at 11:46 AM ^
Michigan State just seems to be clicking on all cylinders, and we're not playing them at home again. That game at Breslin was brutal. Although, I have more confidence in Beilein coming up with a way to compete with Michigan State and their ilk than anyone else who has been coach in the last 30 years.
February 20th, 2012 at 12:17 PM ^
State is playing well (they're even a #1 seed now in bracketology), but they're beatable. We lost to them in EL and beat them at home. I think it plays out the same way if we were to repeat both games. I don't worry about State on a neutral court, but I would worry about a Kentucky or Syracuse. We do indeed lack size, but State lacks discipline on the court.
February 20th, 2012 at 1:44 PM ^
State has shown more consistency than us. I am worried about the likes of Kentucky and Syracuse but that does prevent me from worrying about beating State. I believe the point differential between us is -9 (in their favor) with us winning on a close miss from Green.
February 20th, 2012 at 3:32 PM ^
Our offense is just not consistent enough. We are the type of team that goes on streaks and droughts. We need Hardway, Smotrycz, and Stu to play their best in the tourney if we want to be a final four team.
February 20th, 2012 at 3:54 PM ^
I don't think we're a Final Four team; I think we're a building program, and that's a great place to be. As I type this, however, I'm remembering my freshman year (1991-92) where we didn't expect to go very far in the tourney. Then, we beat #2 seed OkSt and #1 seed OSU to get to the Final Four.
Of course, this year's squad doesn't have Fab Five talent, but I guess a pleasant surprise is always possible in the Tourney.
February 20th, 2012 at 11:40 AM ^
plus just think if we had Horford. If Morgan gets in foul trouble we are Fd
February 20th, 2012 at 11:47 AM ^
Agree. I think it depends on how Morgan plays. If he is in foul trouble or can't control it down low against other centers, then we will be in trouble.
February 20th, 2012 at 11:40 AM ^
Honestly, I never thought I'd be this happy about the bball program in my lifetime again after the way things went down in the late 90s. I just figured we'd always be in the middle of the pack of the b10 and maybe have a top 25 year every once in awhile. I can't believe we're looking at a top 10 team and the future is even brighter. Beilein is the man.
February 20th, 2012 at 11:46 AM ^
we get Max Beifeldt back next year, too. He may not be the most hyped recruit but this team could use a Graham Brown redux.
February 20th, 2012 at 11:46 AM ^
For this team! Next year's team will be a much better team. More depth and talent. We could win most of our remaining gamees, but also lose most of them. remember our performance at Iowa(or lack thereof). Future looks bright, and the now is not too shabby..
February 20th, 2012 at 12:56 PM ^
I think you are seriously underestimating how much an impact Douglass and Novak have on the team. Do I have every confidence the coaching staff can continue to develop players? Yeah, but I need to see how the team functions together before I peg them as better than this squad (which people seem hesitant to notice, is pretty darn good)
February 20th, 2012 at 7:10 PM ^
Yeah, Stu and Zach are going to be missed. Oddly, I think Stu might be missed more. He doesn't get near the credit he deserves for his defense, especially on a team that has won some pretty big games because of their defense. Hardaway needs to get it together on that end of the court, he certainly has the ability but his will and focus are yet to be determined. And at this point I don't know what can be reasonably expected of Brundidge.
February 20th, 2012 at 11:53 AM ^
It is nice to see this shift and a certain amount of respect. I'm sure it will not only help with confidence, but also in recruiting. We have more than a solid class coming in and with some development and a continuation of solid recruiting years, we have developed a solid foundation for the future. It feels great
February 20th, 2012 at 11:56 AM ^
McGary is 'now back up to #3 player in Rivals rankings. Also, they say a fifth star is likely for Robinson (in fact, he is first on their list of probable upgrades).
I wonder where that will put UM's class rank.
http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1333392
February 20th, 2012 at 12:23 PM ^
Rivals hasn't updated their rankings since 8/29/11 so McGary hasn't moved back up since he never dropped on Rivals. Robinson getting the 5th star will definitely help in the team rankings even if McGary drops some when they update.
February 20th, 2012 at 12:31 PM ^
It really doesn't matter how many stars a certain guy gains or loses. I think McGary and Robinson are both going to be great and the coaches have proven that they're able to really develop players.
February 20th, 2012 at 12:53 PM ^
That's definitely true with how much players have developed under Beilein.
February 20th, 2012 at 1:13 PM ^
If you look at what JB has been able to accomplish with the kids he has currently and now we have real blue chip talent coming to Ann Arbor....I'm starting to put the words "Final" and "Four" together with "Michigan" and actually believe it will happen. It's a great time to be a Michigan Wolverine.
February 20th, 2012 at 3:39 PM ^
Four FInal Michigan?
Four Michigan Final?
Final Michigan Four?
Michigan Four Final?
Or some other mystical combination that I'm just not seeing?
February 20th, 2012 at 12:59 PM ^
couldn't recruit.
February 20th, 2012 at 1:13 PM ^
Ranked #13 in the Coaches poll. Win out and a top 10 finish is possible...wow. Go Blue!
February 20th, 2012 at 1:42 PM ^
25 --> 19 --> 13. Can't continue like that given the competition ahead, but impressive nonetheless. Also, moved ahead of Wisconsin.
February 20th, 2012 at 1:13 PM ^
is going to be a lot of fun this year! Go blue!
February 20th, 2012 at 1:43 PM ^
My penis just exploded from this 48-hour erection. I should have consulted my doctor yesterday.
February 20th, 2012 at 2:19 PM ^
I think this team may be a bit overrated at 10, but it definitely is a top-15 outfit with good growth potential going forward. My only concern is that the team is becoming quite reliant on Burke offensively, and I'm always leery about relying on a freshman who still has not experienced a full season yet.