Michigan basketball banquet

I thought that folks might be interested in a quick rundown of the Michigan basketball banquet.  I have been going to these since the early Amaker era, and have been to every one under Beilein.  I don't remember Beilein ever being more animated or enthusiastic than tonight, even in 2013 (of course we had less time to lick our wounds that year).  When he passed out the NCAA rings he pointed out that a lot of talented players came through Crisler from 1998 to 2009, and never got a ring, and that he hoped the freshman would leave with 4 rings.  He also mentioned that during the offseason he was convinced by some of the players to "pivot" to a more positive approach during practice (more praise, less critique), and that he then asked some of the same players to pivot to a more vocal leadership role mid-season.  He said both changes were crucial to the team's success.

The video was a great rundown of the season, including twice replaying Maverick Morgan calling us a "white collar" team.

The seniors all spoke, with Dakich going the longest and giving the funniest talk (he said that during his red shirt year he'd be in the weight room doing the "beach body" workout while his teammates was doing squats at Camp Sanderson).  Derek was quieter, but joked that when Beilein came to watch him in high school he wasn't sure how it went because his teammates wouldn't pass the ball back to him since they all wanted to get offers too. 

Walton got the most major awards including MVP, sharing the leadership award with Zak and getting the assists and FT shooting awards.  MAAR and Irvin shared the best defender award, Simpson got the Grote hustle award, and Duncan won best 6th man.  Most improved was a tie between DJ and Mo.

The players vote on joke awards that included "talks most/knows least" and best dancer (both Dakich); best dressed (DJ), and first to get married (Hatch).