Michigan Basketball resurgence
So I saw this topic discussed on GBW and I thought I would bring it over here. When you think of Michigan Basketballs resurgence under Coach Belein, what player comes to mind?
not the player.
one phrase comes to mind: ' Get the fuck off my court'
so I vote Morris, I guess. And man that game was awesome.
jdon
I think you could make a solid argument for Jordan Morgan. As was said in the JMo appreciation thread, he's a guy who wasn't supposed to get an offer, and yet has played a key role in Michigan basketball's return to prominence. Novak left before the program really hit its stride, and Burke grew what was already a growing wave to ridiculous levels. However, Morgan embodies a bit of each. He helped to start the wave, and is now making contributions WAY above his recruiting profile.
I'm surprised no one here has mentioned Tim Hardaway Jr. He played at a consistently high level last year. He was easily the most consistent player on the roster. Trey gets alot of the credit for last year, and he deserves credit. But lets not forget the plays proceeding his epic trey against Kansas. I think he was held scoreless in the first half of that game, possibly for a half of the VCU or directional dakota state game as well. He also had meltdowns that put us in rough spots last year (ex: first half vs IU at Crisler). Trey had a crazy talented roster to work with last year. But Tim was the unquestioned leader of that final four team. He put up solid numbers night in and night out. I cant think of too many times when he put us in a hole.
Probably Zack and Stu, as mentioned, but also Darius Morris. He was the first big recruit Beilein signed, and we landed him out of L.A. We did that before we had a reputation for developing point guards, so it was a big leap of faith for him. He ended up being so good that Beilein redesigned his offense to mix in more ball-screen action and the rest is history.
He was a four-star, top 100 guy. I'm pretty sure that offer list you posted is wrong.
Can't forget Zack Gibson! He and Zack Novak, the "Zack Attack", brought along some serious excitement.
Who was Beleins first recruit? Morgan came in his 2nd season right?
...he snagged Zack and Stu right at the end of the recruiting season b/c they had no big time offers and Beilein needed players who fit his style.
Trey Burke comes to mind, but the best player I've ever watched at Michigan was Glen Rice.
What about Eso Akunne?
Manny Harris has been Coach B,most important recurit to date...he gave Coach B cred within program and in the minds of future Wolverines.
Brent Petway
Zach and Stu should be remembered for their GRIT AND TOUGHNESS that officially got us back into the spotlight.
Antoine Joubert
demar dorsey
Personal foul Unecessary Roughness
15 point penalty and loss of down.
Novak baby
he proved that Beilein's system worked.
He's the most important recruit in the history of recruiting.
And Belein proved last year when Novak left that he doesn't really have a system. He has an approach, more of a preferred way of playing, which he tailors to his players.
So no, I dont think it was Novak. Novak and Belein were simple a good fit. It took a guy like Morris signing with UM to signal to the nation that something was resurging in Ann Arbor.
And then it took a guy like Trey to prove to the nation that it was real.
Trey, Stu and Zack. Mostly Trey.
One turning point though IMO of getting to national stage (not just becoming a consistent NCAA team):
Darius Morris. First big time signee for Beilein. Top 100 guy. Told me that Beilein could not only identify some underrated kids, but also get guys some other big schools wanted. Also, showed (eventually) that JB could get a kid into the NBA.
edit: ok, some dude just said this 6 posts above mine. WELL, I AGREE!