This needs to be addressed: Beilein's lineup combinations/Jon Horford

I believe Beilein will play whatever starting roster he feels will give him the best advantage.

We haven't had that many bigs, so he's had gameplan accordingly.  He's a smart coach, he'll do what is necessary.  Plus, given Morgan's tendency to get early foul trouble, I see no problem with him substituting in for him and splitting time.

Dude, I love the enthusiasm, but I'm pretty sure the coaches and players are taking some time off after a great season ending just a little over a day ago. Maybe you should too. 

Off topic, yet on topic.

I was looking over Beilein's career... and I forgot that the year before he came to Michigan his team was 22–9.  And they didn't make the big dance and drew a #1 seed in the 2007 NIT.  What a shaft!

is a superstar just waiting to bust loose...........he will be much improved next year

Under the system we ran this season, I agree, there's no way (barring dramatic improvement  in his perimeter skills).  But before he came to Michigan, Beilein never even used his 5 like he does with Morgan (Pittsnogle was strictly an outside guy), either.  He adapted his offense to make use of Morgan's skills down low.  If Horford develops into anything like his older brother, Beilein will have to find a way to get him on the court.  

I don't expect the minutes and roles to change dramatically.  Novak will keep getting most of the minutes at 4 because that's where he fits best.  Smotrycz keeps coming of the bench but plays a little more.  The biggest change will be that Stu won't have to play backup PG and Novak won't have to play so many minutes.

I will play the game of beginner and ask why "5 out" and "1 in" would lead a novice to believe that there is 6 players on the court?  When you begin your paragraph descibing what these six players on offense are doing dont confuse me (in the same paragraph no less) talking about 1-3-1 and 2-3 defense and recover schemes. Also, when you conduct an informative dialogue on basketball omit the word "tantalize" it tends to undermine your information to a sensational, circus type, version of x's and o's.

And I quote: "Barring a major change in philosophy (not impossible) from Coach Beilein, we will stick with our "5-out" / "1-post" offense."

What Nick actually said.

What you said.

"I will play the game of beginner and ask why "5 out" and "1 in" would lead a novice to believe that there is 6 players on the court? "

You took something totally out of context, and flamed the hell out of him for making a logical point and legitimately contributing to the discussion in this thread. Something that you as a "novice", failed to even attempt.

But alas, haterz gone hate.

1's  Morris, Burke (maybe Douglass if needed)

2's/3's - Hardaway, Douglass, Vogrich, Dumars, Brundidge

4's - Novak, Smotrycz, Christian

5's Morgan, Horford, McLimans

I am  wondering where Beilein is going to find minutues for all these guys. My guess is we see some strange lineup's early in the year working it out. 

I would say there is no chance Burke redshirts. Morris could leave after next year and Stu would be gone leaving no one to play PG except Burke. Burke will get quality time this year backing up Morris. No idea if Brundidge would redshirt. 

Very true, however Coach Beilein has never really had the option to have TWO talented big man at the same time. 

He very well could show us wrinkles to his offensive/defensive system we haven't seen yet. 

Hopefully Evan will learn to defend well enough over the summer so the bulk of his minutes will be at the 4 again, and Horford grows enough as a player, where he can take the minutes at the 5 when Morgan is on the bench for foul trouble or rest instead of Evan.

Given all the individual time Beilein has spent with Horford this year, I am guessing the man has a plan for the player. We'll find out next year, but it's exciting to know the Michigan has four different guys 6-8 or taller who will be on the court for their second season next year. I think we'll be pleasantly surprised at how these bigs are used. The kids have talent and great coaching

Good post sir.

Horford surprised me with his willingness to take the 3, his ability to pass and his overall mobility. He's not ready to be a perimeter threat yet..... but with hard work his potential is pretty high. Belien has already stated on numerous occasions the willingness and ability of Horford to get better.

My ideal for M next year (unrealistic for sure), is to redshirt Horford and Christian and give their games time to develop. A redshirt for those 2 also breaks up the 6 freshman in one class issue we currently have.

I'm hoping that Evan develops so he can play more minutes at the four.

What I'm really, really, really excited about is the prospect of running the Jordan Morgan pick and roll all game because Horford can run it effectively too.

I wouldn't put a limit on what John Beilein is going to do flexibility wise. The man is flexible. He will do whatever gives the team the best chance to win.

I see Smot getting the starts at the 4 next year.  At least i hope so.  i think that would give us our most productive lineup. 

However, remember that Horford is only a true freshman.  It is entirely possible that his outside shot could improve down the road.  If that happens, he could be a threat at the 4 position in beilein's offense.  obviously, not at this time though.  i do like his upside on the defensive side of the court.

I heard he's bringing out a revolutionary new defense - the 0-5-0 Zone, otherwise know as the Beilein Wall.  He's gonna need all the bigs.

However, I can more easily see him being played at the 4 than I could have forseen Smotrycz being played at the 5 this year.

What I would like to see is Smotrycz grow into the 4 and share it with either Horford or McLimans.  The 5 goes to Morgan and either Horford or McLimans.  Novack spends most or all of his time at the 3 or 2.  Douglass backs up the 2.   Morris runs the point with back up from Burke.  Brundege, Christain and Vogrich can play multiple positions off the bench.

It is going to be very interesting to see how all of these guys develope in the off season and how Beilein ends up using them.

If Evan can become the type of defender that Zack is I would love to see him at the 4 and move Zack to the 3. It does seem like Even got a little more scrappy towards the end of the year, hopefully he continues to develop that part of his game. I would love to see Horford develop into a Jordan Morgan type guy so that those guys could be interchangable with out missing a beat when Morgan gets into foul trouble.

Horford will have a "leap" year.  Neither his dad nor his brother was great as a freshman, though he brother did get more PT.  I think it's still a little early to throw an 18 or 19 year-old freshman under the bus.