UM-Duke Postgame

I'm just glad seeing a number next to Michigan football and basketball teams again, the way God intended.

and its awesome

I liked how they didn't roll over and die.  For the most part, they remained competitive throughout the entire game.  They made some mistakes, and Duke was on fire in the 2nd half.  If they can get consistent and play better than they did today they should have a shot at the B1G title.  The only thing I didn't like were those shoes and socks and weird warm ups.  Anyone know the story behind that look?

Duke is good, they were great tonight. HOWEVER, everytime Duke plays, the refs are hanging out and chatting away with Coach K, and they are probably in awe of him. Then they proceed to give Duke every call all night. They flipped a call out of bounds to Dukes favor, Duke called a timeout, we fouled after the whistle, they still got the foul AND the timeout. Novak grabbed Kelly so he wouldn't fall and get crushed, but that is a technical foul. Duke is hard to beat when they are shooting like they were, but it's almost impossible when the refs are on their team too. Still, we were close, played a great second half after sleepwalking through the first. Only lost by single digits with a freshman point guard, I'll take it. We stil will get a game against Kansas or UCLA, which if we win will boost our RPI like crazy.

Bruke will be better than Morris. Mark my words

The first half doomed us. They shot really well and theyre tough to beat when they do that but I thought we played hard. Our defense couldve played better, we couldve rebounded better and we couldve had less turnovers. Obviously when you dont do that, you will probably lose, you cant play from behind and expect to win against a team like duke. Some bright spots were Trey Burke and how we played in the second half but you gotta play a complete game to beat a team like duke. Oh and Tim Hardaway Jr is still a beast, great second half by him. The rest of the season is still bright though, Trey Burke is a star in the making and Hardaway already is a star when he plays a complete game.

I can't believe we didn't get blown off the court considering the heavy referee bias, their lights-out three point shooting and all the junk prayer shots that were dropping for them. If you're a ref you live for moments when you get to officiate a Duke game in the presence of Coach K. Maybe they got a picture with him for their dens. 

It's going to be a great year. That said I don't feel like we played very smart. I understand the offense we run but at the same time we took a lot of bad shots. If THJ struggles for periods we are in trouble.

into an instant offense type player off the bench we have the potential to go beyond the Sweet 16. During our first half dry spell, we needed one more person on the floor that could break down the defense. Brundidge is the only other person on the roster with that potential IMO. Either way, a real good showing. Burke played a ton of minutes though. I hope that doesnt show in the game tomorrow...

Great game by two awesome coaches, we lost and loss is never good. However we saw Michigan make several late runs and hope we can build from this game.

We need to get Timmy involved earlier next game going to the bucket. The guy is explosive and probably can beat anyone off the dribble. He took a lot of jumpshots in the first half but wasn't that involved in the offense. He is the guy that can put this team on his back.

I've already said a few times how I like Burke and think he's further along as a freshmen than Darius was as a freshmen. Very impressed with all aspects of Burke's game and can't wait for him to grow and become a bigger leader.

...I was impressed that our "seasoned" players didn't give up and took it right back at them, and Trey knows no fear. I'm impressed. Sometimes the other team's shooting the lights out, and there's not much you can do but keep at it and hope they cool off. We'll have some nights like that too.

Thoughts from the last two games

-On the ball defense was terrible tonight. Which led to drive and dish 3pt shots.

-Burke is the real deal. Still has frosh moments but very few. 

-Still think Hardaway isn't a "super star" or number 1. I think he makes a great number 2 when defenses don't game play around him. Like last year. He still struggles with dribbling at times. I think Next year with Mcgary we will see the best of THJ.

-Evan Smotcvjojjpok is a player that will either help you or kill you. He is still weak with the ball(gets the ball knocked away). Has major trouble with anyone with a hint of athletic skill. You would love for him to come off the bench but not with the current roster. He still looks at the refs to often as well.

-Hortford still needs a lot work. I really don't see the upside his brother had. His movements are just awkward and that is hard to change. I can see him being a good role player but never a big time player. He will always come off the bench if I had to guess. 

-FT shooting is still a head scratcher. 3 ball is off... bah. 

-Stu is still not a PG so Burke is it. Duh I know. 

was too often when M would actually record a defensive stop on Duke (which was rarely with Duke hitting every shot, even those very well contested), they'd run right back down and launch up the first three look they got. TAKE THE EXTRA PASS!

They're playing at the Palace December 10.  You dont think it will sell out do you?  I want to go, but dont really want to pay the Palace's ridiculous "convenience" charges.  There is a box office there for walk-up customers, yes?

 

Also, is anyone else going walmart eagle to the EMU/MSU game at the Convocation Center on Sunday?  My wife is an EMU grad, and our Washtenaw county brothers could use some support.

Does anyone else notice how Coach K's team is built more like a prototypical Beilien team? The 3 Duke guards with Kelly and you have 4 capable 3 point shooters that can spread the floor. An absolute zone buster! I truly believe that Coach K seen that Beilien's teams would be a thorn in his side in the near future and built his team accordingly. That ability to adjust to the times is what keeps Coach K ahead of the class IMO. Probably explains why he went after McGary so hard, knowing that Michigan would definitely have the final piece to put his team to pasture. Michigan has a great coach with a beautiful proven eye for talent (Burke, Hardaway, Morris,) and I'm excited about this team and the future. I see a championship coming to Ann Arbor sooner than we think!

I am EXCITE for MICH hoops. This team will compete for a Big Ten Title. 

God did Duke really shoot lights out.

Michigan wins this game when Duke shoots, you know, not 65% or whatever outrageous number they did.

Feelin' good about this team.  

It sucks to lose, I hate Duke, future is bright.  That is all.

I think he will do well under JB.  I did see him force a few shots, but I don't think we'll see the return of Mannyball.

Still early, but I am fairly certian of a sweet 16 this year...possibly more if THJ gets it going.

Once Burke and Hardaway get more familiar with supporting each others game and Burke figures out where SMots like his shot from this team is going to take off.