Will there be a Basketball Midnight Madness?
October 17th, 2014 at 2:31 PM ^
I thought John Beilein didn't like it, so they don't do it anymore.
October 17th, 2014 at 2:52 PM ^
I don't rememeber precisely - I think it was 2012 when someone from the Ann Arbor News asked him point blank about it and Beilein basically said that he didn't see it happening again, stating it was not his "favorite thing to do" (I believe that's how he put it). As I recall, he sort of ceded this particular battle to his counterpart in East Lansing (who once dressed up as Iron Man, I believe).
October 17th, 2014 at 3:01 PM ^
One search for Izzo's midnight madness wardrobe will have you lobbying for Beilein to get an extension until approximately 2044. If you weren't already, of course...
October 17th, 2014 at 3:51 PM ^
Izzo dresses up in a goofy costume every year, usually reflecting the location of the Final Four for that season. (For instance, he dressed up as Davey Crockett when it was in San Antonio.) Whatever the costume, it seems like he is always the star of the show, not his players. I guess MSU fans are okay with it, but I wouldn't care for it.
October 17th, 2014 at 6:45 PM ^
If I remember correctly, Manny Harris got an injury that nagged him for a substantial part of the season the one time Beilein had a Midnight Madness practice.
The lack of a Midnight Madness practice never bothered me. Save the hype for the games.
October 17th, 2014 at 2:33 PM ^
If so, Zack Novak should make another appearance in the slam dunk contest. That was the best.
October 17th, 2014 at 2:49 PM ^
I didn't make this into a thread (although it might make a good one if someone else wants to pull some quotes and write a couple things) but there's a fairly interesting article about Jalen Rose going to Providence College's Midnight Maddness. PC is Jimmy Walker's alma mater, the NBA star father Jalen never met and the inspiration for the Ja in Jalen.
http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/content/20141016-bill-reynolds-…
October 17th, 2014 at 2:53 PM ^
Nope. Beilein didn't care for having that in 2009.
Beilein just wants to have a normal, closed-doors practice.
And that's how it should be. Let the media darling programs have their midnight madness. Meanwhile, Michigan will just keep winning championships and raising banners. Let the hype and fanfare be on the court for games.
October 17th, 2014 at 3:53 PM ^
I disagree. I think especially with the way the athletic department is perceived by fans, anything that makes the fans feel more included, that makes the watching sports experience accessable and positive, is a good thing. Having opportunities for fans and athletes to share experiences builds better support among the fans and makes their loyalty for durable. I look at OSU's football 'fan appreciation' thing they do in spring or whatever where fans are on the field kicking field goals with the team...man, that's freaking awesome.
However, I think that no matter how some may want a midnight madness, all are willing to give Belein what he wants even if they don't like it considering the caliber of program he has built doing it his way. But I'm in that camp that likes shared experiences with fans and athletes.
October 17th, 2014 at 4:09 PM ^
October 17th, 2014 at 4:15 PM ^
Guess I'm just different then. I feel I do need to connect with the teams in some way in order to cheer for them. Fortunately, the shared experience of both attending UM has done it. But if I don't feel anything in common with the players, then why would I watch? It's a bunch of people I don't know doing something that has no impact on me, or really anyone I know, and I have zero agency over. I don't cheer for sports just because sports exist. There has to be a buy in.
October 17th, 2014 at 4:23 PM ^
October 17th, 2014 at 5:30 PM ^
October 17th, 2014 at 5:42 PM ^
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
When Brady Hoke wants to shut off the public and media...it's an outrage!
When John Beilein wants to shut off the public and media..."that's how it should be."
Oooooh, the differences between winning and losing.
Let's not kid ourselves, the only reason why football had an open fall practice this year, of all years, was because it was a PR move. They'd never done it in the past and people bitched and moaned. Meanwhile, Beilein does it and he's praised.
Let's just be consistent. Either that or acknowledge that your moans and groans are strictly about wins and losses.
October 17th, 2014 at 8:22 PM ^
And that's how it should be. Let the media darling programs have their midnight madness. Meanwhile, Michigan will just keep winning championships and raising banners. Let the hype and fanfare be on the court for games.
Please. If there was a midnight madness, you would be there. I would be there. Because it would be fun. I'm cool if JB doesn't want to do it - it's his program and he knows what's best and we all trust him.
But don't act like we're above something like having fun and celebrating the start of a sports season.
October 17th, 2014 at 3:19 PM ^
not even close. wow. bad. and it's one word.
October 17th, 2014 at 4:17 PM ^
October 17th, 2014 at 3:30 PM ^
Well...I think coat tails wasn't spelled there correctly a little bit. Secondly, I think Midnight Madness is nice for the fans. No question, that's certainly something they could look forward to and a great opportunity for those players. This year I can tell ya. Believe me when I say. They've had some great practices and I think you'll see some great improvement out there with what they've done. The physicalness of it. The attitiude they've had out there and the leadership with some of the young guys. Basektball is certainly a big part of what we do here at Michigan and the tradition of it.
October 17th, 2014 at 3:31 PM ^
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
October 17th, 2014 at 3:38 PM ^
October 17th, 2014 at 3:54 PM ^
Interesting to note the difference in attitude among fans between how Beilein handles Midnight Madness, and the football coaches's treatment of the Spring Game. If you're winning, you can do what you want. If you're not, fans jump all over you and your disdain for fan-friendly events.
October 17th, 2014 at 8:24 PM ^
It's not hypocritical when the football game is hyped as a "spring game" and it turns into a punt fest.
I think many would rather have Michigan not do a spring game if they are going to be coy about what kind of event it is and disappoint fans.
October 17th, 2014 at 3:59 PM ^
I love Midnight Madness because it gave us the Novak between the legs dunk........ I believe I can fly!
October 17th, 2014 at 4:21 PM ^
October 17th, 2014 at 4:38 PM ^
October 17th, 2014 at 5:24 PM ^
He's actually correct. Beilein has publicly stated that he would rather use every minute of available practice time developing the team. Midnight Madness counts as practice time for that week and he doesn't want to waste it with a dumbed down scrimmage and dunk competition.
October 17th, 2014 at 5:27 PM ^
October 17th, 2014 at 4:41 PM ^
Yeah, but the football team has a spring game open to the public that the AD half asses, doesn't advertise for, doesn't have bouncy things for the kids, no students racing the players etc.. I'd rather we do a closed spring game or go all out. No in between.
October 17th, 2014 at 4:40 PM ^
October 17th, 2014 at 4:52 PM ^
about midnight madness exciting past the age of 22. Pretty fun for the students, but its really nothing more than a rawk exhibition with little substance.
October 17th, 2014 at 5:00 PM ^
How about Mid-day Madness? John Beilein goes to bed at 8:30pm every night.
October 17th, 2014 at 5:05 PM ^
is there going to be an offense UFR today? I wouldn't blame Brian for skipping this...
October 18th, 2014 at 12:07 AM ^
Tweeted that it will be coming out Monday.
October 17th, 2014 at 5:20 PM ^
October 17th, 2014 at 8:15 PM ^
It's just a pep rally on the diag for the State game. 6-9pm, has nothing to do with the basketball team. They're calling it "Maize Night Madness".
October 17th, 2014 at 6:39 PM ^
on a belly full of subs.
October 17th, 2014 at 7:39 PM ^
October 18th, 2014 at 10:27 AM ^
When Midnight Madness goes wrong:
I can't stop laughing.