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Read Athletic summary on it…

Read Athletic summary on it describing his approach to building the FAU program and game philosophy.  Big internationals who can shoot 3s.  Sounds alot like Beilein.  Like it.  Has a gut renovation on his hands.  Empty cupboard.  Blank canvas.  Starting from scratch.  Etc.

I thought Kayat was almost…

I thought Kayat was almost out door already too.  
 

If the stuff about how he treated the staff is true, Jace should be shown the door too 

I we don’t. We have to…

No we don’t (have to react quickly to stop bleeding). We have to rebuild whole staff and whole roster. After that season no one is expendable. Be great to keep Tarris, but even with him we are starting from scratch. Watching Dug’s last ten games, you can’t say with a straight face he is either elite or dripping with effort when adversity hits. Love these kids because they chose Michigan but we’ll be fine when we get the right program leader in the door. Until then, let anyone walk who wants to walk. Literally be hard to do worse than what just happened.

This one hurts more than Dug…

This one hurts more than Dug and GW.  Ouch

I get it but don’t get it.  …

I get it but don’t get it.   Barely got minutes,  it developed…with a new coach and fitted roster he clearly has a great chance to step up.  

I know Oats had drama…

I know Oats had drama baggage too from Buffalo days so I presumed he wouldn't make it anyway. Dude is recruiting though and getting results at a football school.

My wish list:


Brian…

My wish list:

  • Brian Deutcher 
  • Jay Wright (Retired guy I favor of JB)
  • Tony Bennett
  • Any Hurley
  • Chris Collins
  • Cronin
  • Few
  • Scott Drew
  • Greg McDermott 

Explore, kick tires:

  • Holtman
  • Nate Oats 
  • Danny Sprinkle
  • Amir Abdur-Rahim
  • Joe Pasternack
  • Eric Henderson
  • Doug Wojcik
  • Kellen Sampson

Not:

  • Dane Fife
  • Crean
  • Any Millers
  • Will Wade
  • Donovan
  • Lavell Jordan
  • Beard 
  • Anyone on current staff (move on)
  • Pitino
  • Anyone who can't NIL or Portal and at the same time live with M's peculiarities on this front

 

Program reset needed.  Was…

Program reset needed.  Was really concerned about AD's comments on effort after last game, given the lack thereof.  But this was the right, albeit tough, decision given Howard is a Michigan legend.  Hated it didn't work out, but it didn't, so you move on.   Would have liked for that to have been before we lost Sanderson to a rival program, but is what it is.

Excited once again for the future of the program.  In an NIL world with our success and brand, we should have an advantage.  

Will always love that 1 seed team, the excitement that was bringing him back and fact that Howard got the Fab Five back in the building.  Good luck to him in the future.

How to make this a "problem…

How to make this a "problem with the AD" situation...

!!!!!

“The effort never backed off, and for that I am proud,” Manuel said

 

That was some of the worst player effort I have seen by any Michigan athletic team in my over half century of Michigan fandom in any sport.  Not a body on the floor, outrebounded, outtoughed and no one to hold them accountable. Effort means more than running fast occassionally.

Now no one to hold the Coach accountable.  Wow.  Furious.

 

 

An unmerciful end.  

An unmerciful end.  

incredibly bad basketball.   Hard to be that awful.  

Lack of hustle got dinged by Coach P at halftime.  Commentators literally laughing at team. 

Jace Howard was an awful and deserved no minutes while Yaya and GW got basically zero minutes of development time in big ten tourney.  

Dug is checked out, jacking up shots, no effort or development.  

wild number of turn overs.  

glad it’s over.  
 

 

Well Warde probably need to…

Well Warde probably need to judge this entire year's worth of work on this critical head to head with PSU tonight.  

 

Sarcasm aside, I wonder if we lose by 15+ if Coaching change could happen, OR if the players "play for the coach" and win the game, if it nudges Warde to keep him.

To me, Warde needs a commitment from Howard to overhaul the program (roster, staff and approach), ala nearly fired Harbaugh, or he has to go.

Eli over performed and still…

Eli over performed and still wasn't a "great" BigTen player.  Not a MAC player at all, just a super solid contributor and worked for all he got (so maybe close to a all MAC type player when recruited).  Took awhile.  If Durral is on that level and that type of player, I would still be happy.  

Starter on Day 1.

Starter on Day 1.

I think that is always the…

I think that is always the fear with change...the change.  But I like to think we could land a massive coach who could restore the brand here.  So many options and so many big names who get folks to forget about this debacle.  

And if Juwan stays, he needs to tear down the staff and roster anyway. Tweaks will bear a repeat so we are in the same spot either way.

When our two main programs…

When our two main programs have an outstanding QB or PG we thrive.  Our Bball program does not have an outstanding PG nor do we have depth at the position.  I'd start there. The idea Wake Forest (who I watch a ton) got Boopie Miller from down the road at CMU and a 5 star in Sallis from Gonzaga, and we have no back up point guard show that our portal game and talent acquisition plan needs a massive overhaul.

Beyond the PG, then I would scour the portal for anyone fitting the mold of Illinois' Marcus Domask, our own (and my favorit) Chaundee Brown or Tennessee's Dalton Knecht, decent character dawgs who can play d and shoot threes.

After that, I'd find massive men 6.1o and up, who can rebound and gives fouls.  E Reid is another guy from Gonzaga at Wake that would have been a perfect fit for us and teamed well with Reid.  

BUT most of all, I would get a NIL GM just like the football program just did, and apply it to the much smaller basketball program footprint.  We should dominate the portal with the resources at our disposal even given our higher academic expectations.  

Yeah, that is premature. …

Yeah, that is premature.  Have not given him enough minutes in live action to determine same.   After the flub, he was actually decent drawing a charge and asking a nice out back.  Howard mysteriously then took him out, I think for his son or Davis who have been putrid.  Of course “he’s not good” if the coach plays him like that. Baffling.   

Major regression.   I could…

Major regression.   I could see him transferring for sure.  Not developed at all.  

Kayat plays well, and then…

Kayat plays well, and then Howard pulls him and doesn’t put him back in after we get within legit striking distance. Playing Davis and his son.  

This is where the Coach has confused me all season (in addition to the three assaults).  Hasn’t developed either Kayat or Washington at all despite not getting to ten wins.  Beyond mere minutes both have shone a little something different than the guys who have literally given up.   Not sure why he isn’t being asked about this. Bizarre. 

1.  I don't doubt it, given…

1.  I don't doubt it, given the type of boosters who are pros at giving money already down there.

2.  I agree, can't believe we haven't lost more players and will be holding breathe in that last Spring window.

3.  What is the best place for an alum to put their money right now if we want it go directly to NIL on football and basketball, not through Warde or does it have to go through Warde at some juncture?  

Given the affluence, passion and generosity of our alum and fan base, no way we should not dominate the sport with this new set up.  Excited to see what our new "GM" set up does and if it helps us catch up and moves Warde to a little more of a progressive and competitive place overall.  Annoyed we didn't jump ahead when we had the opportunity (again Warde) but I guess we were too mired in sign-gate to chew bubble gum and walk.  Frustrating.  

I'd be really surprised if…

I'd be really surprised if Michigan's HR rules would condone what was described.  Sounds like the two did not fight and there was no battery involved.  But an assault is essentially the intent to do a battery.  Clearly, Sanderson, and all of the folks restraining Howard, thought there was a clear intent to physically attack Sanderson for some words he said about his son being privileged (after Jace was allegedly dressing down Sanderson's staff). 

Atop it all, Howard was on a "no more strikes" policy after getting into with Turgeon and Wisco coach.

It's fair to allow the other side to be heard of course, but this is not a good look for the University, Warde, Jace Howard or Coach Howard right now.  And it further damns the future of this program.

 

EDIT:  On the sports side of things, and just based on how this all went down, I wouldn't be surprised if Sanderson wanted to stick Howard/Warde in the eye on more time by taking a job at his alma mater (he's a Buckeye alum).

Article on Athletic details…

Article on Athletic details some of the allegations.  Howard should be gone before the weekend IMO.  Unbelievable.

I mean he did win Coach of…

I mean he did win Coach of the Year too folks.

I think he should of been fired at halftime last night, but he did demonstrate he could coach talent if it was in the door.  Just can't develop kids, recruit kids or manage a college roster in an age and talent appropriate manner.  

He'll probably be a great assistant NBA coach soon.  And if he stays with us, he needs to have that Harbaugh "clean house" moment, and bring in some recruiters and more serious alternative voices.  When Harbaugh was nearly out the door, he was forced to pivot...doesn't seem Warde is even talking about any of same or Juwan is either.  

I don’t think it’s the worst… I don’t think it’s the worst thing in the world if we have significant turnover on this roster. Only the transfer portal can save us now, and unfortunately this staff has not demonstrated any sound judgment or competence when it comes to that final resort.
Dude just said Rutgers…

Dude just said Rutgers scored 44 in the entirety of their last game.   Against us they have that nearly in the first half.   
 

And we still are not playing the freshman.  We trying to develop seniors right now for their business careers?

I have Michigan +7.5.  Have…

I have Michigan +7.5.  Have them right where we want them.  Lulling them into a false sense of security. No need to sub, need to keep dribbling into traps, lack of hustle…

 

then we pounce.  

These are the moments and…

These are the moments and results we as fans earn the right to be called true fans.   
 

These last couple of losses were hard to watch. Need soap in my eyes.  Yikes.    

I took Michigan with 27,5…

I took Michigan with 27,5 points.  Still lost. 😡 

Seems like we just lost his…

Seems like we just lost his top recruit Ewald to in the ‘25 class.  That sucks x2.  
 

Moore struggling to “win” and do the staff management part of the job early.   
 

He better insist on recruiting ringers (that can still coach of course) around Wink now belligerent NFLers that Wink brings in who can recruit.   We know how that goes.  

Perhaps Bill O'Brien should…

Perhaps Bill O'Brien should have held out for UCLA?

1.  I loved "Biff" Poggi,…

1.  I loved "Biff" Poggi, and I love "Wink" as far as nicknames go.

2. Love he was architect of Ravens defense and our two last most successful DCs based their work on his system.

3.  I don't hold him singularly accountable for Giant's failures...that team sucks.

4.  I think he is going to be a kid in a candy store with our talent and a recruiting "plus" as kids know he was a huge NFL coach and that's where they want to go over being this guy's best buddy.

5.  There is only one Don Brown, he's no Don Brown.  See point 1 above, trust burly defensive coaches with nicknames.

Wow.  OSU does not like…

Wow.  OSU does not like losing three times in a row.  Ridiculous staffing and roster moves. 

So weird, as Chip Kelly is a better Coach than Ryan Day.  This is like James Franklin hiring Dabo Swinney.  Maybe this whole "I just want to call plays and develop athletes" not recruit and do NIL stuff is real.

Warde’s last act—>allowing a…

Warde’s last act—>allowing a two loss Team 145 to be excluded from the Playoffs.  

He is not technically wrong,…

He is not technically wrong, but he is also the one who assembled the roster, failed to develop/replace these players (some of whom he has had forever) and managed the program to this point.  Can't have much sympathy for him as he has driven program into ground.

Still can help but think if our line up was more like Dug, Jett, Dickinson, Love and Shannon...be a different story.

Seems obvious Howard is done…

Seems obvious Howard is done this year or max next.  
 

I am trying to figure out who our next Beilein like hire might be (available)?

a Hurley?

Chris Collins?

Crean (please lord no)?

Dutcher?

Wake’s Coach?

 

Just watched Wake’s guard…

Just watched Wake’s guard tandem tear up Syracuse.  Sallis from Gonzaga and kid from Central.  Michigan can’t get one of these guys?   Modern collegiate sports need the equivalent of a GM to win. No way Michigan couldn’t get a MAC kid in our backyard at least, when we have no guard play, tons of minutes available, proximity and the University itself.  Kid didn’t go to UCLA.    Howard and Warde are losing on all fronts. 

Newsome has Moore-level buzz…

Newsome has Moore-level buzz around him.  Said to be decent recruiter because of his age, and good communicator.  Harbs loved him too.  He is exactly the type of coach you keep around, develop and promote.  Plus if we keep guys like Elston (and you combine that with the HC being a former Line coach himself), he has built in mentorship/help on staff.  

I think we need some new…

I think we need some new blood in one of those coordinator positions.  I am not beholden to the "we need some veteran and outside presence" in those slots (look how that is working out on the MMB program),  but I do like the idea of repeating the trend of rising NFL experienced super star (ala McDonald and Minter) on both sides of the ball, or grabbing some SEC type folks for recruiting purposes.

Sometimes it matter who is…

Sometimes it matter who is in a role.  I'd advise watching Michigan Made:  Football Episode 2.  You'll see both guys in action.  Hebert was special.  Probably best at what he does.  Big loss.  

We'll be fine and have a S&C program, and next guy up will get a chance to make his mark, but this one stings.  Players absolutely love him.  Wasn't worried about players on the D leaving before, now I am.  

Moore best make a killer D Coordinator hire and do it quickly.  Early test of this leadership and competency for the role.  

100-%.  Jace and Will both…

100-%.  Jace and Will both hit wing threes off of feeding the post, but for some reason we went away from what worked.  Big guys bounced it off their feet maybe four times, took unnecessary dribbles.  Dug has zero vision and got schooled by Perkins.   Nimari and T Will were absolutely lost on D. 
 

one of the worst performances I’ve seen since the Elerbe days.  Maybe worse. 

The fact Will has been on…

The fact Will has been on the bench and Juwan is going two bigs for the last ten minutes is all you need to know.  Tschetter shooting like 57% from field sitting on the bench, while team rolls to the end going like 3-13, filled with turnovers, poor defense and insane shot selection…torture. 
 

At this juncture develop Washington and Yaya.   Sit the vets more who really have not produced and refuse to learn, and get the future going now.  May as well get some minutes for young guys at this point.  Season over.  

I thought Saadi Washington…

I thought Saadi Washington was on that staff too.  He and Sanderson were the ones I thought came through to Howard's staff.  Maybe?

Too bad we alienated the…

Too bad we alienated the country’s best strength and conditioning guy in hoops.  

Our guys look out of shape …

Our guys look out of shape (hands on knees), undisciplined (Burnett jacking up logo three misses) and bullied (getting absolutely wiped on the glass by guys who just seem to want it more). If coach can’t get guys who stay motivated and show better than this no matter what, that is final nail.  This is bad.  Predictable, but it looks worse than it is.  
 


 

Corum has long been driving…

Corum has long been driving around campus in a maize and blue camaflouged mustang with the money he has bagged.   We have bag, but our approach continues to be to use it for the players that earn it.  At some point we need to add a one time signing bonus approach, we have a big enough pool and really have no excuse not to play that game.  Signing bonus are normal in most industries with people who have extraordinary skill and are in demand.  This is no different and not an ethical conundrum as some would make this out to be.  If we think players are being fickle and leaving after such program is set in place, then you structure it in a way you start doing incentives or triggers that happen after sticking with the program.  You can still run a program that doesn't induce mercenary types, because you have due diligence and controls in place to avoid it happening en masse.  Its weird that we immediately blame kids for being "mercenary" instead of the schools who just can't run a normal business model right.  Just like great companies, a great university sports program like Michigan's in the NIL era, should be able to dominate and retain talent without losing culture or its identify.

 

I was a big Jace detractor,…

I was a big Jace detractor, but i thought in limited minutes he provided some much missing grit, leadership (barking at teammates) and d during the OSU game. Not going to make us a tourney team, but do think we looked quite a bit better for spells when he was in. 

Guy like Tarris needs a teammate with standing woofing in his ear to stay switched on.

This is exactly it.  We are…

This is exactly it.  We are not up tempo or move the ball in sets that quick.   We just attempt ill advised passes and our guys movement without the ball is awful.  Some personnel issues, but that is coaching when it’s so consistent season after season.  

19 turnovers with 5 minutes…

19 turnovers with 5 minutes left.  Wow, we bad.  
 

 

Loving the DE from the DMV…

Loving the DE from the DMV haul.  All three look pretty good on tape.  Also like we have a bunch of nasty baller types.  More of the Mason Graham types please! 

Just missing high high end skill position (and maybe across board) talent, you'd expect to see in Non-Michigan programs with our level of success.  Guess its not a surprise anymore...but its still a surprise to me.

Solid class, but transfer portal going to keep us elite.  That Maryland kid is going to have biggest impact soonest.  Huge get there. 

When I see Burnett…

When I see Burnett inexplicably pull up for a game winning three with a clear lane to the basket with 2 seconds left and tie ball game on the line....that's some the player's fault, but more to me emblematic of the consistent lack of discipline and coaching in those moments.  We were getting fouled nearly every time we went to the bucket.  On top of that the consistent fouls, turnovers and failure to execute on both ends when it counts have been consistent with Big Nook's tenure.  And now he is seeing a bit of a talent drop off, its even more clear, he is an NBA assistant type, not a college head coach.  

Had so many chances to win that game and others all season (and last too).

And then we he called a timeout after being down six (or was it 9?), and game is nearly over, instead of 2 or 3 in double OT, you saw another example of someone who just is still trying to play the game, not coach the team playing the game.  Really poor. 

Love the guy as a player, but time to move on from him as a Coach. I think if they finish in the bottom third and they don't make the tournament (again), he's let go then, barring more findings or more drama in the interim.

 

Tough to win with 18…

Tough to win with 18 turnovers, weird to lose with so many offensive rebounds.

Sloppy rotations and terrible 3 point d continues under Howard regime.  T Will and Tarris still kind of drowsy players. Shooting percentage on key players is regressing to last year's norm.

But still a lot more potential than I thought with this team and a lot of guys to like.  Be incrementally better when Llewellyn back and Jackson, YaYa or GW become more useful.  Would have nice to have had a bucket like Caleb Love on this squad.