MBB Postgame Thoughts and Celebration Thread

Submitted by San Diego Mick on

Okay, a nice win today after a slow start, good job by the team to get going. Hopefully this will spur us into a hot streak, especially with Morgan getting back to normal, we need him.

Do you guys think we should start 2 bigs and bring Nik off the bench for offense, he might be better off right now. 

We've swept Illinois, a team that beat Gonzaga on the road and has 20 wins, Gonzaga should not be a 1 seed.

Go Blue! Great win, let's keep it going!

goldenmug8

February 24th, 2013 at 3:01 PM ^

Something is definetely wrong with Stauskas. He's definetely lost confidence in his shot

I hope the team can bring him back up in time for MSU. We need his swagger back

Mr. Yost

February 24th, 2013 at 3:04 PM ^

IMO he's got to work to contribute in other ways...

The problem is that there aren't enough shots to go around for him to shoot his way out of a funk.

Even when he was All-Universe earlier in the year, he really wasn't taking THAT many shots. He was just making what he was taking.

In future years he'll be fine, with no Burke and no THJ there will be more shots for Stauskas.

But for THIS year he's got to figure out a way to contribute.

Personally, I think he needs to focus on trying to get more rebounds and hustle plays.

goldenmug8

February 24th, 2013 at 3:12 PM ^

Ya I agree, he tried to drive the basket I think once or twice this game but those didn't go in. I feel after he missed all those three's, it gets in his head and he then lacks the hustle on D.

I say if his shots aren't going down, he's gotta drive the basket more, especially after a high ball screen where he turns the corner and goes to the basket. We need a consistent third scorer on offense, and he used to be that guy.

Mr. Yost

February 24th, 2013 at 3:41 PM ^

But it's still about touches.

He's not going to get the touches with Burke and THJ also on the floor. He's always going to be no better than the #3 option. And when one of your top 2 options is the point guard...who's naturally got the ball in his hands, that takes away even MORE from #3.

Next year, I think we'll see him offensively be fine. But again, for this year, he's got to do something to help outside of offense. That's why LeVert was so effective. Sure he hit some HUGE 3's...but Stauskas easily could've made those same shots. LeVert was effective today because he played out of his mind on defense...that's something Stauskas hasn't shown he can do.

But it doesn't have to be all defense. You're 6'6', go get some boards. Hit the floor, get some loose balls, go take a bunch of charges. Do SOMETHING else that says "hey, even if he's not making shots...he should be on the floor."

As the #3 option (at best...because he may not even be #3 when you consider post players)...you have to do more than just offense.

As of right now, he's playing like a player than you'd bring off the bench for points and that's it. If he's going to be #3 and a starter, he's got to give you more than a situational 6th/7th man off the bench (and that goes even if he's making shots).

PM

February 24th, 2013 at 7:57 PM ^

two threes and maybe one drive to the hoop? It was a rough day for our Canadian friend. Think back to Jr. Having to learn the same lesson... if the shots aren't falling, you can (need to) contribute in other ways. I am confident Nick will get there eventually, although it may not be this year. It would certainly be nice if he did get it together this year, however.

Mr. Yost

February 24th, 2013 at 3:01 PM ^

I have no class, let me be the first to say "I told you so" to everyone freaking out after the MSU loss and the PSU win.

Morgan is the 3rd most important player to this team behind Burke and THJ.

Tater

February 24th, 2013 at 3:01 PM ^

This was a solid performance.  I think it also proved that while Groce is a decent coach, his victory over Michigan last year was a fluke.

Mr. Yost

February 24th, 2013 at 3:07 PM ^

THJ was no where NEAR as good as he is now. He was in a sophomore slump, took bad shots, didn't play the level of defense he plays now. Now he's an All-American type player.

Burke was a freshman. He was great, but not as good as he is now. Also, he was worn down because we had no backup PG last year.

And didn't that OHIO team make it to the sweet 16 only to lose to Carolina by 1 point?

Edit: It wasn't by 1 point but is was in OT.

jdub55

February 24th, 2013 at 4:52 PM ^

That Ohio team was really good, a nightmare 13 seed. Thay were 27-6 and coming into the NCAA on a roll winning the MAC tournament. They ended up making the S16 and would have beat NC if they made one free throw with 10 seconds left.

 

They also matched up well against us having a guy that could shut down Novak and a PG that could match Burke.

Generic MGoBlogger

February 24th, 2013 at 3:04 PM ^

definitely imperative that we get better starts in the first half.  We need to learn how to put teams away early again.  On the plus side, though, Morgan and McGary played really well on the interior, and I was really impressed with the breakthrough of Mr. Caris Levert... Hopefully his confidence can carry over into bigger games later in the season... Otherwise solid and much needed win today.

M-Wolverine

February 24th, 2013 at 3:08 PM ^

No one would mind a slow start after a week layoff. The boxing out is a bit of a concern, but a good win vs. a good team.

somewittyname

February 24th, 2013 at 3:09 PM ^

Did Digger really say Burke shouldn't be in the conversation for player of the year? Why does ESPN think we want people who just say things for the sake of stirring up reaction? I'm so tired of listening to the Diggers, Dakichs, Mark Mays, and Skip Baylesses of the world.

gwkrlghl

February 24th, 2013 at 3:21 PM ^

TV people know that even though we hate who we're looking at and even if we're saying "Wow this person is a moron" to ourselves, we're still likely to stick around to see the train-wreck. I'd imagine TV studies would support this which is why Skip Bayliss is on ESPN and not on rocket headed for the sun

rob6reid

February 24th, 2013 at 7:40 PM ^

Digger Phelps is a douchebag. A friend of mine works at a country club that Digger has golfed at before and says he a grade A asshole in real life and has a huge ego. So yeah.

JimBobTressel

February 24th, 2013 at 3:10 PM ^

Caris Levert is beginning to come on strong. He will be the driving force for this team! I think he, Stauskas, and McGary will form a solid core to take us through the next couple years (assuming GR3 becomes Michigan basketball's 1st one and done)

Mr. Yost

February 24th, 2013 at 3:21 PM ^

He's going to be a top 20 pick regardless of if he comes out this year or next. He doesn't need the money. He may as well stay at Michigan and PLAY and develop rather than sit in the NBA while developing.

He's going to be great, I have no doubt. May as well stay one more year ala Burke and play next year then bolt for the NBA.

Mr. Yost

February 24th, 2013 at 3:34 PM ^

In 2 years you're going to have

Walton at the point. Albrecht as a very solid backup.

LeVert and Stauskas as juniors and leaders offensively and defensively. You'll also have Irvin on the wing.

You'll have McGary in the post coming into his own and really understanding how to play with pace and use his energy and effort ala Hansborough.

If Donnell can come into his own...look out.

Just looking at that, if we can find another post player for the recruiting class after next. We could have a freshman contributing in the post like McGary is this year.

On paper, and 2 years too soon, I really like that team.