Fishbulb

December 2nd, 2017 at 2:11 PM ^

He has helped Michigan win a lot of games, and he'll help them win more this year.  He is what he is--none of this is new.  Not his best game, but he'll have some good ones.  

I'm happy to see Poole get some run and not play scared.  I can live with a couple bad/heat check shots a game, because it means he is being aggressive and has to be accounted for.

Joined: 07/24/2011

MGoPoints: 31667

rob f

December 2nd, 2017 at 2:23 PM ^

but I won't call it very pretty or impressive. Though I like our potential, we need a better inside offensive game and balance in order to better set up our threes. And we're still too dependent on those 3's; I hate that this team is so much "live by the 3's, die by the 3's". Poole has had a great game, is he going to be finally settled in at that spot?

Joined: 11/11/2010

MGoPoints: 194832

umchicago

December 2nd, 2017 at 2:26 PM ^

that's not how this offense works.  that's the beauty of mo.  he can knock down those 3s which spreads the entire defense, hence several cuts and easy buckets to the hoop throughout this game.  15-23 on 2 pointers is awesome.

Joined: 02/05/2009

MGoPoints: 33648

rob f

December 2nd, 2017 at 4:37 PM ^

2017-18 version of IU, a team that will no doubt finish in the bottom half of the B1G? IU just is NOT a very good team right now, especially on the road. This is an IU team that recently lost badly to an Indiana State team that had to play without Larry Bird. I love John Beilein and the system we play offensively, and I'm definitely not advocating wholesale changes to the offense. But several times today, we had open men inside only to hoist 3-point attempts that missed---and we don't have Walton anymore, who was such a great rebounder on those 3's . There's nothing wrong with settling for an almost-sure 2 rather than a 3 if we're that wide open inside. We led early 14-2 and 18-4, right? Though IU never seriously threatened largely because our defense didn't let them, we won comfortably. Maybe we took our foot off the gas somewhat (maybe not?), but at times I thought we settled for a quick 3 attempt rather than taking what was available inside. Our defense today was solid. The youngsters played well. We're 1-0 I'll in the B1G. Yes a solid win, but when we play vs upper-echelon teams in the league, Duncan and MAAR and Charles WILL need to be more of a factor. Solid, yes; impressive, no.

Joined: 11/11/2010

MGoPoints: 194832

UMfan21

December 2nd, 2017 at 2:45 PM ^

that's actually why I think today was impressive. IU is no rollover, and we led by double digits most of the game DESPITE the 3 not falling much. this was a scrappy win and very good for our young team to find other ways to win besides jump shooting.

Joined: 09/28/2009

MGoPoints: 51224

superstringer

December 2nd, 2017 at 2:31 PM ^

I dont wanna knock this around too much but the plain fact is, IU is a pretty crappy team. They will not have more than 6 or 7 B1G wins. That said I like our chances to dance this year.

Joined: 02/04/2009

MGoPoints: 18180

NightTrain5

December 2nd, 2017 at 2:32 PM ^

Great to get a win. Strange game, where M was never in trouble, but didn’t play outstanding. Spots with great precision cuts and passes. Good to see some young players developing. It’ll be fun to watch these guys improve as the season progresses.

Joined: 09/02/2016

MGoPoints: 2436

Yessir

December 2nd, 2017 at 2:34 PM ^

I'm not as sold on Mathews as some are. I like the guy, but need to see more from him.  I'm not on board with him being the player we need to play great for us to have a successful season.

Luv the young guys. 

 

Joined: 12/22/2015

MGoPoints: 7270

umchicago

December 2nd, 2017 at 2:39 PM ^

is important.  he and maar are the only two guys who can create their own shot and attack the hoop.  he was definitely off today though but it didn't matter.  guys like poole and brookes took a big step forward today.  hopefully that continues.

Joined: 02/05/2009

MGoPoints: 33648

pryoo

December 2nd, 2017 at 2:51 PM ^

I think he needs to stay focused on defense and not pick up any ticky tack fouls like today. He needs to figure out how to balance being aggressive vs. letting the offense come to him. Not surprising with the lack of game action he's had in the last few years.

Glad the supporting cast is coming up but I think we'll need Mathews playing at a high level to compete with the top teams in the tourney. And I think a couple years in AA would help his future NBA prospects.

Joined: 03/21/2009

MGoPoints: 1327

pryoo

December 2nd, 2017 at 2:39 PM ^

postgame interview. Mo had one of his most complete games. 13 and 7 but sure felt like he influenced the game a lot more. I think he's growing as a leader for this team. 

Its early but hopefully Mathews keeps his confidence up and bounces back against OSU. Two duds in a row for Charles. 

 

Joined: 03/21/2009

MGoPoints: 1327

pryoo

December 2nd, 2017 at 8:56 PM ^

i've played bball my whole life and yes you don't have to always score to be a factor. But when you pick up two fouls in two minutes because you're late on rotations that tells me his head wasn't in the game. 

He made a couple shots at the end but I don't think he was much of a factor on defense, rebounding, or facilitating the offense today. Maybe you do, which is fine. 

I also don't think he played well at Carolina, especially during and after their big run. But like I said I think he'll figure things out and become more consistent.

Joined: 03/21/2009

MGoPoints: 1327

enlightenedbum

December 2nd, 2017 at 2:41 PM ^

Beilein usually settles on 8 for his rotation, looks like it's going to be Wagner/Teske, Robinson/Matthews/Poole, and MAAR/Brooks/Simpson.  With Livers getting some time.

Joined: 06/06/2009

MGoPoints: 64438