Can Michigan MBB win a National Title?

Submitted by sheepdog on

JB has been a fringe contender for years, with the exception of 2013. He is a solid coach but winning the natty Men's College Basketball National Championship is hard enough, even for the elite programs. So here is my opinion on where we are. What do you say?

Wagner is showing flashes, especially of late, of one of the best players in the country.  He had a slowish start to the season, and an ankle injury, but he is coming on and is no doubt one of the best at his position in the country.

Livers is a major step up from Robinson and is going to be a special player. He has the size, athleticism, scoring ability and defense at times to help Michigan win its toughest games. Can he grow up fast enough?

Matthews can dominate the right match ups and take over a game. Great scorer, great rebounder.  Not elite yet, but does have potential to be elite. Can he turn into a trusted go-to guy by the end of the season?

MAAR is one of best, if not the best roll players in the country.  He is a consistent scorer, defender, free throw shooter, assist man, turned into a pretty good slasher, and most trusted guy on the team. 

Simpson has greatly improved but is still a bit of a wild card.  Needs to be a more consistent scorer, but the pressure is off since the rest of the starting line up can score.  Can he solidify fast enough like Walton did?

Bench - robinson is where he needs to be, but still a productive player.  Poole has been a terrific spark and Brookes is not a liability. Teske has been solid for the most part.

This team just beat and hung with (should have beat) two likely/potential 1 seeds (2 Seeds at worst). Overall, I think they are definitely good enough to win the B1G title. My gut feeling is this team is good enough win it all, but may need another year. Unfortunately that is not going to happen since Wagner may go, Matthews may go and MAAR is gone.

What say you?  Does this team have what it takes?

edit: clarifification for those confused about what we are trying to win.

Jordan2323

January 17th, 2018 at 9:08 PM ^

Is shooting 62-128 from three their last 5 games. That’s crazy as a team. Not sure the hot shooting against us was such an outlier or luck. Considering we stayed with them until the calls at the end, we can contend with anyone.

Wolverine in The 614

January 18th, 2018 at 10:13 AM ^

1. Must make free throws

2. Wagner must be a boss like last Saturday against Sparty.  Not perfect, but when on the floor he has to be dominant.  

Can we get a little "Ride of the Valkyries" when he hits the floor at Crisler?  It'll scare the hell out of whoever shows up to play us.  

3. Livers has to be better on the switch when he gets picked - especially when it leaves someone open above the 3 pt line

I like the mix and chemistry of this team.  A lot.