Encouraged by bball game reports
I would just like to point out that even though the bball team is losing all of their games, I am encouraged by the game reports. Per Andy Beilein's twitter, "Honestly, between the Oostende and Charleroi we will probably not play a better team this season.".
It looks like Tim Hardaway jr is going to be a very good player from day one, Metrics has been solid, and Horford and Morgan have been rebounding machines in limited minutes. If you had asked me a month ago what the keys for the bball team having a better then expected year were, I would have mentioned those three things along with Morris improving his offensive game. Looks like we are already 3/4 of the way to having a better then expected season!
August 25th, 2010 at 4:31 PM ^
I for one am extremely optimistic about the basketball season. For the 1st time under JB we will be a long lanky team that will be able to more effectively play zone. Metrics and Hardaway appear to be our long term replacement for Manny and Peedi. Our roster is getting deeper and more talented every year and the University is actually going to put money into the program. Things are looking up.
GO BLUE!!
August 25th, 2010 at 5:04 PM ^
I agree with your viewpoint and that of the OP. I think the team will do better than is generally expected.
Rebounding would seem to be another key area. In addition to Horford's and Morgan's success on the boards so far, Colton Christian should also help out in that area, and I don't think he's played yet over in Europe because of his hamstring injury.
August 25th, 2010 at 4:31 PM ^
I have low expectations for the season considering out team is young, but still excited to see what we can do.
http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/082010aab.html
The player perspectives are fun to read. Colton Christian said his Pizza Hut meal was the best of the trip so far.
August 25th, 2010 at 4:32 PM ^
Double Post. Sorry my work computer sucks.
August 25th, 2010 at 4:38 PM ^
I hope nobody gets discouraged by these losses. I don't think the casual fan understands the level of competition we are facing. I would favor the last two teams we played to win the NCAA tournament. While many teams in Europe are limited in the number of Americans they can have on their team, it seems like the Belgian teams are not. The last two rosters were comprised of basically the best players from a number of mid major teams. Basketball players generally mature and peak around 28-30 years old. We are playing a mid major all star team in the prime of their professional career. We are going to learn much more by losing to Belgian pros than by beating Canadian teenagers.
August 25th, 2010 at 4:50 PM ^
I am still not very hopefull for this season, but I am looking forward to seeing the freshmen. I think in 2-3 years this team will be really good.
I am glad others are taking these games with a grain of salt though. Some people think the sky is falling when they see the scores, but they don't understand how good these teams are. The first team they played against had former MSU Spartan Chris Hill on it. In college, talent wise, he'd be just as good (or better) than most any player on our team. Given he's got 5 extra years of experience and weight training (not to mention cohesion with his current team) and I wouldn't expect us to win.
Look at the curve for football when it comes to growing your body and learning the game. Some of that is true in hoops too, especially for big men. So the fact that we have basically 6 freshmen going against guys 10 years older/more mature does not surprise me at all when we lose.
August 25th, 2010 at 5:39 PM ^
considering that Michigan is basically playing everybody including the walk-ons. Good to see Stu light it up at 3 pt. Tim Hardaway is a good get for Michigan. Smotrycz will be the best player down the road(probably the most skilled player on the team), but not just right now. Michigan may be better than expected this coming season especially when they already started playing basketball which gives them advantage because younger players are getting game experience in playing JB's system.
August 25th, 2010 at 5:42 PM ^
For the first time in JB's career he has the right set of players to make the 1-3-1 work on a consistent basis. This could be the key, because an increased defensive presence will lead to a more up-tempo offense and easier transition baskets. It can prevent them from getting too bogged down in the 1/2 court and open up their shooters on the wings for 3's.
I am very excited for this year's team.
August 25th, 2010 at 5:43 PM ^
right? I had hoped improved shooting would make UM more competive this year.
August 25th, 2010 at 5:47 PM ^
by looking at stats. They are playing against professional basketball team(albeit overseas). The competition are tough. We don't know if they're missing open shots or if it's against contested shots. Plus they have a shorter shot clock so it's much quicker than usual(24 sec in Euro and 35 in college).
August 25th, 2010 at 5:49 PM ^
This game they shot 30.5% from three, while last game they shot 38% from three. If I recall, Coach is looking for 36% from three for it to be considered a good shooting night.
August 25th, 2010 at 8:23 PM ^
... even though the bball team is losing all of their games, I am encouraged by the game reports.
I need to start taking whatever you are.