Come On Down

March 19th, 2014 at 5:23 PM ^

At this point everyone is probably better off if Mitch shuts it down for the rest of the year (which he probably will). He needs to think about the rest of his career and Michigan needs to build a game plan around the team that they've got. 

corundum

March 19th, 2014 at 5:26 PM ^

We are a strong 2 seed without him. We've got as good of a shot as anybody to win it all IMO. I just hope he's back in a Michigan jersey next season.

getsome

March 19th, 2014 at 6:20 PM ^

love the optimism, really do, wish i felt the same.  but its darn near impossible to straight shoot your way to a title while playing ole defense.  then again if the 3 wing dudes miraculously decide they want to throw out 100% effort on defense for 5-6 straight games then this team could easily compete for a title

FrankMurphy

March 19th, 2014 at 7:10 PM ^

I watched the second half of the Kansas game from last year's tourney the other day. Trey's clutch 3-pointer aside, McGary's defense and rebounding were the keys to that win. This year, we still have plenty of clutch shooting, but McGary's inside presence will be sorely missed.

I trust Beilein to come up with the best possible gameplan for this year's tournament, but without McGary, he'll have his work cut out for him.

goblue16

March 19th, 2014 at 5:26 PM ^

Ain't gonna happen this year and not worth losing him from another injury rest up and look forward to 2014-2015

LSAClassOf2000

March 19th, 2014 at 5:27 PM ^

There was an article over the weekend which said that he was slated to begin working on jumping this week, after only recently starting to run on the hardwood again, which I believe was in the last week or two. Given the state of progress and the fact that Beilein has basically planned out life without McGary for this season, or so it seems, I would have to think we're not counting on a return this season. 

Space Bat

March 19th, 2014 at 5:32 PM ^

McGary will be back for the national championship game against Syracuse where he will tear apart the 2-3 zone with 20 points, 20 assists, and 20 rebounds. He will then retroactively win the wooden award and announce his return for his junior season. Subs will be had by all. 

ijohnb

March 20th, 2014 at 9:49 AM ^

know your are kidding, but hypothetically, if he is cleared by doctors as fully recovered physically from the surgery, it would just be a matter of working out and getting into somewhat reasonable playing shape.  If, and I mean IF, this team can make it to Dallas I think it becomes a little less absurd to consider him playing a few minutes.  McGary is the kind of player that can change a game in 5 minutes, just with energy and activity alone.  He would not have to be used as an integral part of the offense.  He could come in, go Ben Wallace on a team for a few minutes, and that would be that.  On Fox 2 this morning they were showing the team shoot around, he was in full dress, rebounding for players and setting screens.  I don't think it is as out-of-the-question as most think.

Fuzzy Dunlop

March 19th, 2014 at 5:34 PM ^

I wouldn't want McGary to come back unless those-who-know have great confidence that he is healthy enough -- don't risk your future for our sakes, Mitch.

Even if he was completely healthy, I probably wouldn't want him to come back during this tournament -- it takes time to (re)develop chemistry, and there is no need to mess with a rotation that has been great for us this year.  

That said, the one scenario in which I would possibly want McGary to come back during the tournament is if we play MSU in the finals -- after what happened on Sunday, I think the need for a more powerful inside presence against those guys outweighs the risk of adversely affecting chemistry.

Generic MGoBlogger

March 19th, 2014 at 5:58 PM ^

I've seen photos of him with his practice uniform on, but I'm torn with situation. I really want him back to help with a tourney run, but at the same time, I want him to make a full recovery.

Jskohl88

March 19th, 2014 at 6:41 PM ^

As a Bulls fan, I've been through the whole "will he or won't he play if we go deep in the playoffs" with Derrick Rose. Granted, that was an acl tear and Mitch's issue is a back, but this whole idea only leads to disappointment.



Shut. It. Down.

Forgive me.

March 19th, 2014 at 7:05 PM ^

of the guy sitting next to me in the airport bar (laughing). I apologized, showed him your post, and he bought ME a drink. Reason 247
why I love this "community."

HartAttack20

March 19th, 2014 at 7:55 PM ^

The idea that Mitch will play in the NCAA Tourney is truly insane. I guess anything is possible, but it just ain't gonna happen. I can't see Beilein bringing him back. He just started getting back on the court, and he's gonna play a full on game now? I don't think so.

jonvalk

March 19th, 2014 at 8:29 PM ^

Would be great for teams to think there's a chance and have to plan for two different looks from our team. Competitive advantage just via gamesmanship.

Soulfire21

March 19th, 2014 at 9:53 PM ^

Perhaps some gamesmanship to be had here, put it in other teams' heads that they may have to prepare for a different-look Michigan.  

I'd be incredibly surprised if he played, given his lengthy absence from practice and games.