smith and brooks
Chris Balas on rivals. opined that Juwans recruiting efforts should start by retaining Smith and Books. I would love to see Eli come back. I have very mixed feelings aboutSmith. I was wondering how you feel about it
March 31st, 2021 at 11:49 AM ^
Brown was in the game. Our lineup was Smith, Brooks, Wagner, Brown and Dickinson.
In that situation you’re probably going to end up taking an outside shot, so that seems like the lineup you’d want. If Livers were healthy he’d have probably been in for Wagner.
March 31st, 2021 at 11:51 AM ^
this has nothing to do with the OP
March 31st, 2021 at 10:47 AM ^
First order of business is seeing if you can bring in a guard better than Smith and Brooks that is also a cultural fit through the transfer portal. That's the preferred route in this era.
If you don't think you can, then without hesitation you ask them both to come back with the understanding they may not have the same role next season.
This year's team will be the least athletic team Juwan Howard ever coaches at Michigan....and we just went to the Elite 8 and hung a banner.
March 31st, 2021 at 10:53 AM ^
We don't need Smith, time to develop young guys and see what the new ones can do. Eli is a way more complete and versatile player and doesn't become a liability against top ten teams the way Smith does.
March 31st, 2021 at 11:27 AM ^
Eli almost always becomes a liability vs top teams save a few instances in his career. He was singled out and picked on last night as a primary example. He was identified as our weak spot by Cronin.
I am thankful we had him. I think he exceeded all expectations. He was arguably the most important piece to the puzzle on this year's team but it had more to do with the severe drop off in talent after him, than his actual talent.
March 31st, 2021 at 12:06 PM ^
I don't think that is really fair or correct, but regardless, he was still much better and more effective than Smith. If you're bringing guys back, Brooks is more valuable than Smith.
March 31st, 2021 at 10:57 AM ^
First, I hope the first call/SMS that Coach Howard makes this morning is to Fatts Russel. He is the best, experienced guard option out there.
I would also love to have Smith back next year and Brooks as well. That said, Fatts and Brooks would make a better combination (even as I favor keeping Smith if no Fatts).]]
March 31st, 2021 at 11:43 AM ^
Fatts Russel.....
March 31st, 2021 at 11:00 AM ^
Both guys are warriors and I loved their contribution and how they represented M. They should hold their heads high and be proud of what they accomplished.
Also, Michigan needs to move on and develop their younger talent. Next year will be up and down and hopefully a good tourney run. The following year anything less than a deep run will be disappointing and that team should be on the Zags of this year level talent wise.
March 31st, 2021 at 11:07 AM ^
Let’s go with youth. Freshman can play. See Suggs
March 31st, 2021 at 11:52 AM ^
we have a lottery pick one-and-done PG coming in next year? This is news to me...
March 31st, 2021 at 11:12 AM ^
My mom lives on Vanderbilt Beach -- 88 is not old in Naples.
March 31st, 2021 at 11:42 AM ^
Having Brooks back would be great, I would take Smith back if he was of the understanding that his minutes would be diminished somewhat as he let other start running the point, being more of a mentor.
March 31st, 2021 at 11:57 AM ^
Hard to not overvalue last night’s disaster, but I’ll try. Everyone in the program talks about Brooks leadership and I think speaks a good deal to his value that we can’t really see. He’s also a better player, in particular, a better defender, than Smith. I think another year for him would be great.
On Smith, obvious another year would be good (he doesn’t even count against the scholarship cap, so why not). However, I’m not sure he’d come back unless he was going to start and I’m not sure that’s the best for the team. For starters, I don’t think Zeb has looked all that bad for a freshman who hardly gets to play with the starters. People talk about the value of an experienced PG, but Zeb or whoever isn’t going to get that experience unless they are getting minutes.
Also, the main value of an experienced PG is that he will keep the team calm and organized, keep the offense running smoothly during high pressure situations. Even trying to ignore the UCLA game, Mike Smith isn’t great at that. He gets obviously sped up under pressure; which is exactly what his experience is supposed to prevent.
It’s also telling, I think, that most of site that the most consistent concern across multiple games in the tournament is “will Smith hold up?” It’s a bad sign when you’re consistently worried that your point guard will get stuffed into a locker.
Michigan needs someone who can run the offense but also handle the ball and score when things go south. Neither Brooks nor Smith do that, so that dude will have to be developed. Brooks can do good stuff without the ball in his hands, so I think he’s a better keep. Smith might end up winning Michigan more games but giving the team a lower ceiling in March.