poseidon7902

March 27th, 2018 at 1:05 PM ^

Loved seeing Izzo dragged into it.  
 

Wagner proved to be a quick learner and by the next season had evolved into one of the nation's most-promising players, averaging 12 points on 56 percent shooting, including 40 percent from 3-point range. His admiration of Garnett also apparently rubbed off, with Wagner even getting Michigan State coach Tom Izzo to call him a "pain in the butt" following an 86-57 loss to the Wolverines in February 2017.

Izzo was referring to Wagner's widely acknowledged tendency to let his emotions get the best of him, allowing harmless trash talk to occasionally escalate into the darker on-court arts of shoving and maybe an extracurricular elbow or two.

In the blowout win over Michigan State in Ann Arbor, Wagner and Spartans forward Nick Ward had been jawing all game before Ward appeared to trip Wagner as they crossed paths during a timeout. Ward insisted he didn't intentionally trip Wagner, and Izzo didn't let the incident pass without pointing out Wagner's antics. "Let's not kid each other here about what goes on," Izzo said.

Joined: 11/09/2013

MGoPoints: 5424

Evil Empire

March 27th, 2018 at 3:08 PM ^

but I don't recall Wagner shoving or elbowing people.  I've seen him commit ill-advised over the back fouls and I've seen refs call fouls on his belly.  He commits fouls out of zeal but I don't think out of malice or harmful recklessness.  I don't see Patrick Beverly, Zaza Pachulia, Matthew Dellavedova, JR Smith, or Bill Laimbeer in his game.

Please tell me if I'm wrong.  I suppose there are Duke fans who think Grayson Allen is a misunderstood saint.

Nick Ward and Tom Izzo dragging Mo into the mud when they're the ones being assholes is pretty rich.

Joined: 07/29/2008

MGoPoints: 9077

Double-D

March 27th, 2018 at 1:30 PM ^

Wagner Rahkman Robinson Yaklich Each one improbable in their own path to Michigan. None would be here without Beilein’s ability to predict growth and future success. All with great work ethic, character, and teamwork. That’s a pretty big part of this years team and I am sure I am missing others.

Joined: 12/21/2013

MGoPoints: 87515