2013-14 Michigan Basketball: Big Ten Champions!

mabrowndog · Feb 24, 2014

WayBackVazquez said:
Oh, I agree with everything you've written there, and honestly, the difference between a 2 and a 3 is pretty meaningless to me. Last year's team did just fine with a 4. I was just noting how tough the tournament will be, and that from a personal standpoint, I wouldn't bury these guys if they lost a tough game to a Minnesota.

My bad for not clarifying what I meant by "screw the pooch".

This morning's rankings:

KenPom - 10 IA, 12 WI, 13 OSU, 14 MI, 17 MSU, 49 NE, 57 MN, 70 IN, 76 IL
Sagarin - 6 WI, 9 IA, 10 MI, 11 MSU, 13 OSU, 51 MN, 61 NE, 65 IN, 67 IL
StatSheet - 5 WI, 13 MI, 17 OSU, 18 MSU, 32 IA, 46 MN, 49 NE, 78 IL, 97 IN
Lunardi - 5 WI, 15 MI, 17 OSU, 18 MSU, 32 IA, 46 MN, 47 NE, 83 IL, 96 IN
CB News - 5 WI, 13 MI, 17 OSU, 19 MSU, 28 IA, 46 MN, 48 NE, 85 IL, 97 IN
NCAA.com - 5 WI, 13 MI, 17 OSU, 19 MSU, 28 IA, 46 MN, 48 NE, 85 IN, 97 IN

Dgilpin · Feb 26, 2014

Don't like the TO by Beilein at the end , didn't leave much time to do much

Dgilpin · Feb 26, 2014

Dgilpin · Feb 26, 2014

WayBackVazquez said:
GR3 came up HUGE in the second half.

That's the GR3 we've been waiting for all year . Unbelievably athletic play to finish

sachmoney · Feb 26, 2014

Dgilpin said:
But as WBV mentioned the last 4 games aren't going to be easy as they might appear, @Purdue on Wednesday has the biggest opportunity for a trap.

Good call.

Can't really put together thoughts on the game because all my brain is saying is "!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" What a win. What a win what a win what a win.

Zososoxfan · Feb 27, 2014

Yeah, very happy they showed enough resilience to pull this one out. They seemed really out of sync, giving up a lot of turnovers and generally playing outside themselves, especially in the first half. Combine that with shots not dropping, and it was ugly early on. I remember thinking with roughly 12-13 minutes left in the 2nd half that they made their run against MSU with about 10 mins left in the game, so that kept me calm-ish, but what a strong finish at the end. If GR3 can become a real factor on offense, this team will be that much more effective. He's still shooting terribly from 3, but his atheticism in the midrange game has real potential.

Dgilpin · Feb 27, 2014

So a disturbing trend has popped up in the last month, that being Michigan's slow starts offensively. Now they have been able to put together some great second halves for this period, but in a single elimination tournament its obviously less than desirable to have to come back from a large deficit especially since most of the tournament crowds tend to rally behind the higher seeds the longer they stay in games. I took a quick look at the 5 games since Feb 8th, over this 5 game stretch they have averaged deficits of 11 points at the 10 min mark and 10 points at the half. Now its a credit to the team they were able to go 3-2 in this stretch, however I feel like they are going to playing with fire especially in the postseason if they can not improve their offensive production early in games.

@Iowa 10min: -13, Half: -14, Result: L
@Ohio St. 10min: -9, Half: -4, Result: W
vs. Wis 10min -11, Half: -15, Result L
vs. Mich St. 10min: -11, Half: -2, Result: W
@Purdue 10min: -11, Half: -13, Result: W

mabrowndog · Mar 1, 2014

Not exactly an impressive start for Blue. Three for 14 from the floor, 1/9 on threes, and getting out-rebounded 12-6.

Granite Sox · Mar 1, 2014

Brought it home in front of the 25th anniversary team that won the NC. Clinched a share of the B1G. MSU gakked one up to Illinois at home today as well. #Hail

sachmoney · Mar 1, 2014

Great win today.

It's nice to see GR3's game start to pick up a bit at the right time. Hopefully, it can carry through to the Big Ten Tournament as well as the NCAA. He'd take a ton of pressure off of Stauskas and Levert. WIth all of Stauskas' ballhandling this year, you forget how good he is on that spot up three. GR3 having the ball in his hands and driving to the bucket can open up more of those opportunities.

Dgilpin · Mar 4, 2014

Fantastic start for the Wolverines , the Jordan Morgan injury will be something to keep on eye on. Let's hope it's just a bruise , with how thin they are up front he's someone they can't afford to lose

Granite Sox · Mar 4, 2014

The Wolverines are demonstrating the requisite focus for a conference-clinching road win. #beatdown

Granite Sox · Mar 4, 2014

First outright B1G championship in 28 years (I believe since the Roy Tarpley/Antoine Joubert/Gary Grant edition). Nice.

Hard to find another backcourt from that era that could jawjack like Joubert and Grant.

sachmoney · Mar 4, 2014

Thread title needs updating imo.

Average Reds · Mar 5, 2014

Dick Pole Upside said:
First outright B1G championship in 28 years (I believe since the Roy Tarpley/Antoine Joubert/Gary Grant edition). Nice.

I graduated in '86. Lived in the same building with Tarpley. (Nice guy by the way, but his subsequent troubles were easily predictable.)

My favorite thing about this year's team is that they've allowed me to reminisce with old classmates in the past two weeks ...

Hard to find another backcourt from that era that could jawjack like Joubert and Grant.

As far as on court trash-talking - and being able to back it up - Scott Skiles had chunks of Grant and Joubert in his stool. As much as I could not stand him at the time, that man could flat out play and he did it with a swagger that I have never seen before or since. A Free Press reporter at the time described him as playing with "the mental toughness of a terrorist" and it's about the perfect description.

mabrowndog · Mar 9, 2014

Here's the tournament schedule, with potential Michigan games highlighted.

Big Ten Conference
All games at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis IN ... All times EDT.

First Round - Thur, March 13
12:00 pm - Game 1 - #8 Indiana vs #9 Illinois (BTN)
02:30 pm - Game 2 - #5 Ohio St vs #12 Purdue (BTN)
06:30 pm - Game 3 - #7 Minnesota vs #10 Penn St (ESPN2)
09:00 pm - Game 4 - #6 Iowa vs #11 Northwestern (ESPN2)

Quarterfinals - Fri, March 14
12:00 pm - Game 5 - #1 Michigan vs Game 1 winner (ESPN)
02:30 pm - Game 6 - #4 Nebraska vs Game 2 winner (ESPN)
06:30 pm - Game 7 - #2 Wisconsin vs Game 3 winner (BTN)
09:00 pm - Game 8 - #3 Michigan St vs Game 4 winner (BTN)

Semifinals - Sat, March 15
01:40 pm - Game 9 - Game 5 winner vs Game 6 winner (CBS)
04:00 pm - Game 10 - Game 7 winner vs Game 8 winner (CBS)

Championship - Sun, March 16
03:30 pm - Game 9 winner vs Game 10 winner (CBS)

sachmoney · Mar 9, 2014

I hope that's intentional cuz if so, it's an epic troll job.

Dgilpin · Mar 10, 2014

So all in all a pretty favorable draw for the Wolverines. I will admit I'll be rooting pretty heavily for Illinois on Thursday, just because Crean always seems to have a really good game plan against the Wolverines. Still having (Illinois/Indiana) and (Ohio St./Nebraska) to get to the B1G title game is a pretty desirable path. Another small bonus is Wisconsin will likely have to play the only real bubble team left in the B1G in their first game (Minnesota).

As far as Saturday's game goes, great effort by the entire team and good to see Morgan go out with a W at home. I think it would have been really easy to pack it in after falling behind early with not much to play for, but a great comeback and a quietly another great game for GR3. It was also nice to see Stauskas realize his outside shot wasn't really falling and start attacking the rim. Kind of crazy that this team will more than likely go into the tournament as a higher seed than last years team, especially when you think about where they were in the beginning of December.

mabrowndog · Mar 10, 2014

WayBackVazquez said:
The Michigan State thread is over on nyyfans.

Ahhh... Fuck me.

sachmoney said:
I hope that's intentional cuz if so, it's an epic troll job.

I wish I could take credit for such creativity. But if I was going to intentionally troll anyone it would be DoucheSox over in the ACC thread. This was nothing more than an epic brain fart.

Dgilpin · Mar 10, 2014

Nik Stauskas Sporting News second team All-American. The line representative from the B1G

http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/031014aac.html

sachmoney · Mar 10, 2014

I'm nervous about potentially playing Indiana in Indianapolis. Regardless, it'll be a good test. Beilein's teams really haven't done well in these tournaments, so it will be interesting to see if this year's team is any different.

Granite Sox · Mar 10, 2014

Stauskas B1G POY and 1st-team all-B1G.

Beilein Coach of the Year.

Levert 2nd team all-B1G.

GRIII HM all-B1G.

Walton all-B1G Freshman team.

Only minor surprise is Irvin not making all Freshman team.

Horford with a sportsmanship award.

http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/031014aad.html

IU gives Michigan a tough time... I'm not nervous, but I don't think this is an easy win by any means.

sachmoney · Mar 13, 2014

Illinois it is.

Dgilpin · Mar 14, 2014

Absolutely love the way GR3 is playing now , looks like he's finally beginning to turn the corner

Zososoxfan · Mar 14, 2014

Dgilpin said:
Absolutely love the way GR3 is playing now , looks like he's finally beginning to turn the corner

Agreed, if his shot starts falling, it could change the complexion of this team. There was a ton of [deserved] press last week for Jordan Morgan and my how far he's come over the last 10 5 years. The biggest weakness in his game (other than being undersized and not having good hops) has always been his hands and finishing. This year, he's been excellent around the hoop and today was no exception on the winning shot. I didn't catch the first half, but my guess is that teams that have played Michigan 3 times will fare far better against us than those who are seeing us the first time (i.e. the tourney). The win today also keeps the door open for us to snag a 1-seed, as I think we are the first #2 (#5 overall) and Nova doesn't strike me as a shoe in for their current 1-seed projection.

Dgilpin · Mar 14, 2014

My only complaint today was the offense seemed to stall in the second half with Spike handling the point for prolonged period of time . I love the energy Spike brings but he's really at his best in small spurts or when they go small with Walton and Spike.

sachmoney · Mar 15, 2014

Walton had some struggles timing his jumps on the defensive boards and Irvin was basically a will-less matador. Too many second chances and easy buckets in the first half made it closer than it should have been. I only listened to the second half, but it seemed like they left on their plates to chew.

Dgilpin · Mar 15, 2014

Fantastic win ... Regardless of what happens tomorrow Wolverines are at least a 2 seed

twibnotes · Mar 15, 2014

Dgilpin said:
Fantastic win ... Regardless of what happens tomorrow Wolverines are at least a 2 seed

As a UVA/mich guy (undergrad and grad, respectively) I'll be curious to see which gets the 1 seed if they both win. From what I've seen, I think UVA is better, but I have a feeling mich would get the nod

sachmoney · Mar 15, 2014

Best photo ever?

Dgilpin · Mar 15, 2014

sachmoney said:
Best photo ever?

http://www.umhoops.com/2014/03/15/photo-gallery-michigan-72-ohio-state-69/michigan-72-ohio-state-69-29/

This one might give it a run for it's money

sachmoney · Mar 16, 2014

Go Blue.

sachmoney · Mar 16, 2014

That's State's game. That's the way they've played forever. Need to take care of the ball.

RedOctober3829 · Mar 16, 2014

Travels are misunderstood. Interesting, John.

sachmoney · Mar 16, 2014

This is looking like the game in East Lansing last year.

Dgilpin · Mar 16, 2014

So many second chance opportunities for MSU

Dgilpin · Mar 16, 2014

Tough to beat Izzo three times in one year

Zososoxfan · Mar 16, 2014

This was a weird game for UM. Bielfeldt got more minutes today than...ever? GRIII was more aggressive than he's been all year (not all good), and Nik didn't get many opportunities to spot up, if any. Honestly, I'm not too concerned. It's really hard to beat a good time 3 times in one year. The shots weren't falling, this was more important to MSU, and this game was called pretty loosely IMHO,which heavily favors the thuggish MSU. On that note, F-U-C-K MSU. They act all hard after finally winning a game against us in the B1G tourney...gimme a break. The slapping the floor is annoying, but whatever. I have no problem giving them props - they played very well today, aggressive and with a lot of desire, but their shtick is ooooooooooold. Yes, I'm bitter. Tourney time, where Beilein's coaching can shine even more. Looking forward to hearing analysis of Wofford. Not to get ahead of ourselves, but also what's the word on Texas and ASU.

Vamos Azul!

Filet-O-Fisk · Mar 17, 2014

Zososoxfan said:
.... heavily favors the thuggish MSU. On that note, F-U-C-K MSU. They act all hard after finally winning a game against us in the B1G tourney...gimme a break. The slapping the floor is annoying, but whatever. I have no problem giving them props - they played very well today, aggressive and with a lot of desire, but their shtick is ooooooooooold. Yes, I'm bitter.

What is MSU's shtick? Is it any more annoying that Nik Stauskas' 3-goggles?

Zososoxfan · Mar 18, 2014

Filet-O-Fisk said:
What is MSU's shtick? Is it any more annoying that Nik Stauskas' 3-goggles?

My guess is that for a neutral observer the answer is no. But, Izzo has been a bigger pain in the ass this year than usual, basically pinning every loss this season on injuries or the refs. Granted, MSU looks poised to make a deep run at the tourney and that will shut everyone (including me) up, but I think MSU is generally very unlikeable. I think they will really struggle in the tourney because they get away with a lot of physical play in the already physical B1G, but they have a very talented squad no doubt. I don't have a problem with Arizona, Wiscy, UNC, or even Duke as much (Coach K's whining about respect for the ACC last week was unecessary, but I heart Jabari), etc. but between Izzo generally being douchey and his players getting away with physical play (or trying to and then getting irate when they're called on it) I find myself not being able to watch and gauge them objectively. Also to reiterate, I wrote that last post while still bitter about the game and they are UM's biggest bball rival, so take it with a grain of salt.

Average Reds · Mar 18, 2014

Zososoxfan said:
My guess is that for a neutral observer the answer is no. But, Izzo has been a bigger pain in the ass this year than usual, basically pinning every loss this season on injuries or the refs. Granted, MSU looks poised to make a deep run at the tourney and that will shut everyone (including me) up, but I think MSU is generally very unlikeable. I think they will really struggle in the tourney because they get away with a lot of physical play in the already physical B1G, but they have a very talented squad no doubt. I don't have a problem with Arizona, Wiscy, UNC, or even Duke as much (Coach K's whining about respect for the ACC last week was unecessary, but I heart Jabari), etc. but between Izzo generally being douchey and his players getting away with physical play (or trying to and then getting irate when they're called on it) I find myself not being able to watch and gauge them objectively. Also to reiterate, I wrote that last post while still bitter about the game and they are UM's biggest bball rival, so take it with a grain of salt.

That's really the answer. I mean, I hate MSU more than I can possibly articulate, but I can't kill their kids for how they acted after they won the tourney.

Izzo doesn't really bother me, but that's probably more of a reflection of the fact that Tom Crean breathes air in the same conference. (Well, for now at least.)

2013-14 Michigan Basketball: Big Ten Champions!

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