MICHIGAN MEN'S BASKETBALL- '19-'20: Hello Coach Nook!

[hack]

I think Beilein struggled with exactly the same thing last year -- teams take away the 3 ball and make Simpson beat them by scoring. That's a lot to ask of him. Howard and Beilein both struggled to find an answer for that. It may be that Howard should be a little more proactive in game, or even still finding his rotations, but it's also the case that players who have struggled have gotten past those struggles because there's no quick hook. Wagner and Johns are flourishing, and that's great. It's maddening what a lid there was on the basket for Michigan whereas at the same time Oregon made quite a few low-percentage shots. My own two cents is that DDJ is just a gangster out there and he's the one that needs more run, especially against defenses that are succeeding in making Simpson do the scoring.

[*JD*]

I think Beilein struggled with exactly the same thing last year -- teams take away the 3 ball and make Simpson beat them by scoring. That's a lot to ask of him. Howard and Beilein both struggled to find an answer for that. It may be that Howard should be a little more proactive in game, or even still finding his rotations, but it's also the case that players who have struggled have gotten past those struggles because there's no quick hook. Wagner and Johns are flourishing, and that's great. It's maddening what a lid there was on the basket for Michigan whereas at the same time Oregon made quite a few low-percentage shots. My own two cents is that DDJ is just a gangster out there and he's the one that needs more run, especially against defenses that are succeeding in making Simpson do the scoring.

I want to see more out of Teske. Juwan did the right thing in pulling the plug on him during the Oregon game. I know he's never going to be dominant against certain teams but Teske failing to get a single offensive rebound against Oregon, especially with all of those first half misses was maddening. You're 7'1", 265 and Oregon didn't have anyone over 6'9", 235 out there. In the span where we got down 25-9, we had ONE offensive rebound (by Wagner) on 15 misses. Tell me how Teske can't work his way in there for one tip in, or even a tip out. He needs to see how Johns battles in there and steal from that. He has been more aggressive before but I think the last 3 games have sapped his confidence a bit.

Luckily, we finally get a break in the schedule and play two easy teams before heading to East Lansing. It's time to build that confidence back up and learn from our early successes and failures.

You're probably right about DDJ needing more time on the court. We're still weak in having guys aside from Simpson who can get in the lane off the dribble. Franz is slowly getting there too. Man, if we can add a guy like Christopher, life will be so much easier.

[*JD*]

It's interesting to see this team, though. Right now, we may not have a guy that would be drafted if the NBA were to draft today. Maybe some team takes a flier on Franz, maybe not. He'll very likely improve his stock over the course of the year but I don't see anyone aside from him that could rise above 2nd round status with what they've shown skill-wise, so far. Livers may play himself into an NBA player down the road, the way that Duncan did, and Teske is 7'1" so maybe he'd go in the 40-50's. I'd love to see Simpson make it but I think he's just an excellent college PG. He'll probably play a few years of pro ball overseas and then I'd love to see him come back to be an assistant coach.

All in all, I'd say we're still playing above our talent level.

[lineygoblue]

In the "who cares" category, Michigan leads Presbyterian at halftime, 38-15.

Isiah Livers went down with an injury during the first half. Its being reported as 'muscle strain'. He has returned to the bench, still in uniform, but likely going to be held out the remainder of the game.

The guys calling the game on BTN can't say enough nice stuff about Juwan. I'm having trouble adjusting to commentators saying good stuff about anything Michigan.

[lineygoblue]

Final score 86-44.

Teske, Brooks and Z all had excellent games.

Livers was on the bench and walking around during time outs, so hopefully his injury is only muscle strain.

Eight days off now, then back to work on the 29th against UMass-Lowell.

Things get serious after that, with M heading to Breslin on January 5.

[*JD*]

I'm guessing it was a strained groin for Livers.

It was cool to see Juwan put Baird in with 15 minutes to go. That has to be the earliest a walk-on has come in since the year Walton and Spike were both out and Dakich got extended run. Those were hard times.

[*JD*]

I'm guessing it was a strained groin for Livers.

It was cool to see Juwan put Baird in with 15 minutes to go. That has to be the earliest a walk-on has come in since the year Walton and Spike were both out and Dakich got extended run. Those were hard times.

Livers is out indefinitely with a groin pull. I doubt he'll be back before the MSU game.

[Niffla]

Shit.

[Niffla]

The problem really isn't even the Michigan State game. Odds are they are going to lose that anyway.

It's after that, that's the issue.

When Juwan was asked if Livers would even be back this season, he basically said I hope so.

That ain't good. Because not having him through this insane big ten slate is going to be very, very difficult to overcome.

Hell it was going to be hard with him much less not having him.

[*JD*]

It's a big opportunity for Johns and Castleton to play a lot more minutes. Either that or we'll be going small with Franz at the 4.

[WM Wolverine]

Johns will play a ton, Castleton will play more than he's earned. Not the position or time in the season we could afford an injury.

[Hannibal]

Not good but not a disaster either.

[Kstat]

Juwan about to be 0-3 on the road with 3 embarrassments.

[Hannibal]

They have been balls since the win over Gonzaga.

[lineygoblue]

This outcome was expected.

Izzo has more experience in games like this, and Howard is in his first year. Even the great Izzo will agree that championships aren't won in January.

Throw the video in the shredder, and move on.