MICHIGAN'S MEN'S BASKETBALL: 2015-2016

[Cody_Russell]

The huge difference between the 1st and 2nd half is very representative of this season.
Michigan won 22 games and looked decent sometimes (1st half). Michigan lost 11 or more games by double digits (2nd half).

MAAR needed more touches late. He was great on offense.
Hopefully Donnal, Irvin, Robinson, and Walton really progress this offseason. Michigan was so dependent on them this season and they each had terrible moments in most games.
Looks like Mo-Wagner is developing into a good player. I think there is less risk with him compared to the other three players I mentioned.

[Mike]

We need the goofy white guys to make layups. Doyle, in particular, looks like a goddamn buffoon out there. I think this is what Michigan bball will be until Beilein retires.

[Jeff Buchanan]

Linesman prediction: ND 78 - M 63

LOL

...... at the half.

Final: ND 70 - M 63. Well, ND didn't quite score 78 but great prediction Liney.

[Cody_Russell]

But it was a REALLY close game.

[CGVT]

Their lack of any semblance of an organized offense against a man to man defense was maddening. Dribble, dribble, dribble, dribble as the other four stand around and watch and then "Oh shit the shot clock is about to expire, time to throw up a prayer" is not an offense.

That is terrible coaching.

Watching good teams that run offenses that create open shots and scoring opportunities drives the point home further.

*sigh*

[hack]

And they don't set fire to all other generally accepted bits of basketball wisdom in the process of running Beilein's too-clever-by-half offense. I think I agree that this is what it is going forward, although it can always turn in a hurry. If Beilein finally lands a blue-chipper, or if somebody suddenly grows a pair and sets the tone for effort on the court, we could see it shine again. I'm not convinced that hiring a defensive-coordinator type of assistant, as is widely speculated, is going to do it. That'll address only some of the problems. They are still missing leadership. I'd take any of the Novak, Burke or Stauskas type of approaches to that.

[CGVT]

Playing the way the do is too dependent on having that "blue chipper" to carry the load. If you are going to win playing that kind of ball you have to have a player that is head and shoulders better than the other guys and it that guy is having a bad day, you lose.

This type of basketball can beat less talented teams but gets beaten by good teams.

Strong leadership would help, but it is an all around shitty basketball philosophy.

[hack]

That's exactly where I'm at with it too. I was quite open to change during 2014, which IMO was Beilein's best work as a coach, but it's come back to earth.

[WM Wolverine]

At least we didn't lose to Middle Tennessee State.

[lineygoblue]

Yep.

Its a bigger upset than Mich v App State.

[hack]

That's all fine right now, but in the next few years the beatings from EL are set to continue.

[Hannibal]

If Beilien's team doesn't improve significantly next year then he needs to go. A top 3 finish in the B1G with a 4 seed or better in the NCAA should be his minimum job requirement.

[Niffla]

I knew deep down that we weren't anywhere close to good enough to make a legitimate run, but still, that one hurt. They played such a really good first half -- and blowing that stung. Stung bad, man.

[Cody_Russell]

If Beilien's team doesn't improve significantly next year then he needs to go. A top 3 finish in the B1G with a 4 seed or better in the NCAA should be his minimum job requirement.

Given the recent contract extension (5 more seasons) and raise ($3.37 million per year), yes I'd agree.
That salary puts Beilien in the top 8 for highest paid college basketball coaches next season.

[hack]

That's a good point. If he's paid at that level...