Hoops vs Texas Tech

[Spartanmack]

i had TT in my bracket but i was still hoping uofm wud win. rough ending to an otherwise great season - they beat everyones expectations. they are going to be tough next year.

 

[thewolverines24]

If Mathews comes back we may be 1 over the limit . Not sure .

That's true. If Matthews were to come back, then we'd be one over. I'd expect a firm handshake with Austin Davis if that happens, but I highly doubt that it does. It's not a well kept secret that the team knows Matthews is leaving for the draft.

Last night was the worst Michigan tournament game I can remember watching. Still, I'm super proud of this team. I knew that shooting was going to be a concern coming into this season since we were replacing our three best 3-point shooters and best player. Unfortunately, it really came crashing down last night. Hell of an effort for a team with truly a six man rotation to have a 30 win season. It was a blast watching Zavier turn into Captain Hook, Teske's growth, Matthews' D, Iggy's B1G FOY campaign, a new school record for wins in a row, Poole's incredible shooting in December, and Livers start coming into his own as a sixth man.

I thoroughly enjoyed thrashing UNC, Nova, and OSU, sweeping IU, making it back to the BTT Final, and making our third Sweet 16 in a row. Have to hope that our depth is much better next year. The is talent there, but they weren't ready to roll this year. Sometimes the step up in competition takes guys a year to adjust. Hopefully Bajema and Wilson are guys who are ready in their freshman year. Depth would be outstanding if they are and we get the second year leap from Johns, Castleton, and DeJulius.

 

[UMRules06]

It was an enjoyable season I'll say. Fun to tune in and watch them play every night. I am torn on whether to call it a success or failure, but I guess there's gray areas there. Can't argue with 30 wins. It really would have been nice to win some hardware though, and they didn't. That Penn State game is going to stick with me for a long time lol.

The future does look pretty good. I'm confident one of our young pups will make a leap forward next year like Beilein's players have done in the past.

 

[thewolverines24]

It was an enjoyable season I'll say. Fun to tune in and watch them play every night. I am torn on whether to call it a success or failure, but I guess there's gray areas there. Can't argue with 30 wins. It really would have been nice to win some hardware though, and they didn't. That Penn State game is going to stick with me for a long time lol.

The future does look pretty good. I'm confident one of our young pups will make a leap forward next year like Beilein's players have done in the past.

Yeah, not winning the conference or BTT sucks.

 

[dubbsco]

That's true. If Matthews were to come back, then we'd be one over. I'd expect a firm handshake with Austin Davis if that happens, but I highly doubt that it does. It's not a well kept secret that the team knows Matthews is leaving for the draft.

Last night was the worst Michigan tournament game I can remember watching. Still, I'm super proud of this team. I knew that shooting was going to be a concern coming into this season since we were replacing our three best 3-point shooters and best player. Unfortunately, it really came crashing down last night. Hell of an effort for a team with truly a six man rotation to have a 30 win season. It was a blast watching Zavier turn into Captain Hook, Teske's growth, Matthews' D, Iggy's B1G FOY campaign, a new school record for wins in a row, Poole's incredible shooting in December, and Livers start coming into his own as a sixth man.

I thoroughly enjoyed thrashing UNC, Nova, and OSU, sweeping IU, making it back to the BTT Final, and making our third Sweet 16 in a row. Have to hope that our depth is much better next year. The is talent there, but they weren't ready to roll this year. Sometimes the step up in competition takes guys a year to adjust. Hopefully Bajema and Wilson are guys who are ready in their freshman year. Depth would be outstanding if they are and we get the second year leap from Johns, Castleton, and DeJulius.

As much as I want to be upset, I can't. This team just did not have the horses to win the title. I tried to justify that guys like Duncan, MAAR, and Wagner could be somewhat replaceable, but they aren't. Rakhman and Wagner could create offense whenever it was necessary, and Duncan required you to be spaced way out to guard him. This team did not have any 3-point shooting ability.

They were playing on a house of cards for most of the year, and it all came to the spotlight last night. The irony is, I don't even think Texas Tech was as suffocating that the announcers made them out to be. But, I think the narrative got embedded in the player's head all week. They had PLENTY of open looks that did not go in. Matthews may not be a great 3-point shooter, but when you airball from the top of the key wide open, something's wrong. I think there was a mental wall that ran out of control.

There needs to be a massive focus on offensive change in the off-season. And there needs to be growth from guys that we expected to be great as freshman, ie Johns.

 

[UMRules06]

As much as I want to be upset, I can't. This team just did not have the horses to win the title. I tried to justify that guys like Duncan, MAAR, and Wagner could be somewhat replaceable, but they aren't. Rakhman and Wagner could create offense whenever it was necessary, and Duncan required you to be spaced way out to guard him. This team did not have any 3-point shooting ability.

They were playing on a house of cards for most of the year, and it all came to the spotlight last night. The irony is, I don't even think Texas Tech was as suffocating that the announcers made them out to be. But, I think the narrative got embedded in the player's head all week. They had PLENTY of open looks that did not go in. Matthews may not be a great 3-point shooter, but when you airball from the top of the key wide open, something's wrong. I think there was a mental wall that ran out of control.

There needs to be a massive focus on offensive change in the off-season. And there needs to be growth from guys that we expected to be great as freshman, ie Johns.

Agree with most of this. I would say that I was very impressed with Texas Tech's D however, as I was when they played Buffalo. The reason Matthews probably airballed a 3 is because he rushed it thinking "oh my god I actually have an open shot I better make it quick!" That's still the product of playing against an outstanding defense in my opinion. Even your open shots you feel rushed a bit.

 

[thewolverines24]

As much as I want to be upset, I can't. This team just did not have the horses to win the title. I tried to justify that guys like Duncan, MAAR, and Wagner could be somewhat replaceable, but they aren't. Rakhman and Wagner could create offense whenever it was necessary, and Duncan required you to be spaced way out to guard him. This team did not have any 3-point shooting ability.

They were playing on a house of cards for most of the year, and it all came to the spotlight last night. The irony is, I don't even think Texas Tech was as suffocating that the announcers made them out to be. But, I think the narrative got embedded in the player's head all week. They had PLENTY of open looks that did not go in. Matthews may not be a great 3-point shooter, but when you airball from the top of the key wide open, something's wrong. I think there was a mental wall that ran out of control.

There needs to be a massive focus on offensive change in the off-season. And there needs to be growth from guys that we expected to be great as freshman, ie Johns.

I think we see a big leap from Johns next year. He's not a 5 and he practiced there all offseason because Austin Davis is not a viable option. It really stunted his freshman year growth. I think he'll be damn good at the 4 next year.

 

[dubbsco]

Agree with most of this. I would say that I was very impressed with Texas Tech's D however, as I was when they played Buffalo. The reason Matthews probably airballed a 3 is because he rushed it thinking "oh my god I actually have an open shot I better make it quick!" That's still the product of playing against an outstanding defense in my opinion. Even your open shots you feel rushed a bit.

Oh yeah, it's a good defense. Not arguing with that. But at this level and stage, open looks should at least go down a decent amount. Livers had a couple wide open ones from the corner that he makes often, Teske had one that was all the way down, and other guys just couldn't get anything to go, open look or not. And Texas Tech did not play some amazing offensive game. We were just so pathetically bad on offense, their production looked superior.

 

[thewolverines24]

Oh yeah, it's a good defense. Not arguing with that. But at this level and stage, open looks should at least go down a decent amount. Livers had a couple wide open ones from the corner that he makes often, Teske had one that was all the way down, and other guys just couldn't get anything to go, open look or not. And Texas Tech did not play some amazing offensive game. We were just so pathetically bad on offense, their production looked superior.

Yep. They scored 63 points. If we make close to our normal amount of 3s, then the game is likely a nailbiter.

 

[biggunsbob]

I agree with all of you and it is kind of ironic last year we get beat by one of the best offensive team and this year it is the best defensive team. Also this is Jb’s worst shooting team since his first or second year at Michigan so we have to find our offense again. I thought the team was much looser when we started 17-0. As the season wore if felt like this team had to grind out every possession and just failed against teams like MSU, and Texas Tech. Sometimes we just seemed a step slow in the last 20 games. Just my opinion.
Hopefully John jr makes a big step next season, and we have a deeper bench.
It hurts when you lose in the sweet 16 when we all felt we could advance. I guess the new expectations are a good thing. We all knew replacing Maar, Wagner , and Robinson Was for going to be a challenge, and they still went 30-7. Back to back thirty win season. Oh well the loss really hurts but hopefully everyone comes back next year, and they can make a deeper push. We really need to fix the offense though. Or find our outside shot again. I think we will be better on offense next season.

 

[thewolverines24]

I agree with all of you and it is kind of ironic last year we get beat by one of the best offensive team and this year it is the best defensive team. Also this is Jb’s worst shooting team since his first or second year at Michigan so we have to find our offense again. I thought the team was much looser when we started 17-0. As the season wore if felt like this team had to grind out every possession and just failed against teams like MSU, and Texas Tech. Sometimes we just seemed a step slow in the last 20 games. Just my opinion. Hopefully John jr makes a big step next season, and we have a deeper bench.
. It hurts when you lose in the sweet 16 when we all felt we could advance. I guess the new expectations are a good thing. We all knew replacing Maar, Wagner , and Robinson Was for going to be a challenge, and they still went 30-7. Back to back thirty win season. Oh well the loss really hurts but hopefully everyone comes back next year, and they can make a deeper push. We really need to fix the offense though. Or find our outside shot again. I think we will be better on offense next season.

Losing in the Sweet 16 being a disappointment is a testament to what JB has done for the program. He's taken us from "will we ever make the tournament again?", "Is it raining in Crisler. That's just the roof?", "Do the lights in Crisler actually work?", to 30 wins and a loss to the best defensive team in the country being a disappointment. There is a new standard for Michigan hoops thanks to JB. 5 out of the past 7 years we've made the Sweet 16. That's no easy feat given the craziness of the tournament.

I just hope it all comes together soon and we see another national championship banner.

 

[biggunsbob]

Losing in the Sweet 16 being a disappointment is a testament to what JB has done for the program. He's taken us from "will we ever make the tournament again?", "Is it raining in Crisler. That's just the roof?", "Do the lights in Crisler actually work?", to 30 wins and a loss to the best defensive team in the country being a disappointment. There is a new standard for Michigan hoops thanks to JB. 5 out of the past 7 years we've made the Sweet 16. That's no easy feat given the craziness of the tournament.

I just hope it all comes together soon and we see another national championship banner.

I agree with you totally. Jb has returned lofty expectations at Michigan that is for sure and it is great. Any tournament loss really hurts now that is for sure.. I sure hope Jb gets a title in the next 5 years because I have a feeling he may retire soon. I just worry after his heart surgery. Jb is So freaking close to winning one of these titles. Sure wish we had that Win verses Louisville... All of these chances it just feels like we are a play or two away from going all the way or a player or two away from going all the way sometimes in some years. We need that one difference maker again who can get his shot from anywhere when the offense goes south. You could tell guys were pressing last night after the misses piled up.

 

[tinselwolverine]

I agree with you totally. Jb has returned lofty expectations at Michigan that is for sure and it is great. Any tournament loss really hurts now that is for sure.. I sure hope Jb gets a title in the next 5 years because I have a feeling he may retire soon. I just worry after his heart surgery. Jb is So freaking close to winning one of these titles. Sure wish we had that Win verses Louisville.

As it turns out, Louisville did not win that game nor did Michigan lose-The outcome was the null set; it’s a game that technically actually never happened.

That, coupled with the questionable way it ended should allow runner up Michigan to be viewed as the de facto national champions by any Michigan fans who want to.

That’s how I view it. Since their technically was no national champion that year, I give it to my Michigan team that was the runner-up.

De facto National Champions

 

[hungry]

If Mathews comes back we may be 1 over the limit . Not sure .

If Matthews comes back, Michigan will be 2 over the limit.

 

[hungry]

Team was still 30-7 after losing Wagner, Maar, and Robinson. Not sure any of us would have predicted that. Sometimes you make a miracle shot like Poole , and sometimes you go into a game overconfident. We started slow like we have been doing in some games since the 17-0 strech, and just never got in any rhythm on offense tonight ..Texas Tech played way better . Lack of a bench is the biggest factor in the 13-7 finish but that is my opinion.

Yeah. You have to keep things in perspective. The team won the BTT and went to the title game last year. They aren't going to do that every single season. They lost 3 good players and got 1. That being said, this was MSU's best team in a while. If MSU doesn't strike it rich with these weird guys, then MIchigan is hanging 2 banners this year. It's bad timing really.

Lack of bench is a big factor this year. 5 recruits and only 1 did anything all year. They have Mr Dribbles Brooks out there that dribbles fast and plays D and not much else, then nothing. The other 4 recruits were basically bodies. I hope they can develop into something. Early entry into the draft and only getting 1 body was the difference between 30-7 and no banners and a better record with banners.

 

[thewolverines24]

If Matthews comes back, Michigan will be 2 over the limit.

Only 1. We only have 12 scholarship players right now. Wilson and Bajema put us at 14 next year if Matthews stays.

However, Matthews is not staying. 0% chance. "We're very sad that his college career is ending," John Beilein said, "But he will work his tail off to have a successful career going forward, and he'll have a big imprint on Michigan forever."

 

[hungry]

Hopefully everyone comes back. Iggy is only a freshman. He can be that big shot guy. Teske is coming back, Livers, Poole should be, and Simpson all back. Matthews is the only question mark. Get the young bucks some real playing time and by the start of the Big10 season, this team could be something special.

Matthews has graduated and word is that he is done. Whether he goes NBA, G league, D league, Europe, he's done.

Then they have to get rid of someone else somehow. I don't know how that will go down.

 

[hungry]

That's true. If Matthews were to come back, then we'd be one over. I'd expect a firm handshake with Austin Davis if that happens, but I highly doubt that it does. It's not a well kept secret that the team knows Matthews is leaving for the draft.

Last night was the worst Michigan tournament game I can remember watching. Still, I'm super proud of this team. I knew that shooting was going to be a concern coming into this season since we were replacing our three best 3-point shooters and best player. Unfortunately, it really came crashing down last night. Hell of an effort for a team with truly a six man rotation to have a 30 win season. It was a blast watching Zavier turn into Captain Hook, Teske's growth, Matthews' D, Iggy's B1G FOY campaign, a new school record for wins in a row, Poole's incredible shooting in December, and Livers start coming into his own as a sixth man.

I thoroughly enjoyed thrashing UNC, Nova, and OSU, sweeping IU, making it back to the BTT Final, and making our third Sweet 16 in a row. Have to hope that our depth is much better next year. The is talent there, but they weren't ready to roll this year. Sometimes the step up in competition takes guys a year to adjust. Hopefully Bajema and Wilson are guys who are ready in their freshman year. Depth would be outstanding if they are and we get the second year leap from Johns, Castleton, and DeJulius.

Don't forget Nunez. He's supposed to be a sharpshooter. Practice notes say that he has a really pure 3 point shot. Obviously, we didn't get a chance to see it.

 

[biggunsbob]

Yeah. You have to keep things in perspective. The team won the BTT and went to the title game last year. They aren't going to do that every single season. They lost 3 good players and got 1. That being said, this was MSU's best team for a while. If MSU doesn't strike it rich with these weird guys, then MIchigan is hanging 2 banners this year. It's bad timing really.

Lack of bench is a big factor this year. 5 recruits and only 1 did anything all year. They have Mr Dribbles Brooks out there that dribbles fast and plays D and not much else, then nothing. The other 4 recruits were basically bodies. I hope they can develop into something. Early entry into the draft and only getting 1 body was the difference between 30-7 and no banners and a better record with banners.

Yup for sure. You are right on. So darn close. It is amazing what missing out on a player or two messes things up. Or guys leaving early. Damn 2 over. If Mathews stays. So who?s Scholarship is getting yanked ?

 

[hungry]

As much as I want to be upset, I can't. This team just did not have the horses to win the title. I tried to justify that guys like Duncan, MAAR, and Wagner could be somewhat replaceable, but they aren't. Rakhman and Wagner could create offense whenever it was necessary, and Duncan required you to be spaced way out to guard him. This team did not have any 3-point shooting ability.

They were playing on a house of cards for most of the year, and it all came to the spotlight last night. The irony is, I don't even think Texas Tech was as suffocating that the announcers made them out to be. But, I think the narrative got embedded in the player's head all week. They had PLENTY of open looks that did not go in. Matthews may not be a great 3-point shooter, but when you airball from the top of the key wide open, something's wrong. I think there was a mental wall that ran out of control.

There needs to be a massive focus on offensive change in the off-season. And there needs to be growth from guys that we expected to be great as freshman, ie Johns.

Yeah. The TT D was good in the paint, but MIchigan had several wide open looks from 3. That shouldn't happen against a good D. Everyone just missed them. They hit just 5 or 6 of those and it's a whole different ball game.