Next year's starting five

[biggunsbob]

I just think Evan is going to want to start.. The rotation should be 7-9 guys next year with plenty of rest for all. So whatever the line-up is I think for the first few games he will start. I see what you are saying but the team has to get stronger with at least two big men in the line-up..

 

[deathroh]

I agree they need to get bigger and stronger, but you don't have to put Smotrycz at the 3 to do that. Actually I think we'll find that Robinson plays bigger than him anyway. I hear you about Evan though, it will be interesting to see how he handles the competition for playing time.

 

[uofmdixon]

I know a lot of you on here love Smotrycz, but I hope he rides the pine.

 

[deathroh]

I doubt anybody here wants him to start unconditionally. I still think he could be a very good player, and is in the right system to be successful, but if his demeanor/consistency/confidence doesn't improve I have no problem with seeing him get the shaft.

 

[biggunsbob]

I know a lot of you on here love Smotrycz, but I hope he rides the pine.

We don't love him but the guy has legitimate range and while he struggled in the middle of the season i think he rebounded nicely... He has range and has hit some big shots... Minnesota game comes to mind.. Morgan, ES, and GR3 are all going to play a bunch.. Not all three freshman are going to start... The next step can be brutal for High school kids.. CB is a perfect example.. He was a four star and Burke was a high 3 and low 4 star and we all know who is the better player..

 

[bdtay71]

I know a lot of you on here love Smotrycz, but I hope he rides the pine.

I dunno about love the guy but I believe he has the potential to be a star in John Beilien's offense. Looks to me like he presses at times because he is confident in his abilities, which is a good thing, but doesn't always log the minutes that a scorer needs. I really believe if he gets this under control and works on his defense he will be a huge asset the next two years.

 

[dubbsco]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think he is an even bigger head case than Hardaway Jr. When he gets fouls called against him, you can tell it just eats away at him. When your team has the ball with 10 seconds left, and a chance to tie, you should not be trying to do killer crossovers when you are 6'8. He's gotta play smarter, and get his head together.

 

[deathroh]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think he is an even bigger head case than Hardaway Jr. When he gets fouls called against him, you can tell it just eats away at him. When your team has the ball with 10 seconds left, and a chance to tie, you should not be trying to do killer crossovers when you are 6'8. He's gotta play smarter, and get his head together.

I fully agree about his reactions when getting calls against him, but that play was 100% on Burke. He never should have put Smotrycz in that position.

 

[Monster]

I fully agree about his reactions when getting calls against him, but that play was 100% on Burke. He never should have put Smotrycz in that position.

Burke killed us in the last 5 minutes of the game. He kept jacking up threes.

He falls into a pattern...time running down on the shot or game clock and he holds the ball until the end and settles for a contested 3...and very rare occasions, he recklessly drives to the basket. He needs to learn that it's okay to pass the ball during those moments. Shot clock at 15? Hold the ball for 13 seconds and don't look for anyone on a kickout...that's been his thing since BT play started.

Yes, he's done well many times in those situations, but when we have to play good teams that actually play defense, they'll be ready for him and he'll need to look for his teammates.

 

[deathroh]

Burke killed us in the last 5 minutes of the game. He kept jacking up threes.

He falls into a pattern...time running down on the shot or game clock and he holds the ball until the end and settles for a contested 3...and very rare occasions, he recklessly drives to the basket. He needs to learn that it's okay to pass the ball during those moments. Shot clock at 15? Hold the ball for 13 seconds and don't look for anyone on a kickout...that's been his thing since BT play started.

Yes, he's done well many times in those situations, but when we have to play good teams that actually play defense, they'll be ready for him and he'll need to look for his teammates.

Yeah, it was killing me that he wouldn't go to the hoop and try to draw a foul.

I think not having a consistent 2nd scorer was a big problem, and probably weighed on his mind in those situations. Regardless, you're right, he has to trust his teammates more. I feel pretty good about him making the proper adjustments with the staff UM has, his temperment and willingness to learn (per beilein's comments), and the new talent they have coming in. I guess eventually being a freshman catches up with you.

 

[dubbsco]

That's true. Did Michigan have any timeouts left?

 

[deathroh]

That's true. Did Michigan have any timeouts left?

Can't remember for sure, but I'm thinking no.

 

[dubbsco]

Well, if there's any year for Michigan to be a 1-2 seed, and actually make a run at the Final 4, its next season. I know there's a multitude of things that will occur between now and next March, but the team will have a lot of depth, and some big time talent.

 

[deathroh]

Yep, backup PG is really the only glaring weakness. Some other things like outside shooting are undetermined, depending on how Hardaway and Vogrich bounce back, and what Stauskus is capable of, but it's just as likely that it will be a positive as it will be a negative.

 

[wheels002]

http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/032112aaa.html

This should solve the Smotz debate.

 

[deathroh]

Holy shit!

 

[wheels002]

Holy shit!

Yeah it was a WTF moment.

 

[deathroh]

Yep, backup PG is really the only glaring weakness. ....

Not that I ever considered Brundidge a legitimate option back there, but....yeah....

 

[deathroh]

Wonder if there are any 2012 pg's out there??

 

[deathroh]

Nino!!

http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=9&c=4&pid=40&yr=2012&cfg=bb