Michigan Monday: Practice, Suspensions, Red Shirts and Recruiting --- O My!

Today starts Fall Camp for the 2011 Michigan Wolverines.  Today officially starts the preparation for year 1 in the Brady Hoke era.  There should be plenty of motivation and expectations for this group of Wolverines.
With the start of practice came a press release last night on 3 players: senior wide receiver Darryl Stonum, senior wide receiver Terrance Robinson and sophomore punter Will Hagerup.

We know Stonum has multiple DUI's and the coaches have decided to redshirt him this year to get his life together:  "While it would be great to have Darryl on the field this season, we feel it is in his best interest and the best interest of our program for him to redshirt," Hoke said. "Darryl will continue to be an important part of our team and family. He has done everything we have asked him to do, but our number one priority is to help Darryl grow as a person."  With Stonum using a scholarship in 2012 now, I wonder if the 2012 class size is now down to 25 players instead of 26?

Terrance Robinson will be suspended for season opener and Will Hagerup will be suspended for 4 games, both players broke team rules. 

Here is my take:  This was the right decision for Michigan and Stonum.  I hope he gets everything together and has a great 5th year next year and heads to the NFL.    Not sure what T-Rob did but he really hasn't ever contributed on the field for the Wolverines.  

Now to Hagerup.............What is going on Big Fella?  You are a punter and now have been suspended for the 2010 Ohio State game and for the first 4 games of the year.  Get your off field stuff in order and keep booming punts in Michigan Stadium.

Hoke:    "In order to build a championship-caliber culture, you have to be accountable to each other on and off the field. There are expectations at the University of Michigan you must live up to." 

Many remember the disaster that was the Ohio State game punting and are worried about how Michigan will punt for the first 4 games of the year.  Well, don't worry too much (worry a little) but incoming kicker Matt Wile is a pretty good punter as well.  He punted in the Army All American game and averaged 41 yards per kick.   I can hear the coaches talking to him today:  "Matt welcome to practice you now have 2 starting positions!"  I hope this kid has a ton of confidence.

Recruiting Weekend Re-cap:

• Michigan wants another elite corner in the 2012 class and they have targeted two guys out East.  We know about Armani Reeves and the second one is 4 star CB from NJ, Yuri Wright.  I expect both players to visit Ann Arbor for a game this season and maybe announce after the season.  Yuri plans to announce at the Army All American game.

• 2013 Offensive line prospect from Wheaton, Illinois Kyle Bosch visited Ann Arbor on Sunday.

• John Beilein has offered another 2012 prospect, this latest offer goes out to 6'8 200 pound forward Marshall Wood from Lynchburg, VA.  

• For those wondering whatever happened to Demar Dorsey, he ended up at Grand Rapids Community College. 

Michigan Tuesday: The Basketball Train Keep Rolling

This time of year, is usually reserved for Football Camp opening (less then a week away) and recruiting making decisions before their senior season starts.   Michigan has 22 players committed (including Clark the gray shirt) and it's the Michigan Basketball team that has gone back to back days with 2 commits to the 2013 class.  

Monday, 6'0 point guard from Harper Woods, Michigan - Chandler Park Academy Derrick Walton picked the Wolverines.  Derrick is obviously at instate product be another top 100 guy in the nation.  Rivals has him 88th.  DW averaged 24 points a game last year.  

Michigan now has 4 commits to the 2013 class which include:  PF Mark Donnal, SG Austin Hatch (who is recovering from a plane crash in Northern Michigan), SF Zak Irvin and now PG Derrick Harper.  

• TomVH catches up with WR Jehu Chesson who enjoyed his visit for the BBQ.  He also confirmed Michigan is looking to take two WR's in this class.

• OSU will wear Nike's new Pro Combat uniforms this year but this time against Wisconsin and not against Michigan.   The new uniforms include things like "thermoregulation" and "Deflex".  Let's hope Michigan's include things like winning and toughness.  

Wolverine Weekend Update: The BBQ Brings A 2012 Verbal for Football and One for Basketball

The Worm has finally turned as 2012 4 Star DE Chris Wormley picked Michigan over Ohio State today at the Big House BBQ. 

Chris Wormley seemly had Michigan as his #1 school for what seems like a year and he finally pulled the trigger today.   Chris is 6'5 and 250 pounds and plays fast for his size.  He is a 4 star prospect to Scouts, 24/7 and ESPN.  He is 3 stars to Rivals.    It seems some services think he is bit of a tweener on which position he might end up at.  He is a DE prospect right now but could end up as a tackle as he adds some more weight and strength.

The recruiting insiders that cover Ohio have been high on Chris for awhile and as you know a Ohio State offer is what most kids in Ohio hope for.   Chris other offers seem strange for a 4 star player of his caliber which include the likes of Indiana, Illinois, MSU, Cincinnati and Toledo.   So either the other schools didn't bother to offer a guy who was either heading to Michigan or OSU or they were unsure of his position. 

Either way, Chris has been high on Michigan fans wish list for a long time and it's nice to have him on board.   Chris will be the last DE Michigan takes in this class, unless Washington wants to commit. 

The needs still remain at DT (probably 2), 1 more offensive lineman, and a couple WR's.  With this commit, Michigan has 21 guys wrapped up in this class and will take 5 more guys.   So I assume the coaches will be pretty selected.



Michigan fans had hoped for 1 or 2 2013  commits today and one highly ranked 2012 DT whose name rhymes with Ripken.   Still could happen but nothing yet.

• Michigan Basketball also got a commitment from Zak Irvin from Indiana who picked Michigan over the likes of Butler, IU, Tennessee and Purdue.   Zak is a 6'6 small forward and a commitment to the 2013 class.   Zak is pretty much a top 100 player to all the services and the third commitment to the 2013 class.

Big House Prayers Out to Austin Hatch

Austin Hatch a Michigan 2013 basketball recruit is in critical condition after a plane that his father was piloting crashed in Northern Michigan. The crash took the lives of Austin's father and step mother. Tragically, this isn't the first plane crash the Hatch family has had to deal with. In 2003, Austin lost his mother, sister, brother and family dog when a plane Austin's father was piloting hit an electrical pole in Indiana.

The Hatch family had a summer home in Northern Michigan and would travel by private plane from Ft. Wayne to Boyne. Both of Austin's parents graduated from U of M.

The latest updates on Austin's condition from mgoblog is that he is in a medically induced coma.  He suffered a broken clavicle, ribs and a fractured leg.  Along with that, both of his lungs were punctured and his skull was fractured.  There is minor swelling in his brain, but doctors claim to have it under control.  He is in critical condition, but doctors do believe they have control over the situation.  

This is time for the Michigan nation to come together and take care of one of it's own. I don't care if Austin ever plays a minute of basketball in Crisler Arena, he has lost his entire family. He is now part of the Michigan family and has a million family members looking out for him. Keep your prayers and thoughts for this young man to heal his body and mind after two un-thinkable tragedies.

Michigan Thursday: Now The Basketball Team in Doubleing Up

If your in Ann Arbor these days maybe you should buy 2 lottery tickets or maybe 2 ice cream cones (I recommend the Washtenaw Dairy) .  It seems recruiting for Michigan's two major sports continue to happen 2 by 2. 

Wednesday was no exception as John Beilien's squad added two 2013 recruits with the commitments of Austin Hatch a 6'6, 214 pound wing from Canterbury, Indiana and Mark Donnal a 6'9, 200 forward out of Wayne, Ohio.

Austin is your classic John Beilein "sleeper" recruit that is pretty much under the radar on the recruiting sites but a guy with a skill set that Beilein loves.  Mark on the other hand is pretty well known and is ranked in the top 100 by ESPN. 

Both gave their verbal commitment today, which also happened to be the first day they could receive and accept offers.   Look for Michigan to add at least one more player to this class and the smart money is on Flint's Monte Morris.

Monte, Mark and Austin were all at Michigan's elite camp last week. 

• TomVH says that Stanford but not Washington will make it to Ann Arbor this weekend.

• Mass Offensive Lineman, Eric Olsen is near a decision on his future school

• Jordan Diamond was in town for the Sound Mind and Sound Body camp and stopped by A2 for a quick visit with the coaches.  He is planning to be back in Ann Arbor later this week.

• Remember Ron Thompson? The guy that was very high on Michigan before 2 guys took his position.  Well it seems Ron is back on Michigan's radar and he might even visit this weekend.

Wolverine Wednesday: Wishes Darius Good Luck

Reports on many sites are saying that Darius is planning to stay in the draft and not return to Michigan.  Which is really bad news for John Beilein's club.   Darius was one of the most improved players in the country this year from his Freshman to Sophomore year and he feels he is ready for the NBA.  
Initial reports are that Darius is still outside of the first round (or maybe a late first rounder) so this information is still a head scratcher for me.   The NBA is looking at a lock out and many top players are deciding to stay in school rather then risk months of not playing ball.   Don't forget, this isn't the NFL draft and if your not a lottery pick you could struggle to make a team.  I think playing at Michigan would be a much better option then the possibility of the D league.


With that said, I hope Darius makes a team and has a long NBA career.   It's just too bad with the upside the Wolverines would have had with him in the fold next year.  Good luck D Morris!

• If your interested in the NCAA Compliance Letter that Tressel signed which will probably cost him his job, here it is from Sportsby Brooks.

• Michigan continues to be in Armani Reeves top group.  Armani is a 4 star CB out of Mass.
• TomVH has a interview up with 2012 Athlete DJ Foster.

• If your wondering, Justin Boren was not drafted and will be looking for a free agent offer when the lock out is lifted. 

Super Saturday: Michigan Gets Two More Commitments

Michigan got it's first verbal commitment to the 2012 football class on Thursday.  The Basketball Team also got it's last 2011-2012 scholarship filled on  Friday when Max Bielfeldt hoped on board the Beilein train.

You would expect a boring day from both programs, right?  Wrong.

Both picked up verbals again today. 

Basketball:

Nik Stauskas joined Glenn Robinson III as the second commitment for Michigan's 2012 class.  Nik is a 6'4 shooting guard that is rated 3 stars by pretty much every service but has a very nice offer list that includes Butler, Kansas, Iowa State, and Wake Forest. 

UMHoops has a complete write up on Nik and his potential.


Football:

Remember when Michigan didn't have any commits and needed a ton of offensive lineman?  Well, that was Thursday morning and now Michigan has 2.  The latest is Caleb Stacey a 6'4 280 pound offensive lineman from Cincinnati.  "I just got back from a visit to West Virginia, me and my parents sat down and talked about everything. We just decided that Michigan was the right place for me. It was just the place I felt best and I felt comfortable."

Caleb isn't ranked by any of the services yet but still had a decent offer sheet that included pretty much every MAC school, BC, NC State, Wake, WVU, and South Florida. Michigan is looking to take maybe 5-6 offensive lineman in the 2012 class and they are now off to a flying start.   With Ben Braden late on Thursday and now Caleb on Saturday.


More News:

• Darius Morris has decided to file for the NBA Draft but will not hire an agent.  If he doesn't sign with an agent or sign an endorsement deal he can come back to Michigan.  I think "the butterfly" could use one more year at least.  Darius really improved his game this year, but still needs to work on his jump shooting skills.   If he adds a "J" he will be a more complete NBA prospect.

• An update on Matt Godin's recruitment from Matt's brother:  Just got off the phone with my dad, who is at EMU today with Matthew for a track meet.  Tom Lemming is in Ann Arbor this weekend, and he made it out to EMU to meet my brother.  Lemming told Matthew that he'll be recommending him for both the Army and UA All-American games.  My dad also told me that he and Matthew are probably heading over to Ann Arbor after the track meet to visit with the coaches.  Let's hope Matt is Michigan's 3rd commitment.

Max is Blue!

Max Bielfeldt 6'8 220+ pound forward from Illinois has picked the Wolverines, just seconds ago. 

He is a 2011- 2012 recruit and will be playing for the Wolverines next year.  He felt comfortable with the coaches and players in Ann Arbor. 

Welcome Max!  Too early for the Mad Max nickname?  Michigan Max?  :)

Michigan Monday: Basketball and Football Recruiting Blitz

So Michigan is fresh off it's close loss to Duke and there is still one question left for the 2011 class.  That person in question is Max Bielfeldt a 6'8 220 pound forward that is averaging 24 points a game, 5 blocks, and 12 boards.  Max is down to Michigan and Illinois.  Mentioned here last week, there are some questions remaining whether Illinois has a scholarship left for the young man, but he has a lot of family legacy there and might not need one anyway.   Max is planning to announce his school of choice this week.  I think it's a toss up for Max at this point, he probably has dreamed of playing for Illinois but Michigan is a "hot" young team that gives him a great shot at a ton of early playing time.  I would say he probably understands that Michigan has an unlimited future with this young squad.  I hope he goes Blue!

I mentioned yesterday that Michigan is lacking a big man and back up point guard for next year.  Michigan has a PG coming in next year named Trey Burke from Columbus and a shooting guard from Southfield Carlton Brundidge.   If Max would join this class, I think it would be a pretty nice group to fill some of Michigan holes. 

Football

We all know Michigan had it's first practice of the Spring on Saturday.  Many of the recruits in attendance were impressed on how smoothly the practice went for the first time with a new coaching staff.  TomVH does another great job of running down the guys there were there.

The In-State Big 3: Royce Jenkins-Stone, James "Biggs" Ross, and Terry Richardson with their families were all at practice and got to visit with the coaches.  It seems all were impressed in their discussions with the coaches: RJS: Yeah, this visit helped Michigan a lot. I didn't think it was that family centered up there. Everyone felt like they were at home, and I know for a fact that none of those coaches are leaving. If I go there none of them are leaving for the three or four years I'm there. I know Terry [Richardson] and James [Ross] felt the same way. I don't know where they're at with everything, but I know they liked it.

All three of these guys are national recruits and will have a number of big time offers.  Michigan has and will continue to make these guys a priority to stay at home and come to Ann Arbor.

Other visitors in this weekend:

• 2012 DE Pharaoh Brown, 6'6, 220 lbs.from Lyndhurst, Ohio
• 2012 OT Kyle Dodson, 6'6, 315 lbs. from Cleveland, Ohio
• 2012 LB Camren Williams 6'2, 215 lbs. from Massachusetts
• 2012 OL Caleb Stacey 6'4, 275 lbs. from Ohio visited and got offered

Next weekend Michigan could have close to 20 recruits at practice.  RJS might come back to see the Wolverines in pads.

I Love This Basketball Team

Ever since the Fab 5 penalty and punishment, I wondered when I would be excited to watch Michigan Basketball again.  The program teased us two years ago with a win in the first round and a blow out loss to Blake Griffin and Oklahoma.    Today, the team lost to #1 seed by two points with an open jumper from the lane that just was a touch too long.  If you think about it Michigan last 3 losses are on a banked 3 pointer to Wisconsin, a tournament loss to the #1 team in the nation and #1 seed Duke.  That's not too bad!

Michigan gave Duke everything they wanted and more today.  I would of preferred a TH2 or Zack 3 point shot for the win but I can't complain about the open look that Morris took.   That was a good look and a shot that he has hit a 100 times.   This team fought hard all game and worked it's way back from being down 15 points and in foul trouble most of the game.  My only complaint was the consistent involvement of the referees.  It seemed they couldn't stop blowing their whistle at some points.  Let the kids play and let the "nickel dimers" go. 

Even though today was a loss, I feel this program if finally back on solid ground and heading in the right direction.  Recruits, I hope you notice that something special is happening in Ann Arbor and the future is really bright for these young Wolverines.   This team is no longer a group of misfit toys, this is a well balanced team that is lacking a back up point guard and a big man away from challenging for Big Ten Championships. 

Well done guys and congratulations on a great year!  I have a feeling people won't be projecting you in the basement of the Big 10 next year.

That Tastes Nice!

A 30 point win over Tennessee.  Raise your hand if you saw that coming? Me either! 

I will take it!  Loved the bench scoring today. 

Bring on Duke. 

Didn't you just have a feeling that with all the Jalen Rose - Grant Hill talk this week that these two teams would meet in the second third round!

Wolverine Wednesday: Predicts a new Basketball Commit Maybe On Its Way

Wouldn't it be strange if the Crisler, Ross, or Glick had a family member that was a division 1 basketball prospect that ended up playing at another Big Ten School?  I guess the closet thing Michigan has to that situation is Glen Rice, Jr. playing at Georgia Tech. 

The Michigan Basketball program seems to have a very good shot of landing a 2011 class forward prospect out of Illinois named Max Bielfeldt, whose last name is on the Athletic Office Building of the University of Illinois.   Max is a 6'8 220 pound forward that has averaged 24 points a game, 12 boards and 5 blocks this year.

Here is ESPN's take on Max:

Strengths:

This strong high energy power forward never takes a possession off. Bielfeldt runs the floor on a consistent basis and simply out works opposing post for easy baskets. In the low post he scores with good touch and crafty moves. Bielfeldt is a below the rim finisher that can also face and knock down mid range and open three with needed time and space. He can drive from the high post as well. Bielfeldt is a good passer and active rebounder on both ends. He could be affective in both pick and pop or role situations. Bielfeldt won't wow you with athletic ability but will with his consistent production.

Max was just offered a couple weeks ago by John Beilein and his final two schools are Illinois and Michigan.  Max is expected to take an official visit to Ann Arbor this week (maybe to watch practice) and the win over Illinois in the BTT probably didn't hurt either.   What makes me so confident that Max will choose the Wolverines over his families legacy at Illinois?

It seems Illinois has accepted a point guard transfer from Bradley which takes the last scholarship spot on the team.  Max has an offer to walk on if he likes.  Michigan now is his largest offer for the 2011 class but teams like Florida, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Nebraska, Tulane and Butler are showing interest in this young man.

Let's hope John Beilein can lock Max down on his visit and the Wolverines can take the momentum to the tournament and get a win over Tennessee.  

Michigan Monday: Happy To Be Invited

There is nothing worse when your a kid not to be invited to a "cool" party.   The Michigan Basketball Program pretty much since the late 90's was that kid in high school.  The only party they got an invite to was the NIT.  Michigan's last invite to the Cool Party was 2009, which was the first time since 1998. 

Not this Year!  The upside for this years team was clearly the NIT.  Michigan took basically the same team they had in 2009 and finished with a losing record in 2010 season.   The combination of Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims got Michigan back to the tournament but could not repeat that feat the next year and both players headed for the NBA.   So Michigan would have one of the youngest teams in the nation with no seniors and a bunch of true and redshirt freshman getting a ton of playing time.  The projected finish in a tough Big Ten was anywhere from 8th to 11th place.  Michigan finished 4th and lost to the #1 team in the nation in the Big Ten Tournament. 

John Beilein clearly has done his best coaching job of his Michigan career this year with this over achieving team.  It has been a fun ride most of the year (minus the 6 game losing streak).   Michigan is now an 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament taking on much aligned Tennessee Volunteers whose coach Bruce Pearl lied to the NCAA and the SEC suspended him basically half of the SEC season. 

I hope Michigan beats Tennessee and plays Duke in Round 3 because I know the Wolverines wouldn't be afraid after playing OSU 3 times, Kansas, and Syracuse.  Even if they lose on Friday, this year has been more "cake then frosting".  Starting on Friday, it's nothing but frosting and I hope the young Wolverines enjoy it and come back next year and play championship basketball. 

Fab 5 30 for 30 Last Night

I thought was real and entertaining.  I appreciated the openness that each player had during the piece.  It was a special time and the documentary showed the highs and lows of those 2 years.   The Fab 5 put Michigan Basketball on the map.   The 1989 National Championship run was special but the Fab 5 took the Michigan program to another level, it also destroyed the program for 10+ years. 

Ed Martin Scandal:  I would like it proven how Ed Martin was a Michigan Booster.  Like Jalen said, ED gave money to many Detroit high school players.  Yes, he paid some Wolverines.  But what about players that went to other schools?  Did he pay Spartans?  Did he pay Golden Gophers?  The answer is yes.  If he did, how could he be a Michigan booster?  Don't get me wrong, I don't agree with him paying players and yes, Michigan should have been punished for it's players taking money but Ed wasn't paying players to come to Michigan.  He was paying players for a return when they made it to the NBA.

Chris Webber:  Yes, I wish the entire situation with him and Ed Martin never happended but whats in the past is in the past.  He was a young kid and the LeBron of his time.   He picked Michigan because he wanted to be part of something special.  He was right it was a special time, he was wrong to take money from Ed Martin but I have to agree to what Mitch Albom said, if he took $300K from Ed Martin, I don't know what he did with it?   Around A2 at this time, it was pretty well known that Chris struggled with money for CD's, food, etc.   So my point is, not whether he took the money or not, my point is there is more to this story then we know.  If Chris wants to tell it, it's up to him.  If he doesn't he should be remember as a special part of the Fab 5 and we all should just move on.

Anything sound familiar?

• A team that wasn't supposed to do anything ends up a high seed in the NCAA Tournament
• One of the youngest teams in the nation
• Potential Duke Match Up
• Wins over Michigan State
• Close game during the season over the top team in the nation 
• OSU being the top seed in the tournament and Big Ten Champion

This team clearly was not the top recruited class in the country but there are some interesting parallels to that FAB 5 team.  Either way, this time of the year is much more exciting when Michigan is participating. 

Friday's game is at 12:40 and will be on Tru TV. 

Michigan Tuesday: Has Writer's Block

Not too much making news today, so I will just give you my random thoughts on a number of topics.  You better hide the young children when you start to walk around in my brain.

Tressel knew too much - (about the trading of OSU gear for Tattoo's like 8 months before it was reported)  Big headline which will have little impact.  Of course he knew early and of course it happens at a lot of schools.  The NCAA will slap someone in Columbus on their hand and everyone will move on.  Maybe the "Vest" might have to sit out a instate MAC game next year.   The thing to really consider is, when will OSU have done enough for the NCAA to come to Columbus with a fine tooth comb?  I would guess it's probably getting pretty close.  The one thing the NCAA doesn't like is being lied to.

You know what will push College Football to a Playoff System? The current Bowl System will. What? Might be your first reaction.  Brian at Mgoblog did a good piece today on how Universities are losing money on Bowl Games.   UConn lost $1.8M playing in the Fiesta Bowl last year and there is no way a MAC team makes any money attending any bowl.    The issues is the Bowl's are making teams buy a ton of seats and hotel rooms that go un-filled.  Which equals huge loses. 

Back to why this will equal a Playoff System.  Everyone who owns a calculator and has a business degree knows any and all networks would back up the Brinks Truck for a College Football Playoff System.  It could be bigger then the Basketball Tournament.  The only reason the Bowl System stays intact is due to the University Presidents liking that their 6-6 club gets to play one more game in El Paso every year.   If those Presidents now are starting to lose $2M per trip, how excited are they going to be to play in those games?  I'm guessing not too excited.  If their "league" has revenue sharing and the top teams can play in the playoffs, split the big payday and everyone will get their share.  Now the a 6-6 President has more money and can  hire Rich Rodriguez next year.   See how it works out for everyone?  I'm sure even Les Miles could work out a contract extension or pay raise under this system.

Big Ten Coach of the Year:  I don't have a problem with Purdue's  Matt Painter winning the award.  He was able to keep his talented team together and in the top 15 all year with the loss of Robbie Hummel on the first day of practice.    With that said, the best coaching job in the Big Ten and maybe in the nation was done by John Beilein.  If he gets this team in the tournament, somebody should recognize him for taking a team expected to finish 10th in the Big Ten to 4th  (in a talented Big 10) and to the Big Dance.

Crying after a loss:  I actually don't have a problem with it and I much rather players show emotion after a loss then joking around and talking about which clubs they are going to hit that night.  People show emotion in a number of ways (watch American Idol if you question that) and showing emotion after a tough loss makes me know that you care about the game and your teammates.    It sucks to lose and if you don't feel pain after a difficult loss in an important game then you don't love what your doing.

Some might say that (outside of Denard) that the 2010 Football Team could have taken the losses a bit more seriously.  I have a feeling that won't be an issue under Coach Hoke. 

Fab 5:  I hope the new documentary is done well.  I know they will have to mention Ed Martin but that time was special at Michigan and I hope they capture what the Fab 5 meant to college basketball and not about a guy running numbers and trying to get close to athletes by paying them money under the table. 

Michigan Get's Big Win - Now the Focus is on the Big 10 Tourney

Michigan swept it's instate rival on Saturday for the first time since 1997.  That is big news for a number of reasons including: the rivalry between the two programs is clearly back, ESPN now has Michigan as an at large team in the NCAA Tournament switching places with MSU who is now on the "last 4 in" list and the Wolverines now have a bye in the Big Ten Tournament as the #4 seed.    

The team that was expected to finish near the bottom of the Big Ten is tied for 4th in the final league standings.  That is pretty impressive.

Now to the tough road ahead.  Michigan will play Illinois on Friday at about 2:30 or 3:00 EST.  If they are lucky to win that game, they will most likely face the #1 team in the nation The Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday.

Michigan has played both Illinois and Ohio State tough this year but has an 0-3 record against them.  I think Michigan still needs at least 1 win in the Big Ten Tourney to feel comfortable that they are in the Big Dance.  

So is getting the 4th seed a good thing or bad thing?  Keeping the 4th team in the Big Ten out of the tournament might be difficult but what if they have a 9-10 overall B10 record?   Playing on Thursday of the Big Ten tournament might have given Michigan a favorable match up against an inferior team.

So playing well is a blessing and a curse.  Let's hope the Wolverines don't pick their heads up and start looking around, let's hope they keep playing hard and can get a victory over Illinois on Friday.  If they do that they then can look to get revenge on the long 3 pointer from Justin Evan Turner that ended the Wolverines season in 2010.

Well done Mr. Beilein, this might be the best coaching job you have done in a long time!

Michigan Friday: Wonders What You Do on Senior Day Without Any Seniors?

The only seniors on the floor in Crisler Arena on Saturday will be those wearing Green and White, Michigan only has juniors.   Let's hope the Wolverines give the Spartans seniors a going away loss.  I know the Maize and Blue faithful are feeling pretty good about this one, but let's hope the young Wolverines play loose, play great defensive, and shoot well from outside.  If you remember, the roles were reversed back in East Lansing about a month ago and Michigan got out of there with a win.  Be careful with a desperate and talented Spartan team. 

With that said, Go Blue and let's get the W!

• 2011 prospect basketball Max Bielfeldt will not make it up this weekend for his official visit.  He wants to wait and visit Ann Arbor again when he isn't distracted by playoffs and can spend more time with the coaches and players.

Thought for the day:  In two years will either team in this years BCS National Championship game be  eligible to win the game?  NCAA is now looking at the Ducks for a $25K recruiting fee that they paid. 

Michigan Thursday: Basketball Tries to Fill It's last 2011 Spot

John Beilein's squad has an important game on Saturday against the Spartans and then next week in the Big Ten Tournament.   The goal is very clear but the coaches can't forget they still have a scholarship left for the 2011 class.   The coaches really have 3 options: 

#1: 6-8, 240-pound forward from Illinois, Max Bielfeldt who is averaging 24 points a game and got an offer for Michigan's last scholarship spot yesterday.   Max also received an Illinois scholarship offer and is trying to weigh his two options.   Max is in the middle of basketball playoffs but may make it up to Ann Arbor for the State game on Saturday.  A sold out Crisler, an instate rival, the new basketball facility, Michigan playing it's best basketball of the season and the upgrades planned for Crisler should impress this young man.

#2: 6'7, (another former son of an NBA player ) Larry Nance, Jr.  Larry is averaging 18 points a game and 10 boards.   Larry doesn't have any other offers and might be a walk on candidate if Max takes the final spot in the 2011 class.  Update: Coach B was out to see Larry play on Tuesday night.  Wake Forest has also shown some interest in Larry as well.

#3: Sim Bhullar is the 7'4 Andre the Giant player, that we profiled yesterday.  Sim has enough credits to graduate in the 2011 class.  I have heard that John Beilein would prefer him in the 2012 class.  Probably would be good for the young man to get another year of HS basketball.

Football Recruiting

• Sam Webb does his Thursday thing on Ohio DL Tom Strobel.

• TomVH catches up with the Good Counsel Head Football Coach who could have 7 prospects that Michigan might be interested in for the 2012 and 2013 classes.

• Colorado OL Shane Callahan is planning a visit to Ann Arbor this Spring.

• Michigan still doesn't have a verbal commitment for the 2012 class.  Could the first one be, Clayton, Ohio Northmont LB, Kaleb Ringer?

Wolverine Wedneday: Is Michigan Recruiting The Next Andre the Giant?

Michigan Basketball Coach John Beilein was out to watch 7'4 Sim Bhullar play basketball on Monday night.  Michigan doesn't have a mid-week game this week, so coach can hit the road and do a little recruiting for the 2011 and 2012 class.

Sim is a giant of a young man at 7'4 and 315 pounds (at 17) and already has offers from Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and West Virgina of the Big East for the 2012 class.    Michigan is looking at him but hasn't offered yet.   His parents live in Toronto and Sim and his 7'2 brother (age 15) play at Huntington Prep in West Virgina.

I watched some highlights on him and he is pretty athletic for a huge man and has some touch on his jumper.   He does labor down the court and won't exactly lead any fast breaks.   I was pretty impressed and with some good coaching and skill development he could turn into a very nice D1 player.  Here is an article SI.com did on him this summer.

I know U of M isn't a carnival but how much would you pay for a summer event (for charity of course) where HokeAMania would wrestle Sim "Andre the Giant" at the Big House?  It could beat the "Big Chill" record or they could go old school at put in back at the Silver Dome. 
                                                    
                                               VS.

 

• 2012 Texas LB Jeremiah Tshimanga (6'3", 226 lbs) might take an un-official to Michigan this weekend.  His offer list right now includes; Texas Tech, OK State, Texas A&M, Baylor, and Arkansas.  

• New Walk On's on the Spring Roster:  QB Steve Wilson (Jr*), RB Jihad Rasheed (Fr*), OL Joey Burzynski (Fr*), TE Mike Kwiatkowski (Jr*), S Charlie Zeller (So*) * = Redshirt

• There were reports that early enrollee Greg Brown might have been getting home sick and headed home in January.  He is listed on the roster and his number is 35.  I hope he decided to stick it out.

•  Michigan has offered 6'9 310 pound OL from Washington Zach Banner: "Michigan is back in with Hoke, going back to the big road graders," Miller said. "Getting the offer from Michigan last week was really exciting for Zach."

Novak = Heart

I have been a big fan of Zack Novak since he stepped on campus.  He wasn't highly recruited out of Indiana with his only other scholarship offer coming from Valparaiso.  He was a diamond in the rough that John Beilein found and added late to the 2008 class, which happened to be Beilein's first ever recruiting class in Ann Arbor.  The Rivals site didn't even have a photo of him up. (The photo to the right was from mgoblue.com when Zack was new on campus as a freshman) Zack was a 3 star player with only one offer and Beilein gave him an opportunity to play at a Big Ten school.  IU and Purdue had looked at Zack and both took a pass.

Since day 1 Zack has left everything on the floor in every game.  How many games have you watched where an announcer says, "I'm betting Indiana and Purdue wishes they kept Zack home" or "this kid is nails!".   Zack is why Michigan Basketball is starting to be special again.  This team with no seniors and who most expected to be lucky to make the NIT is now on ESPN's last 4 in bubble list.  

Zack hasn't been very "offensive" lately missing his last 14 shots in two games (before Minn. game) while still playing well on defense.  Agent 0 as we like to call him around here was 0-14 but missing open 3's he would normally hit and even bricking a few layups didn't seem to bother him much.   On Saturday he hit an early three and a late three to help Michigan get a much needed victory in the Barn against a team playing for their tournament life as well. 

I wasn't sure how the Wolverines would come out in this game after the devastating loss against Wisconsin on Wednesday.   I hinted in other posts that they couldn't let one shot beat them twice, they didn't and showed early they had come to play.  TH2 was "hot" early hitting five 3 pointers in the first half and then in the second "the Butterfly" took over by beating his man and driving to the bucket.  Both of those guys are exciting to watch and if they stay together could be one of the best tandems in the country in a few years.  But my game ball would have gone to Zack yesterday.  Hitting a long 3 when Michigan had 1 second on the shot clock and guarding the 7 foot Ralph Sampson, Jr. most of the game.   I don't know too many coaches in college basketball that would send their 6'4 shooting guard/small forward down low to guard a 7 foot son of a legend.  Zack did and did it pretty well, even getting a late steal and outlet pass to Morris to seal the victory. 

Zack played 33 minutes and scored 6 points on his 2 made three pointers.  If you just saw the box score, you probably wouldn't be too impressed.  If you watched the entire game, you would have.

Michigan hasn't accomplished anything yet and still needs wins against rival MSU on Saturday and a couple Big Ten Tournament wins, but there is one thing for sure.  The excitement is back in Crisler Arena which is worth smiling about, no matter what happens the next two weeks.

Welcome to Heart Break Hotel

I have no words for that game last night.   What a difficult loss.  

Memo to coach Belein:  If Michigan is down by 2 with less then 10 seconds left.  Please replace Stu Douglass with someone else. The man he is guarding seems to hit wild 3's at the buzzer to win big games. 

I hope the Wolverines don't let that lucky shot beat them twice (vs. Minnesota) or three times against MSU.