Photo credit: www.m-chiccheer.com
When the Wildcats of Northern Michigan University take the court for the first time in 2009, last season’s finish at the bottom of the GLIAC North will be forgotten.
Despite a formidable mountain in front of them when they take on the No. 15 Michigan Wolverines to start the season, this Wildcat squad is looking forward to another season of competitive basketball.
In front of them is a wide open division in the GLIAC conference. Despite a 6-16 conference record last season, the team believes they can compete for a championship. The road towards that goal must start with strong play and the continued building of team chemistry in the first two games against Division I opponents.
Against the University of Michigan, head coach Dean Ellis will begin his search for the best rotations on the court; whether it be with three guards or going bigger up front. The 2-3 zone defense will be pushed to the limit against play makers Manny Harris and Deshawn Sims.
Can the Wildcats show their talent on regional television and in front of the fans of Michigan basketball in Ann Arbor? Can the Wildcats put themselves in a position by playing well enough against Michigan to compete in in their next matchup against University of Wisconsin Green Bay?
All the questions of the upcoming season will be answered on the court. It starts tonight against the University of Michigan.
Coaching Profiles
Dean Ellis, the longest tenured coach for any sport in NMU’s history, returns to the bench for his 24th year as the head coach of the Men’s basketball program. With 13 GLIAC Tournament appearances and a 358-278 record, Ellis has established himself as one of better coaches in Division II basketball.
His teams have set numerous school records and have made three Midwest Regional Division II tournaments.
Ellis has established a fast paced perimeter offense in his time at NMU, while finding talent to fill his offense in places that nobody else has really gone to recruit. Ellis has tapped into Canadian talent and has a higher percentage of players from the neighbors to the north than the Wildcat's hockey squad.
He is a fiery coach that will back his players on the court. A two-sport coach, Ellis will look to push his five returning seniors, the GLIAC Freshman of the Year, and the rest of his roster to compete at the highest level possible.
For Michigan, any college basketball fan can tell you how much of an impact John Beilien has had on the basketball program. Last year was the first time the Wolverines were part of the NCAA Tournament in 11 years.
Beilein is the only active coach in the collegiate ranks to record a 20-win season at four different levels—junior college, NAIA, NCAA Division II, and NCAA Division I.
He has winning records in 27 of his 31 years coaching, and has made 11 postseason appearances in 17 seasons as a Division 1 head coach. If that is not enough, the Wolverines played 19 NCAA Tournament opponents in 2008-2009.
After continuous struggles in Ann Arbor, it seems the Michigan faithful have a coach they can put their trust in. The Wolverines are on the rise nationally and a mass majority of it has to do with coach Beilein.
Probable Starting Lineups
Michigan Wolverines
G Zach Novak: Novak came onto the scene last season, and brings hard-nosed play to the court. The left handed shooter could play off guard, and at 6′5″ he could see some time at the small forward position.
G/F Manny Harris: One of the best play makers in the Big Ten, Harris is the game changer the Wolverines will go to all season. It won’t be surprising if he drops 30-plus points against NMU this weekend. Harris will play the three all season, but plays like a slashing point guard.
G Darrius Morris: Morris is one of the highly touted recruits in the backcourt for the Wolverines. The Los Angeles native seems to have an inside track on running the offense because he is physically ready for it. The question will be if he can mentally keep it together.
G Laval Lucas-Perry: After transferring from Arizona last season, Perry showed a flare for the dramatic. He will play some two guard and possible point guard in the Wolverine system.
F Deshawn Sims: It is unclear whether Sims will play at the 5 or 4 most of the season, but either way the Wolverines will need his production. The Senior will be asked to go to the boards. Sims is honing in on 500 rebounds in his Michigan Career.
Northern Michigan Wildcats
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