It's been an exercise in patience, but John Beilein has been able to put together a young, talented, and feisty bunch in Ann Arbor.
After a tumultuous first season, which saw the Wolverines go 10-22 overall and 5-13 in conference play, expectations were tempered, but you could feel a buzz around the program. They had shown improvement as last season went on, winning five of their last 10 conference games, and expectations were warming up on the heels of Beilein's first recruiting class, which brought some shooters.
They have a bona fide star in Manny Harris, an All Big-Ten Freshman Team selection last year, who is expected to be the leader of the team and improve on his 16.1 ppg. So far, he has gone above and beyond, averaging 28.0 ppg in the first two contests of the season and posting 15 points in tonight's big 55-52 win over No. 4 UCLA.
Michigan went into the game as 10-point underdogs and quickly found themselves down 1-9 early in the first half. They were able to stabilize a bit by halftime, thanks to some active defense and transition buckets, going into the locker room down six at 29-23.
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It was amazing that they were that close considering they shot a horrendous 1-12 from beyond the arc in the first half, but they rebounded nicely in the second, going 4-8.
Michigan was led by junior forward DeShawn Sims, who had 18 points, five rebounds, and a thunderous dunk that iced the game. Manny Harris chipped in with 15 after going into the break with only five points.
The heroes of the game, though, in addition to Harris and Sims, were two freshmen—Stu Douglass and Zach Novak.
Douglass game out in the second half and drained almost everything he put up, including a crucial three-pointer with just over four minutes remaining that gave Michigan the lead. The kid was fearless and can flat-out shoot the rock, as his threes were from NBA range.
Novak's stat line looks pretty pedestrian, as he didn't get a bucket all night, but his tenacious defense, multiple deflections, steals, and outlet passes were key in the second half.
UCLA has some bona fide pro prospects and the No. 1 recruiting class this year. Still, they were outhustled by Michigan tonight and looked confused much of the night by Michigan's pressure 1-3-1 defense.
John Beilein has done a masterful job of recruiting and is getting the most out of his players. Everyone on the floor looks very comfortable in his role and is doing a great job on the defensive end. It appears as though Beilein has everyone on the same page and heading in the right direction.
It might be too early to start thinking of an NCAA Tourney bid, but you can't help but think that given some time to groom this young squad and add to it, Michigan's postseason drought is sure to come to an end...and soon.
Michigan suits up again tomorrow night, against No. 5 Duke, who had a hard time with Southern Illinois in the first half before dispatching them 83-58. It will be another test for Beilein's boys, but win or lose, they have to feel good about their performance to start this season.
Congrats, BIG BLUE and Coach Beilein, on your first of hopefully many big wins.
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about 1 month ago
I was taping a show at my campus TV station and I missed the majority of the second half. I was so upset that I missed the comeback, but I did catch the last minute or so. I'm loving the Michigan Wolverines this year. They are fun to watch and I love Manny Harris. Consider me a fan of this team this year.
from about 1 month ago
Sweet, nice to have you on board. I was so impressed with the discipline and passion that they play with. Last year, it was real sloppy much of the time, but they seem to have a grasp on the system now. It could be bad news for any team that underestimates us.
about 1 month ago
Congrats! I'm kicking myself that I changed the channel. I saw about the first ten minutes or so, but switched back to the Georgia Tech-Miami football game. Sounds like this would have been much more entertaining. Oh well... I'll watch them tomorrow. Believe it or not I'll be rooting for the Wolverines. Not a big Duke fan and I'd love love to see them go down to the Big Ten!
from about 1 month ago
Yeah, it would've as the Miami-GT game got out of hand pretty quick. Yeah, not too many folks outside of NC like Duke or NC. They are always so good and get the pick of the litter when it comes to recruits, which begets hate. They are kinda like the Yankees in some respects.
Glad you'll be rooting for us. I hope we can pull another one out, but Duke will be much tougher than UCLA.
from about 1 month ago
KRISTOFER !
from about 1 month ago
I know, I know BT. :) Only in Basketball. I could never bring mysylf to root for the Michigan football team. Never!!
about 1 month ago
HUGE win.
about 1 month ago
They were impressive tonight but I don't think that NCAA tourney drought will fall until next year. They have a good class coming in with Darius Morris leading the way. As long as we keep the game close tomorrow I think we might be able to take Duke on Dec. 6th.
from about 1 month ago
Yep, Morris will be key, but honestly...Jordan Morgan will be at least as important. The team is now loaded with perimeter shooters and Vogrich, Morris and McLimans will only add to that depth, but Morgan will fill a void in the post as Gibson and Sims are our only real options there at this point. We'll have to see with Cronin.
about 1 month ago
Good write up, and this is what I was afraid of with UCLA. The Bruins have a very young team that created far to many mistakes last night. Collison played well but I am concerned about Josh Shipp's ability to lead the team.
Props to Michigan for fighting so far and that Manny Harris kid is a beast.
from about 1 month ago
Manny is a beast for sure, but it's DeShawn Sims that really stepped up and we need him as the "Pippen" to Manny's "Jordan" if you know what I mean. Harris can't do it all by himself this year.
I was really pleased with how everyone played last night.
UCLA will be fine. They just need more experience and they need to figure out how to get some points in the paint.
about 1 month ago
Man, I really wish I watched this game instead of the Pistons. This is a huge win for Michigan basketball and hopefully the start of a turnaround.
Definitely Michigan's biggest win in basketball in about a decade. Signature win for Beilein!
I don't know if Michigan has it in them to make the tourney this year, but if they end up being a bubble team, they can point to this game.
If nothing else, this team just gave me reason enough to pay attention to them this year. I don't think I've actually been excited about Michigan basketball for years.
from about 1 month ago
Man, you should've seen it. I think that if they continue playing the way they have thru these first 3 games, they will win alot. Their defense is really good! I mean, it was turnover after turnover for UCLA, as well as the first two teams they played. Of course, as Manny and DeShawn go, so will UM, but you have to give some credit to Beilein for what he's been able to do with these guys.
about 1 month ago
I saw that score and watched the recap on SportsCenter! Very impressive win. Looks like your Wolverines are back in it this season! Nice recap, too. I had read your preview for the season, but I wasn't sure how your quick and talented UM boys would do. I guess they proved what they're capable of.
from about 1 month ago
Yeah, I don't want to get too excited, as it's early yet and we play in a tough conference. But, this will certainly be something the guys can hang their hats on and go along way towards strengthening their confidence. It's one thing to play hard, but another to really believe you can win.
about 1 month ago
Good article. This was a huge win. I'm really excited this season. Can't wait for Duke tonight!
from about 1 month ago
Me either, I don't care if they win or not really. I just want them to play the same way they did last night. If they do, they'll be in it at the end.
about 1 month ago
Thank you for the heads up to this fine article. Good luck to Michigan in the Big 10 season. Although the Big East seems to dwarf all other leagues this season, don't lose sight of the fact that Big 10 basketball produces some of the finest basketball from a fundamentals standpoint as well as some of strongest teams in the country. This could be the turning point year in the ACC vs Big 10 Challenge.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for checking it out. I agree with you about the ACC/Big 10 Challenge. The matchups actually look really favorable for the Big Ten. Maryland is certainly a beatable team by this Michigan team.
It will be interesting. I am actually going to that game as well, which should be fun.
about 1 month ago
Awww Scott I WISH I liked basketball....Everyone says I will get into it if I watched March Madness. We shall see ;) Good article tho ;)
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Kristin! Basketball is good too, especially college. But, I too, enjoy football more so don't feel bad.
about 1 month ago
As a Buckeyes fan, if Michigan was going to pull one upset this week, I'm glad they've already used it!
Hopefully the maze and blue got the upset bug out of their system and I have nothing to worry about tomorrow.
from about 1 month ago
I hear you bro, but of course, I hope it was just a sign of things to come. On the bright side, since we will probably lose tomorrow, it's nice to see one of our programs looking like a competitor after this disaster of a football season.
about 1 month ago
Very good story, Scott. I'm a Michigan alum and was at the game (I'll be there tonight as well). Check out my story from the game last night if you get a chance.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/84348-michigan-pulls-off-amaizeing-upset-beats-ucla
from about 1 month ago
Will do, thanks for the read.
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