Following the NCAA National Championship, I read a blog on Yahoo sports April 9 about the top 10 contenders for next year’s college basketball season. Even though the 2013-14 season is far away, I was still eager to see how people see next year shaping out. Out of the ten teams highlighted, the University of Michigan was not mentioned once. That writer needs to either be removed from his job, or reconsider his definition of a contender. Michigan is definitely a contender to cut down the ropes in Cowboy’s Stadium next year. The youngest team in the tournament outplayed each of the opponents and only lost to Louisville after some questionable officiating.
Michigan was not only the youngest team in the tournament, but they were the most confidant. Trey Burke and company were pulling up from 30 feet and draining three-pointers game in and game out. The funny thing was, these were not “bad shots.” Burke’s three to send the game into overtime against the University of Kansas in the Sweet 16 was a perfect example. Most teams would try to drive and kick it out of a three, but not Michigan. Just set a high screen for Burke and let him shoot wherever he feels comfortable.
And it’s not just Burke. Head coach John Beilein seemingly gives all of his shooters the green light. On no other team would a freshman back-up point guard like Spike Albrecht be given the opportunity to have a 17-point first half. Glen Robinson III, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Nick Stauskas are all given the green light to pull the trigger when they feel comfortable.
Young teams are often afraid to take shots and when it comes down to crunch time, they suffer. This is not the case with Michigan. All five players on the court have the ability and confidence to knock down shots in big spots.
Mitch McGary has become a man during the NCAA tournament. The top recruit who proved to be a sparkplug off the bench, turned into a top big man. When I saw Michigan play at Madison Square Garden in the preseason NIT, McGary caught my eye. His intensity, hustle and athleticism was unbelievable. However, it wasn’t until he became a starter in the NCAA tournament that people recognized his talent. Despite being considered undersized, he was able to dominate games for Michigan grabbing huge rebounds and at times leading the way in scoring.
The experience the young Wolverines gained during their tournament run is immensely valuable. It will only make the team more confident. It will be tough to replace the Big 10 player of the year in Burke, but Michigan will be fine. Albrecht will take over running the point, and after his display against Louisville, he knows he is capable. None of the four seniors graduating had much of an impact on the team, and all of the big pieces will be returning, minus Burke.
Michigan will have three four-star recruits joining the team in 2013 which will only add to the young talent pool. In 2013, Michigan will have the fortune to have a young, experienced team. This paradox of a basketball team is destined for continued success. Hail to the Victors and beat Ohio.