Keep going…
Bingo.
Fact: Going back 15-20 years, John Beilen’s offensive system is consistently among the most efficient in the country
Fact: This year’s team is an outlier in that it is not superiorly efficient on offense
Fact: John Beilein’s system marginalizes post-up offensive sets
Fact: Michigan has recruited/produced above average B1G caliber post players during the Beilein Era (Sims, McGary, Wagner — even Morgan was B1G average)
If the complaints are Beilein doesn’t run a Patrick Ewing/Hakeem Olajuwon style offense, yes you are absolutely correct. If you’re pining for that throwback system, you’re never going to get that from a Beilein team. If you’re looking for elite offensive efficiency, though, Beilein’s system is as consistent in producing that as you get in the college game (outside of uber-elites Kentucky & Duke).
2 Likes
For the sake of clarity… I realize that it is very unlikely that any team under Coach B will be one that is Ewing or Olajuwon like. The point has always been that having some sort of low post threat would probably add diversity needed for when we struggle from the 3 or are more closely guarded at the 3 as was the case earlier in the year.
Post feeds to a player that can actually finish accomplishes many things. Creates more space for those out on the 3 ball line and most importantly can stop those ugly scoreless streaks by getting to the line.
Last if anyone thinks that Teske is nearly as swift of foot now or ever as DJ or Moe you may want to look again. He is a long way away from being able to be the human pick machine out at the top of the key.
I think you’re selling Teske short. His lateral quickness is quite good for his size.
1 Like
Wagner’s high post drives serve the exact same functional purpose at a much higher efficiency than the frustratingly dumb post hooks and fades from anything farther than 5 feet out.
2 Likes
Unless he becomes Russell Westbrook his drives can strangle effective ball movement (which thankfully seems to be a renewed priority)… Its like running the ball to set up the play action fake. Its important that the ball find its way down low on some possessions to keep the defense honest on the perimeter.
1 Like
It’ll only keep them honest if it’s something our bigs are effective at. I imagine opponents would rather defend us in the post than on the perimeter because our post game isn’t a strength. Contested post shots are inefficient. Our guys don’t have the skills on the block to get easy buckets off post moves around the basket, it’s not their skill set
1 Like
I know, but to just abandon the whole idea of trying to score down low seems strange to me. Moe and Dj are around next year and beyond why not begin some development around their weaknesses.
1 Like
Based on this year vs last year they absolutely have developed there…
Good to see that they’ve identified some flaws in their running game, working it out in practice, and will try to run more…this should improve their entire ball movement offense. Last night isn’t a reasonable test but I like the whole idea of recognizing that they can improve and coming up with a plan.
They have become better players within the system for sure.
Do you think recognizing they can improve and coming up with a plan is a novel idea for Coach Beilein?
1 Like
Are you implying they haven’t developed?
What the heck are you people watching?
We need all our post players to have T.J. Leafs post skills.
2 Likes
Right??
Wagner is averaging 11 points and 3.3 rebounds in just 18.4 minutes per game on an absurd 68% from the field. He has been phenomenal. Rather than taking potshots at Beilein, it would be nice if fans opened their eyes and appreciated the development of Wagner and Wilson from both a player and a coaching standpoint.
4 Likes
Yeah idk what people are seeing. My issue right now isn’t with the bigs not developing, it’s with not giving them touches lol. Mo has been super impressive in the post (and everywhere on the floor). Need to feed him and run sets around him as much as we can while we have him on the floor. Good news is that we seem to be slowly working our way towards that I think. Mo has definitely been getting more and more post touches as the season goes on.
He’s 18th (!!!) in offensive rating among players with atleast 20% usage (20% being average).
2 Likes
I agree. It’s odd to me. The kid clearly has nice post moves too. He’s a beast all around
Part of successful post offense involves how the post player presents, fights for position and re-posts if pushed out of the low block. It’s not just about forcing the ball in, or even about having good moves if the ball is caught. I love MO’s ability, versatility and potential, but watch a tape of a guy like Issac Haas setting up in the post, and compare it to how Mo sets up, and you’ll see a major difference.
2 Likes
It always amazes me when those with differing views are attacked for holding them. As far as I know we are all wishing for nothing but the best for the team every time they step on the court. The difference is some feel we do not have a Trey or Nik on the roster who can beat their man off the dribble more times than not and also have the ability to finish at the rim when they get there, which in turn creates a multitude of opportunity for those on the perimeter.
In the absence of such a player would it be helpful if we were able to simulate the same opportunity by feeding the post at times?
Again getting into the paint and to the rim helps stop the opposing teams runs, especially when the jumpers are not falling.
Different views is one thing, but when you say something blatantly false like “Wagner wouldn’t be a 5 on any other team in the country” then you are going to [rightfully] get called out for it.
1 Like