I think you’re right Mattman. I don’t like his style when it comes to rebounding or defense. Never have. I do enjoy his offense when he has a couple guys who can penetrate because it opens up the shooters so much.
I heard Terry Mills last night talking about the rebounding and he said he’s pretty shocked at how they have issues rebounding because Michigan rarely ever doubles the post. When you don’t double the post all it comes down to is technique/form/fundamentals/athleticism and getting to the ball.
“Athleticism”
Say no more.
Rebounding hasn’t really been their problem this year. Ranked 5th in the Big Ten in defensive rebounding rate. The real problem is 2-point interior defense which comes down to a) breakdowns on the perimeter b) poor rotations c) no shot blocker.
1 Like
I think “retiring when the writing is on the wall” and getting fired are fundamentally the same. Either way, he would be announced as retiring.
But, I will also agree that I love watching Beilein’s teams at their best. The 14 team was the most fun I’ve ever had watching a team. Just beautiful offense and teamwork, even with the bad defense. I can live with being bad at any aspect of basketball as long as the team is good.
Just concerned that that’ll never return.
1 Like
What’s weird to me is we say their not athletic enough to defend the perimeter. But when u look it’s Walton, rahkman,levert, dAwkins Irvin and Robinson. Out of those guys only Robinson lacks quickness. The other guys should be fast enough to d up, it makes no sense to me. That’s why I wonder if it’s effort/mental errors. You gotta study your opponent and hVe to really want it. Also communication/knowing the rotAtions.it hurts to have no rim protector but there’s no reason Dawkins levert Walton or rahkman can’t be good defenders.
Dawkins should be your ideal Nba three now,play d and hit threes. Just so odd. Their all quick.
John Beilien teams will always be bad defensive teams.
Some people can run fast straight ahead, can jump very well, but when it comes to changing directions/shuffling they struggle. That’s why shuttle run or box drill are great drills in a combine setting
I agree but none of them look slow laterally to me besides maybe Irvin
I am curious. Does anyone know? Do college or professional teams ever test “reaction time”, in a scientific way, when they are evaluating athletes? I am of the belief that there is such a big difference between reaction times amongst athletes that the relative speed of “reaction time” and the mental processes which dictate one’s “reaction time” is the primary factor in determining whether or not an athlete will be able to be a decent defender, for example.
Athleticism + instincts/anticipation + film study.
Those 3 things are what make great on the ball defenders. In my opinion, it’s very difficult to get better at on the ball defense no matter how much you practice. Film will help a little but you either can defend on the ball or you can’t.
Off the ball: communication + spacing + peripheral vision.
This is an area anyone can improve at with practice. You can absolutely drill where to be off the ball. We had a duel practice with Rollie Massimino down in Florida and he spent the first 30 minutes of his practice doing just that. It was intense. One of his players said they do that every single practice all year.
Nothing soft about that win.
1 Like
Out rebounded Purdue. Good things happen when you rebound.
4 Likes
One our of poorest shooting outings of the year but still won. It’s no surprise we won on the glass. That’s why it can’t be ignored. It keeps you in the game when all else fails.
Never thought I’d see it with this squad. Really hoping this effort is built upon and not an aberration.
1 Like
Players deserve a lot of props after this game. They played really tough. Executed the post double well and played passing lanes effectively. Bigs held up on the block for the most part. Team did a great job sticking in and fighting for tipped boards.
2 Likes
Never would have thought Duncan nor Aubrey would make a 3 and we’d still beat Purdue.
…Or Walton for that matter…
Not to nit-pick but we didn’t double the post. We played Purdue straight up on the block all game.
We played straight up to start, but we started mixing in doubles as the game went on. There’s a reason Hammons and Swanigan combined for 5 TOs.
Edit: Ace noticed as well
Don’t remember that. Maybe you’re right.
The only time I remember another player by Hammons haas or Swannigan was when they fumbled the ball when being played straight up or another Purdue player was running their man through the post to clear out and Michigan would swipe at the ball. In my eyes that’s not a double.
It sure appeared that JB’s strategy was play them straight up all game.
1 Like
Been reading this forum for a long time but making my first post now. Big win for the team and much needed as we try and solidify our spot in the tournament.
Gotta give it to Irvin for banging with the bigger bodies of Purdue and still leading us in the 2nd half. He struggled @MINN and his shot wasn’t falling in the first half today either but he kept it going. He hit some big shots and importantly, didn’t have any turnovers. MAAR was also very active - getting his hands on balls, chasing some offensive rebounds and making some smart decisions/passes in transition.
On a side note, I was really hoping one of those 3’s from Kam would fall today to get his confidence going (especially that 2nd wide open look). I like his passing ability and really wish he can become a serviceable wing off the bench the next two years if he sticks around.
Let’s go get this win @ OSU because I don’t see us winning @ Maryland next Sunday.
3 Likes