AlwaysBlue
01-04-2009, 04:51 PM
Its clear that the Big 10 is going to be a rugged, tough, physical league this year (as usual). Its also clear that if Michigan WANTS to play that brand of physical bball at times, they're able to do so. They're not big enough to keep it up and have to rely on speed, quickness and being aggressive.
If this team continues to settle and take too many 3's to open games, they will get buried (like in wisconsin) and it won't be easy for them to have lots of big come backs against the likes of Ill, Wisky, Purdue, etc.. who are a bit more savvy and composed.
Novak is clearly confident and that's great for the team because they need someone other than manny/sims who is going to step up and MAKE a big shot. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and with a little more size in a year, he'll be a lethal deep threat next year. That brings me to LLP..
LLP right now does not seem to be in stride. He's playing his own game and trying to contribute but i think he needs to drive and dish more than taking all these 3s. The shooting touch will come, but this team has guys in a groove right now and he has to find a way to compliment them, not take over. To be fair, I thought that UM on offense today played too much 1v1 (unless that was the gameplan to exploit some matchups). The passing wasn't as crisp and it was .. gasp.. a little Amaker-esque at times with the passes to big men on the wing and leaving them by themselves.
Gibson finally showed up and it was perfect timing. We need a big to be an intimidating presence inside. Sims + Gibson showed some interior defense finally today.. though overall .. TOO MANY LAYUPS for Illinois.
Stu douglass has faded into the background right now as Novak has taken over his 3pt shooting role. We can't have too many of these guys on the floor or we'll be killed at the defensive end.. so his minutes are held back.
Merritt came off the bench. He and lee provide a senior spark off the bench but their minutes should be limited.
Sims was solid again hitting lots of 3's early to keep us in it. But, I'd like to see him develop some inside game... other than the obligatory baseline fade away every game. I realize its a solid shot for him, but UM thrives when they go AT the basket.
All in all... 1-1 start in the big 10 is a solid start against these 2. Must take care of business against the weaker teams and we may be dancing in March.
The schedule is brutal at the end... so we need to pile up the wins now!
Go Blue!
If this team continues to settle and take too many 3's to open games, they will get buried (like in wisconsin) and it won't be easy for them to have lots of big come backs against the likes of Ill, Wisky, Purdue, etc.. who are a bit more savvy and composed.
Novak is clearly confident and that's great for the team because they need someone other than manny/sims who is going to step up and MAKE a big shot. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and with a little more size in a year, he'll be a lethal deep threat next year. That brings me to LLP..
LLP right now does not seem to be in stride. He's playing his own game and trying to contribute but i think he needs to drive and dish more than taking all these 3s. The shooting touch will come, but this team has guys in a groove right now and he has to find a way to compliment them, not take over. To be fair, I thought that UM on offense today played too much 1v1 (unless that was the gameplan to exploit some matchups). The passing wasn't as crisp and it was .. gasp.. a little Amaker-esque at times with the passes to big men on the wing and leaving them by themselves.
Gibson finally showed up and it was perfect timing. We need a big to be an intimidating presence inside. Sims + Gibson showed some interior defense finally today.. though overall .. TOO MANY LAYUPS for Illinois.
Stu douglass has faded into the background right now as Novak has taken over his 3pt shooting role. We can't have too many of these guys on the floor or we'll be killed at the defensive end.. so his minutes are held back.
Merritt came off the bench. He and lee provide a senior spark off the bench but their minutes should be limited.
Sims was solid again hitting lots of 3's early to keep us in it. But, I'd like to see him develop some inside game... other than the obligatory baseline fade away every game. I realize its a solid shot for him, but UM thrives when they go AT the basket.
All in all... 1-1 start in the big 10 is a solid start against these 2. Must take care of business against the weaker teams and we may be dancing in March.
The schedule is brutal at the end... so we need to pile up the wins now!
Go Blue!