The Michigan Wolverines were already longshots to make their third straight Elite 8 appearance this year. Now with the loss of Caris LeVert, their best player, making the tournament all together could be in serious jeopardy. LeVert was not only the team's leading scorer, but he also led Michigan in rebounds, assists, steals, and minutes.
The fact that LeVert's absence leaves a gaping hole in an otherwise young and inexperienced team is ironically enough...a direct compliment to head coach John Beilein and his staff. The entire starting five from the Wolverines' 2013 Final Four team are now in the NBA. None of them were considered can't miss pro prospects when they enrolled at Michigan, and all of them left the program with eligibility remaining. On one end...a great recruiting tool for prospects with NBA talent. On the other hand...seasons like this will fall through the cracks as new talent is now forced to develop on the fly.
The gift and the curse of being a winner.
While I caution supporters of the Maize and Blue that the tournament run as we knew it may be over, I would also encourage them to look at the bigger picture.
All things considered, LeVert's injury could turn into a blessing in disguise for Michigan. It's as if coach Beilein is in a win win situation now.
LeVert's injury relieves Beilein of any pressure to repeat as Big 10 Conference Champions. His resume speaks for itself, so Wolverines fans will easily dismiss this as just "one of those seasons" if they miss the NCAA tourney. An asset for a team full of underclassmen that's learning how to win in the rugged Big 10. They will be underdogs from here on, so they can just go out there and let it fly.
And there could be other silver linings...
I remember when Rudy Gay played for the Memphis Grizzlies. Like LeVert, Gay led Memphis in just about every statistical category. After being traded, the team was forced to play together, to play within the scheme to compete. As a result, relative unknown players like Mike Conley and Marc Gasol flourished into the players you see today.
Like the Grizzlies, the Wolverines are now forced to play collectively within the system to compete. There are minutes out there to be had now, and it will be interesting to see who steps up. Under Beilein's system at Michigan, someone always has.
Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. left early, clearing the way for Nick Stauskus and Glen Robinson III to flourish. They left early, clearing the way for Caris LeVert to flourish. Caris Lever is out, clearing the way for...
I digress.
And there is still a bigger blessing in disguise. Beilein, for the first time in a few years, will have all of his major contributors back next season. LeVert will most certainly return for his senior season to get ready for the NBA. And the rest of the roster should return in tact. Win or lose...and yes there are sure to be more lumps along the way...Michigan's underclassmen will return next year Big 10 battle tested. And with a healthy veteran leader in LeVert back at the helm.
Coach Beilein is, if only through attrition, setting the foundation for a deep and experienced roster next year. With a healthy LeVert, quality depth, and the right mix of freshman talent, Michigan could be right back in the Elite 8 mix in next year's big dance.
And it's not like this season is a wash. At 5-3 in the conference (5th), the Wolverines could still go dancing with a few high profile games left on the schedule.
A win win situation now for sure.
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Sunday, January 25, 2015
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
A move that could rock college football
Wow, one can only imagine what it feels like to be Braxton Miller these days. This time a year ago, Miller was the toast of Ohio as starting qb for the resurgent Ohio State Buckeyes. Braxton was entering this season as a Heisman frontrunner.
Obviously...things didn't pan out that way.
Today, Miller has a championship ring....and a very tough decision to make. Because today, qb Cardale Jones is now the toast of Ohio. After leading the Buckeyes to the national title, Jones decided to come back and compete for the starting job with Miller and J.T. Barrett. And lets not forget, Barrett was having a Heisman candidate type of season prior to his late season ending injury.
Side note...the Buckeyes' recruiting staff all deserve raises. But I digress.
Miller's task of reclaiming his old job is daunting at best. And even if he did start next season, you would have to think the pressure on him would be overwhelming. I mean...how long can your leash be with talent like Barrett and Jones holding clipboards?
Translation...and you were right Carlos Diaz...it's time for Braxton to exit stage left.
But where to?
Schools like Florida State and Oregon have already been mentioned as intriguing suitors for Miller's services, but there is another high profile school with an opening at qb that's getting no mention at all. And probably for good reason.
Yes, I'm talking about THAT school. That "school up north".
Could you imagine if Braxton Miller played for Michigan this fall? Under coach Jim Harbaugh? Off the field, it would reignite one of the best rivalries in all of sports. Ohio State says all of the right things come rivalry week but let's face it...it's hard to hate someone you can just push around. The Buckeyes have dominated the series lately, and a move like this would definitely get their attention. I can see the "taking our leftovers" memes flooding the internet.
Yes, the move would be shocking and controversial, but shock and controversy is what makes the Michigan Ohio State rivalry what it is today.
The rivalry rose to national prominence in 1969 when Bo Schembechler, in his first year as the head coach for the Wolverines, upset the defending National Champion Buckeyes (who had won 22 games in a row and were 17 point favorites). The loss was bad, but the bad blood stemmed from Schembechler once being on the Buckeyes coaching staff prior to taking the job at Michigan.
Hmm....
Antics and shenanigans aside, the Miller to Michigan move makes football sense too. With all of the talk about Brady Hoke's inadequacies and Michigan's slide, few noticed that the Wolverines had one of the top defenses in the nation. But they turned the ball over more than a spatula at a burger joint, thus leading to a dismal two year campaign, and a gaping hole at the most important position....qb. Miller's arrival would immediately quench that need, at least for this year. New head coach Jim Harbaugh would have a talented pro prospect under center to start his regime.
And speaking of pro prospects....
The move would help Miller as well. Not only would he not have to "compete" for a starting job this fall, but he would also get a valuable year of tutelage under Harbaugh, a coach known for grooming qbs at the collegiate and pro level. Remember, Harbaugh took the San Francisco 49er's off the back of a milk carton and into three consecutive NFC Championship games with a qb that plays a similar style to Miller (Colin Kaepernick). If Miller has any pro aspirations after next season, which I'm sure he does, then who better than Harbaugh to get him there? And Michigan fans would know that Braxton would show up with something to prove...to both the Buckeyes and the NFL.
I can hear Harbaugh's recruiting pitch now.
The ugly little p word will most likely prevent that call to Miller though, and that word is pride. I'm sure that Harbaugh would not like to start his regime with an embarrassing..."Thanks but no thanks" from Miller. Because we both know that would be devastating to the Wolverines boosters. And we also know that would immediately become public knowledge for Buckeyes fans to use for eternity.
But...just for a second...what if he did come to Ann Arbor...and defeated the Buckeyes as a Michigan Man? As Keith Jackson would say...."Whoa Nellie"!!!!!
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Obviously...things didn't pan out that way.
Today, Miller has a championship ring....and a very tough decision to make. Because today, qb Cardale Jones is now the toast of Ohio. After leading the Buckeyes to the national title, Jones decided to come back and compete for the starting job with Miller and J.T. Barrett. And lets not forget, Barrett was having a Heisman candidate type of season prior to his late season ending injury.
Side note...the Buckeyes' recruiting staff all deserve raises. But I digress.
Miller's task of reclaiming his old job is daunting at best. And even if he did start next season, you would have to think the pressure on him would be overwhelming. I mean...how long can your leash be with talent like Barrett and Jones holding clipboards?
Translation...and you were right Carlos Diaz...it's time for Braxton to exit stage left.
But where to?
Schools like Florida State and Oregon have already been mentioned as intriguing suitors for Miller's services, but there is another high profile school with an opening at qb that's getting no mention at all. And probably for good reason.
Yes, I'm talking about THAT school. That "school up north".
Could you imagine if Braxton Miller played for Michigan this fall? Under coach Jim Harbaugh? Off the field, it would reignite one of the best rivalries in all of sports. Ohio State says all of the right things come rivalry week but let's face it...it's hard to hate someone you can just push around. The Buckeyes have dominated the series lately, and a move like this would definitely get their attention. I can see the "taking our leftovers" memes flooding the internet.
Yes, the move would be shocking and controversial, but shock and controversy is what makes the Michigan Ohio State rivalry what it is today.
The rivalry rose to national prominence in 1969 when Bo Schembechler, in his first year as the head coach for the Wolverines, upset the defending National Champion Buckeyes (who had won 22 games in a row and were 17 point favorites). The loss was bad, but the bad blood stemmed from Schembechler once being on the Buckeyes coaching staff prior to taking the job at Michigan.
Hmm....
Antics and shenanigans aside, the Miller to Michigan move makes football sense too. With all of the talk about Brady Hoke's inadequacies and Michigan's slide, few noticed that the Wolverines had one of the top defenses in the nation. But they turned the ball over more than a spatula at a burger joint, thus leading to a dismal two year campaign, and a gaping hole at the most important position....qb. Miller's arrival would immediately quench that need, at least for this year. New head coach Jim Harbaugh would have a talented pro prospect under center to start his regime.
And speaking of pro prospects....
The move would help Miller as well. Not only would he not have to "compete" for a starting job this fall, but he would also get a valuable year of tutelage under Harbaugh, a coach known for grooming qbs at the collegiate and pro level. Remember, Harbaugh took the San Francisco 49er's off the back of a milk carton and into three consecutive NFC Championship games with a qb that plays a similar style to Miller (Colin Kaepernick). If Miller has any pro aspirations after next season, which I'm sure he does, then who better than Harbaugh to get him there? And Michigan fans would know that Braxton would show up with something to prove...to both the Buckeyes and the NFL.
I can hear Harbaugh's recruiting pitch now.
The ugly little p word will most likely prevent that call to Miller though, and that word is pride. I'm sure that Harbaugh would not like to start his regime with an embarrassing..."Thanks but no thanks" from Miller. Because we both know that would be devastating to the Wolverines boosters. And we also know that would immediately become public knowledge for Buckeyes fans to use for eternity.
But...just for a second...what if he did come to Ann Arbor...and defeated the Buckeyes as a Michigan Man? As Keith Jackson would say...."Whoa Nellie"!!!!!
follow @plcolter
Saturday, January 10, 2015
The real best division in sports
College football's SEC West division has grown a reputation of being the best division in all of sports. That reputation took a hit following a disappointing showing in this year's bowl games. Offices around the country resumed business on January 2nd, and water coolers were filled with sports fans debating the division's downfall.
My job included.
But I would like to back up a bit. Overrated or not, the SEC West was never the best division in sports in 2014. And this division gets no mention as such.
I'm talking about the NBA's Southwest division. San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Memphis, and New Orleans. Four of the five teams made the playoffs last year, and the Pelicans...who did not...have assembled some nice pieces around one of the best young talents in the league...Anthony "The Brow" Davis.
After 36 games, no team has a losing record...and three teams have 25 wins or more. An incredible feat given the fact that most of the team's losses have come to one another.
And if the Southwest wasn't already tough enough, Dallas stared acquiring more firepower...setting off a game of follow the leader throughout the division.
Following a near first round upset of the eventual champion Spurs last season, Dallas (26-11) came out swinging...acquiring Tyson Chandler and Chandler Parsons in the offseason. And just recently they acquired All Star caliber point guard Rajon Rondo from the Celtics. Already one of the best offenses in the league, the Mavs look like serious contenders.
Not to be outdone, Houston (25-11) acquired Corey Brewer and Josh Smith recently. Smith, the jettisoned malcontent from Detroit, gives the Rockets a versatile big man with a playoff edge to him. He can also stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting, easing the load for MVP candidate James Harden.
Amid a slump, and looking to keep pace, the Memphis Grizzlies (25-11) traded veteran small forward Tayshaun Prince to Boston for Jeff Green.
Boston is doing a lot of trading huh? Ok...I digress.
Although the name Jeff Green doesn't leap off the page to the casual fan, the trade is significant because it addresses a critical need for a Grizzlies team with few holes. Point guard Mike Conley is playing at an All Star level, and so are big men Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. The defense is as stingy as ever, and there's quality depth on the bench.
But the small forward production....
Memphis is currently getting 6.5 points a game and 28.8% shooting from 3 point range from that position right now. Both are league worsts. Green is currently averaging 17 points a game, and gives the Grizzlies some much needed athleticism. By the way, Tony Allen is no doubt one of the best defenders in the league, but I challenge anyone to find another player that misses more uncontested layups than him.
Digressing.
The defending Champion Spurs have held pat so far. And why wouldn't they? Even while missing half their roster throughout the season they are still 22-15. A healthy Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker returning to the lineup (which should be soon) is just like a talent upgrade via trade. Tim Duncan is still...well...Tim Duncan, and the Spurs will be dangerous no matter where they finish up in the final seeding.
New Orleans (18-18) has also held pat, and are ahead of schedule in their rebuilding process. 18-18 after 36 games is a remarkable feat given the bevy of talent listed before them. Anthony Davis is a superstar, and he'll have the Pelicans in the playoffs sooner than later.
The Southwest division is literally stacked from top to bottom. And the scary though is...it could still get tougher. The trade deadline is still six weeks away.
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My job included.
But I would like to back up a bit. Overrated or not, the SEC West was never the best division in sports in 2014. And this division gets no mention as such.
I'm talking about the NBA's Southwest division. San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Memphis, and New Orleans. Four of the five teams made the playoffs last year, and the Pelicans...who did not...have assembled some nice pieces around one of the best young talents in the league...Anthony "The Brow" Davis.
After 36 games, no team has a losing record...and three teams have 25 wins or more. An incredible feat given the fact that most of the team's losses have come to one another.
And if the Southwest wasn't already tough enough, Dallas stared acquiring more firepower...setting off a game of follow the leader throughout the division.
Following a near first round upset of the eventual champion Spurs last season, Dallas (26-11) came out swinging...acquiring Tyson Chandler and Chandler Parsons in the offseason. And just recently they acquired All Star caliber point guard Rajon Rondo from the Celtics. Already one of the best offenses in the league, the Mavs look like serious contenders.
Not to be outdone, Houston (25-11) acquired Corey Brewer and Josh Smith recently. Smith, the jettisoned malcontent from Detroit, gives the Rockets a versatile big man with a playoff edge to him. He can also stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting, easing the load for MVP candidate James Harden.
Amid a slump, and looking to keep pace, the Memphis Grizzlies (25-11) traded veteran small forward Tayshaun Prince to Boston for Jeff Green.
Boston is doing a lot of trading huh? Ok...I digress.
Although the name Jeff Green doesn't leap off the page to the casual fan, the trade is significant because it addresses a critical need for a Grizzlies team with few holes. Point guard Mike Conley is playing at an All Star level, and so are big men Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. The defense is as stingy as ever, and there's quality depth on the bench.
But the small forward production....
Memphis is currently getting 6.5 points a game and 28.8% shooting from 3 point range from that position right now. Both are league worsts. Green is currently averaging 17 points a game, and gives the Grizzlies some much needed athleticism. By the way, Tony Allen is no doubt one of the best defenders in the league, but I challenge anyone to find another player that misses more uncontested layups than him.
Digressing.
The defending Champion Spurs have held pat so far. And why wouldn't they? Even while missing half their roster throughout the season they are still 22-15. A healthy Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker returning to the lineup (which should be soon) is just like a talent upgrade via trade. Tim Duncan is still...well...Tim Duncan, and the Spurs will be dangerous no matter where they finish up in the final seeding.
New Orleans (18-18) has also held pat, and are ahead of schedule in their rebuilding process. 18-18 after 36 games is a remarkable feat given the bevy of talent listed before them. Anthony Davis is a superstar, and he'll have the Pelicans in the playoffs sooner than later.
The Southwest division is literally stacked from top to bottom. And the scary though is...it could still get tougher. The trade deadline is still six weeks away.
follow @plcolter
Friday, January 9, 2015
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