While there were some encouraging signs the team can take from this loss (continued hustle and scrappiness in a hostile environment), last night’s loss served as a reminder that this team is still quite a ways from being a threat in the B10 conference. This game more than any in recent weeks, highlighted the program’s current deficiencies:
1. The lack of depth was never more apparent than last night. Defections and injuries have really taken its toll on this team. This is clearly not the most talented team in the league. Ideally, players like Coleman and Grady would come off your bench and guys like Zach Gibson and CJ Lee should see the floor for a couple minutes a game. Instead, due to a lack of quality players, these guys are forced to play more minutes than they should. It’s to the point that when players do something wrong, Beilein has too leave them on the court, missing an obvious teaching opportunity, because he has no one to put in their place. It was noticeable at the end of last night’s loss that these players were worn down.
2. Compound the fact that they got basically nothing from the 3-spot last night (Wright/Coleman) and this team is playing with maybe 4 legitimate Big Ten caliber players. When this team does not get consistent scoring from a third option behind Manny and DeShawn, they are much easier to defend. Coleman’s lack of performance, while now expected, has been a huge disappointment. Like many of Amaker’s recruits he seems to be playing at the same level he had when he arrived 4 years ago.
3. We need to get stronger inside. Not only are our bigs physically weaker than most front lines in the conference, but they tend to go long stretches without the necessary intensity and aggression. While DeShawn and Ekpe provide skills this team sorely needs, offensive versatility and shot blocking, respectively, they are not yet at the level where they need to be to consistently deliver the goods. All too often last night, they had balls knocked away, were out-fought for rebounds, and beaten to loose balls by Gopher big men who just seemed to want it a little more.
4. Shooting and defensive lapses remain an issue. They’ve been a problem most of the season, and they reared their ugly head again last night. We settled for too many rushed 3’s and the numbers are indicative of that.
All that being said, I like the direction the team is heading. They have been more competitive the second time around against each of their opponents. Even given all of the negatives I highlighted above, the team was still in position to steal one at the Barn because they kept fighting and grinding out baskets. We have a nice core of young talent (especially Manny, DeShawn and Ekpe) to build around and they are all getting a chance to play early in their careers. Essentially anyone who is contributing anything to this team will be back again next year. So we can assume they will all make strides given Coach B’s track record of developing players. Add to that the infusion of new talent: LLP, Douglas, Cronin, and possibly 1 more recruit, and the talent base should be vastly improved next year. With another year in the system players will be more comfortable with Coach B’s offensive schemes and player rotations.
It’s going to take time. As a lifelong fan, I’ve been waiting 10 years just to see them play a meaningful game in March. John Beilein is the right guy for the job. He’ll have the team in the Tourney hunt 2 years down the line. The fans need to see this through and they will be rewarded with great basketball in time.
As for the rest of the season, I’m not much for predictions, but I think Michigan can go 2-2 from here on out. Anything less would be disappointing.
I think everyone would be happy if big Zach Gibson would stop jacking up threes.
(Photo Courtesy: AP/Andy King)
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