Michigan Basketball: Michigan Falls- Hard!
Posted at 4:00pm — 12/29/2010
Michigan Basketball: Michigan Falls- Hard!
There was some good news and encouraging play in Michigan’s Big Ten opener, but the positive moments were drowned out by overwhelming negatives. Where to start this recounting and where to end it, that is indeed problematical, but stay with me please.
The Wolverines started the game looking like deer in the headlight mode, perfectly understandable for a young team that has not played a quality opponent in weeks. The Wolverines got into a big hole through a horrible display of ball management and a clear disrespect for running a structured offense. The turnovers almost hit double digits quickly as Purdue accepted the easy gifts on the road.
Halfway through the first half, Michigan played its best basketball of the day, charging back by getting to the hoop some and hitting available threes. The defensive play was also a reason for the charge that found Michigan down at the half by only four.
The second half saw a decided downturn in Michigan’s play. Part of this can be attributed to Purdue’s efficiency and strength, but the opinion here is Michigan self-deflated, leading to a final score not really indicative of the difference between the two teams. The truth is several Michigan players let up when the score hit double digits.
The preview article of yesterday discussed Purdue’s in your face man-to-man pressure on every man. Michigan was clearly bothered by the pressure and took some very poor shots, choosing to accede to the pressure instead of fighting it: chalk up one for experience, physical toughness, and mental toughness. There were guys taking some shots that should not be taken again). The philosophy of turning the guys loose to gain confidence is noble, but not every 6’ 9” kid in the world needs to be taking 20 footers.
The passing was at times unfundamental, with one-handed passes that worked against lesser athletes resulting in easy turnovers for Purdue.
Michigan had some good looks at threes, but Purdue had plenty of all to easy looks, and Purdue knocked a bunch of the easy ones down.
Yesterday’s preview brought forth the question of whether or not UM could handle Purdue’s big two of Johnson and Moore. The answer was a responding no as both seniors hit Michigan for 20 plus points, key shots, big rebounds, and great foul shooting. Johnson, not unexpectedly, ruled Michigan on the inside pounding out several damaging offensive rebounds. It was man against children, but the inside guys from Michigan got a little run halfway through the second half and showed some offensive promise. Over Beilein’s tenure big men have been accused of evaporating, but the truth is the perimeter dominated offensive philosophy can starve big men into anemia. Horford and Morgan continue to show potential.
Here are some summary observations for your contemplation. Smotrycz and Vogrich need to understand that there is more to a basketball game than hitting a couple of threes and having a good time. The defensive rotation on three pointers is still slow and ineffective. Morris is Michigan’s best and most valuable player, he is playing at a major college level. McLimans and Christian seem to be out of the picture as of now, but things change, that is why a reserve needs to practice hard.
The sun will come up, but Michigan soon plays two of the top three teams in the country and no one on the remaining schedule is easy-pickings. One day and one game at a time becomes a workable agenda.
Written by GBMWolverine Staff
Go Blue — Wear Maize!