Michigan Basketball: Time to appreciate John Beilein
John Beilein of Michigan basketball was recently named one of the nation’s most underrated college basketball coaches by ESPN. So maybe it’s time Wolverine fans got off his back.
There is no doubt, that John Beilein has become one of the most successful coaches in the history of Michigan basketball. However, he will never be confused, at least not yet, with one of the most appreciated.
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While Michigan basketball fans have always been hard on Beilein, things are starting to change. He is also starting to get some more national recognition, as ESPN recently named him one of the most underrated coaches in the country.
ESPN put together what it calls the “ultimate” college basketball team and Beilein is listed as one of the assistant coaches to Rick Pitino, the head coach. The Michigan coach also joined John Calipari and Jay Wright on the staff.
Pitino may be the head coach, but it was Beilein that got the better of him last march. Here is a highlight that proves it.
Regardless, that’s pretty elite company to be mentioned with and when you look at his accomplishments, Beilein deserves it.
When he left West Virginia to take over at UM, the Wolverines hadn’t been to the NCAA Tournament in a decade. Now, Michigan has been seven times in 11 years.
Michigan Wolverines Basketball
The Wolverines have also been to the Sweet 16 three times in the last five years and made a trip the Final Four, as well as the National Championship game back in 2013.
Just as important, has been Michigan’s success in the Big Ten. UM won a share of the Big Ten championship in 2012 and won the outright title in 2014. Then, last season, Beilein and the Wolverines won the Big Ten tournament championship for the first time since 1998.
Critics will argue however, that Beilein can’t attract elite talent and therefore can’t win big. Well, he has had six players go in the first round of the NBA draft and has another on the way in Moe Wagner.
The bottom line is that Beilein can coach. Michigan is lucky to have him and honestly, he should get to coach at the school as long as he likes.
There have been bumps in the road in recent years. But after last season’s tournament run and the prospect of another in 2018, the future is bright at Michigan.
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The rest of the country is starting to realize his greatness, it’s time Michigan fans do the same.