Michigan Basketball: Would John Beilein really coach the Detroit Pistons?
Just when everything was going right for Michigan basketball, the news broke that head coach John Beilein interviewed with the Detroit Pistons.
Things change quickly in the world of sports. We all know that. But the landscape of Michigan basketball may be changing very soon.
That’s following media reports that head coach John Beilein has interviewed with the Detroit Pistons for their current opening. The news comes from ESPN NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski via his Twitter page.
While it’s certainly not shocking to see other basketball teams interested in Beilein, the news that he actually interviewed is jarring. Not only are the Wolverines fresh off a run to the national title game, they also had a very good week. At least it was a good week until Wojnarowski fired off this tweet:
The University of Michigan's John Beilein interviewed for the Detroit Pistons coaching job on Thursday, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 1, 2018
Beilein, who is 65 has never coached in the NBA and according to the Detroit News, he is the ninth-highest paid coach in college basketball and had begun talks on an extension to say with Michigan.
With his ability to develop raw talent, it’s not a shock to see the NBA come calling, especially in his own backyard. Detroit went 39-43 last season under the direction of Stan Van Gundy, finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference, out of the playoffs.
The Pistons have a young roster and so a coach with Beilein’s acumen certainly seems attractive. But, would his style translate over the NBA and would he really be willing to take on that 82-game grind?
The Pistons do have a couple of star players in Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond, but they will need much more if they are going to vault into contention in this East. And Griffin needs to show he can stay healthy. Those are big if’s.
On the other hand, Michigan basketball seems poised for another run in the Big Ten and in March Madness. Charles Matthews announced his decision to return this week and is considered preseason All-Big Ten. The 11th-ranked recruiting class and some other key players offer legitimate hope of a Big Ten title next season, maybe more.
You also have to wonder how it could affect the commitment of Jalen Wilson. The 34th ranked player in 2019 according to 247sports, just made his decision. Beilein and the staff were a big part of that, so if he goes, Wilson could follow.
A short time ago, It seemed Beilein would coach at Michigan forever. Suddnely, he is at least looking at other options. It doesn’t mean he will go, but it raises a possibility that wasn’t there before.
In a flash, a great week for Michigan basketball turned into a very scary one. The thought of the Wolverines without Beilein is not one I thought I would have to entertain for years. Now, it’s all too real.