Michigan Basketball: Depth is a problem, Bajema could be the solution

Michigan basketball doesn’t have a deep bench to look to when in times of need, or maybe there’s one player that could produce if given a chance.

When Nebraska entered Crisler Arena on Thursday night, no one believed the Cornhuskers would pull off the upset even though Michigan basketball was missing three of their starters from a season ago. The Wolverines may have dropped their last two games, but they’re nowhere near the disaster that resides in Lincoln. Nebraska lost 14 straight contests before embarking on the trip to Ann Arbor.

To the surprise of the spectators, the Cornhuskers kept it close and left the court at halftime down just four points. UM couldn’t keep it’s starting five in the entire time, and when Juwan looked to the bench for relief, Nebraska took full advantage and would go on a run while Michigan failed to produce offensively.

That staggering lack of useful depth will be exposed as much as possible by opposing coaches going forward, and it’s reared it’s ugly head in losses throughout the season. The Wolverines simply don’t have the personnel, outside of six or seven players, to keep up with other Power-5 programs, or do they?

What we’ve seen is a significant shift in philosophies, which is expected when you transition from one coach to the next. Shooting guard Adrien Nunez was hoping to make a (second) first impression with Juwan Howard, but he hasn’t performed to the level that would grant him a significant jump in minutes. So why not try someone else?

Why not give Cole Bajema the opportunity to prove himself?

Cole Bajema was born in Michigan, and at the age of four, he and his family moved across the country to live in Lynden, Washington. That didn’t stop Cole from loving the university thousands of miles away.

“I kind of just talked to (AAU coach Donald Brady), he said, ‘what’s your dream school?’ And I said Michigan,” Bajema said. “So he sent Michigan some film. Beilein was nice enough to respond a little bit, said he liked my film. I actually went to a camp of theirs. I showed out pretty well and they were like, we’ll just keep track of you in July on the AAU circuit. I was lucky enough to perform pretty well. Pulled off a few offers then Michigan called, got the offer and I pretty much committed on the spot.”

Bajema, who is Lynden Christian’s all-time leading scorer, had a heck of a final outing with his AAU squad and received many offers closer to home. Those weren’t from his dream school, however, and even when John Beilein abruptly left for the NBA, Cole remained optimistic about a future within Michigan athletics.

“We’re definitely sitting tight,” Shane Bajema, Cole’s dad, said. “Impulse reactions would be foolish. We don’t know what timelines will be in Michigan’s decision. Programs that have done it best got it done really quick.”

The Wolverines were successful in a quick hire, and with Juwan Howard in place, the recruitment of Cole, who ranked 112th in the nation, went even faster, and the process was as seamless as possible. A perfect transition.

“Juwan and (Cole) had a conversation and basically agreed that Cole’s his first real recruit in his college coaching career,” Shane said. “The baton, basically, handed from Beilein to Juwan in recruitment of Cole and that’s what really put Cole over the edge and reassured that he could become Juwan’s guy too. It was genuine, it was real, it wasn’t this recruiting talk. (Howard) is genuinely ecstatic to be the coach. And he seemed genuinely pumped to have Cole.”

Bajema’s upside is his smooth stroke, range, mechanics, and shot-making ability. The downside is his weight. Listed at 6-foot-7 and a mere 175-pounds, Cole required intense workouts, a tailored eating plan, and dedication.

Cole has the dedication, he reported a 20-pound increase since he initially committed, and no one will doubt Jon Sanderson’s, UM’s strength and conditioning coach, ability to prepare Michigan men for the court, so what’s holding him back?

Could it be the nuances of Howard’s scheme?

“I know we all coach the game in different ways, but I have different terminology. It’s probably different from what he experienced when he was in high school and also the AAU circuit,” Howard said via the Detroit News “I love the fact that he has this great attitude and each and every day coming into practice, being ready to work and to learn.

The college game is, of course, much different from anything else, and it’s nearly impossible to be completely prepared for the speed, decisiveness, and basketball IQ necessary to succeed at the next level.

Bajema attended the summer bridge program, which could have given him an advantage and the opportunity to, even as a freshman, move up the depth chart and into the rotation. It hasn’t happened yet, and it might be due to terminology, or it could be attributed to his tempered nature.

“He’s just got to be aggressive,” senior center Jon Teske said to the Detroit News. “He did a good job of getting ready for a game like this and he was able to play a lot. He’s got a smooth jump shot and he can get to the rim. He showed that.”

He can shoot, give him a shot

Unlike many others, Cole is deadly accurate from outside, and it’s not just in practice, he’s putting it all on the court. Bajema, in the 37 minutes played, has created opportunities for himself, limited turnovers, and rarely fouls.

So far this year, Cole has connected on four of his seven attempts from three and is six for six from inside the arc. Defensively, he’s no slouch, with four defensive rebounds, two steals, and no grave mistakes of notice.

He may not be ready to breach the starting five, but he’s a viable option that deserves a fair shake, especially when all else fails.