Michigan Basketball: Behind the scenes, Wade’s World

Q: What are the challenges for BK to stay in shape and continue development as a player in these unusual circumstances? How is he handling online classes?

“Brandon was working out with Coach Sanderson every day sometimes twice a day and was slowly getting in to the best shape of his life so this break couldn’t come at a worse time, but Brandon is a different guy since December and he understands the importance of being in shape so he has been working out with his brother and on his own every day. Luckily we have weights and a hoop here at he house so he has some resources but nothing can take the place of a big ten workout so he has to just do the best that he can. He took a few online courses this summer so he kind of has the whole online thing figured out, he understands you cant put anything off when you are online because it is too hard to catch back up. The hardest part for both boys is finding a quiet place around the house to go online and do the work.”

Q: With your son on the bench, you and your wife Maria attended the Purdue game this year and received acknowledgment from the fans. What was that like, and how has it gone joining the Michigan basketball family?

“Unbelievable, from the people in our neighborhood to the people at the grocery store everyone has been great congratulating us and sharing their excitement wishing the best for Brandon. I have been a Michigan fan my whole life so I have been around it for years but being a part of it is a whole new experience, just the love and the togetherness we have experienced already is crazy. I can see now while the passion for the maize and blue is so deep when they say family they really mean family.  The smile that has been plastered on Brandon and my wife Marias face since Brandon has joined the squad has been incredible and well worth the wait (my wife says I am like a little kid when Brandon comes by to see me and talk hoops and school) it was an emotional day when Brandon got his acceptance letter, a lot of tears of joy.”

Q: Your family has faced adversity, losing your father from liver disease in 2015, and you undergoing a liver transplant in 2016. How has that impacted BK’s development as a young man, and how are you feeling now?

“First of all I feel great, I have learned to do a much better job of taking care of myself. Chasing these boys around from arena to arena and still coaching keeps me active and in the gym which has helped me out a ton. I couldn’t imagine (like now) if I was just sitting around doing nothing every day I am sure I wouldn’t be as healthy.

Brandon is such a strong kid the day after his Papa died he scored 20 as a freshman in a win vs Belleville all while shedding tears before and after the game. The night I had my transplant he scored 30 in a cross-town rival game vs Pioneer before coming over to the hospital to wish me well right before surgery. I think Brandon will tell you he learned a lot about not taking anything for granted and appreciating the moment. Brandon is mature beyond his years and understands how important life is, he has easily been one of my main inspirations to survive and remain healthy.”

Q: You had a solid career playing for the Toledo Rockets from 1987-91. In 119 games, you averaged almost 10 points, 5 assists and over 2/5 rebounds a game, and finished your career with 1,148 points and 560 assists. Can you handle BK and Ryan when you guys go one-on-one?

“I will take this to the grave we played two on two with my brother and I beating them and that was the last time we played before I got sick, I can’t play anymore so I retired the CHAMP!!!!”

Q: Most important question:What’s your favorite place to eat in Ann Arbor and why?

“We have a few spots we love, If its splurge night our favorite is West End grille My wife loves the Earl and we both love getting Knights on Dexter. We are on the road so much now watching the boys that we don’t get out much in Ann Arbor anymore unfortunately.”

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

“Looking over answers I don’t know if I was clear enough that Michigan was his #1 dream school and since 7th grade when I took him to a Michigan practice it was a wrap he knew he wanted to be a Wolverine so once Beilein called there was NO WAY I was getting him to consider anyone else he bet on himself….”