If the Michigan basketball is going to continue its winning ways, they must continue to be unselfish defensively and offensively.
The Wolverines' hallmark has been to rely on each other, acknowledging that it’s about the collective “we.” But with 9.6 seconds left in the game, it was time for Michigan’s alpha dog. It was time for an “I” to be selfish. With the score at Wisconsin 91, Michigan 88, the next shot had to be a 3.
The play drawn up was perfect. The execution was flawless. Until it wasn’t.
The floor was set up with Yaxel Lendeborg in the corner, Elliot Cadeau and Nimari Burnett bringing up the ball, Morez Johnson, Jr., at the top of the key above the 3-point line, and Roddy above the line at the far side. Yaxel would be going to his right/dominant hand. Johnson, the team’s best screener, was going to set a pick.
When the play unfolded, the options multiplied. Nimari went to his favorite shooting spot in the far corner and Elliott set the initial pick and was probably supposed to flare out for an uncontested 3 if both defenders went with Yax. Instead, Wisconsin’s Nick Boyd switched, and John Blackwell stuck with Cadeau.
Yax could’ve squared up for the 3 and shot over the shorter Boyd (6’ 2”), who was a step behind him with Johnson ready to screen him. Instead, he kept dribbling, and Johnson's man, 7’ 0” Nolan Winter, stepped towards him. Yax could’ve squared up then and shot over Winter who was behind the 3-point line.
Throughout his drive across the court, Yax never looked at the basket; instead, his eyes were fixed on Roddy. Why? Roddy is several things, but a 3-point shooter he is not. On top of that, his defender is set to run him off the line. Yax takes two more dribbles, hands it off to Roddy, who now has two defenders (one of which was a seven-footer) on him. Roddy’s shot hit the rim and bounced off. Great effort by Roddy, but ultimately a big fat FAIL for Lendeborg.
It was there. But he did not take the responsibility. Teams hang banners because their special players step up and be special. To be special in the clutch, you can’t dribble the ball away, eschew two excellent picks, then hand it off to a teammate. If Michigan is to win championships this year, Yaxel Lendeborg can’t hide.