Halftime update from Crisler

Since I didnt do a preview post about the Iowa St game, I figured I would give a quick update on the first half.  I will give a full break down after the game.

UGLY! That is the only word I can use to describe what I just witnessed.

The lack of quality depth for this Michigan team is becoming more and more evident.  Before the season began, I expected Stu to hold his own with the point guard spot and Burke to gradually take over the role. Well, Burke has been the guy from the beginning with Stu as the back up.  But Stu has actually been pretty terrible for most of this year.  He is not a point guard, and when he plays his mentality seems to not be to run the offense, but to play shooting guard.  A point guard would demand the ball to start any sort of offense and to control the tempo. Stu seems to just want to stand 6 feet behind the 3 point line and wait for someone to pass him the ball so he can shoot it, and miss the shot short.  He is a good shooter if his feet are set and he is right at the line.  I cant handle watching him play basketball right now.  I wish Brundidge was ready, or Eso was more athletic on defense because Stu's minutes would be spent on the bench enjoying the view.

Burke right now is our most consistent and pure shooter. He does not force many shots, especially 3s and knocks down a high percentage of his shots.  He is a huge momentum booster when he is on the floor. What a great freshman season so far.

Hardaway seems to be playing with more energy today after sitting on the bench for most of the Virginia game. He has taken a lot of open shots, but they are not falling right now.  We should have a 15 point lead right now with all of the quality shots Hardaway has had.

Going back to the lack of quality depth, or big men are just plain bad.  After Morgan, and sometimes Smot, there is nobody left to play minutes down low.  I watched McLimans and Horford each miss at least one easy pass for a lay up which caused 2 of our 3 turnovers. Then once they do catch it, most of our bigs do not finish strong like they should.  I cannot wait for McGary next year just to increase depth down low. Iowa St is by far more athletic in their front court, and if their guards could make any of their wide open 3s, we would probably be losing.  Our bigs need to get a lot stronger and play with more aggression.

Missed shots have been an epidemic in the first half so far.  I didnt think college basketball players could miss so many open looks.  Maybe this means the 2nd half both teams will shoot 70% and score 60 each. This cant continue another 20 minutes can it?

We will see...