Now as we say goodbye to the 5 seniors, Trey Burke, and Tim Hardaway, we can also celebrate the return of Glenn Robinson III and Mitch McGary. Since I am in denial that the college basketball season is really finished, I think it is fitting to start looking ahead to Team 97.
There is
really no way to understate talent and leadership that Michigan will be trying
to replace next season. Trey Burke is a
once-in-a-generation type player, Tim Hardaway would have been a senior captain
and All-B1G first team lock, and the 5 seniors provided some of the most
important leadership for Team 96. While
most people just want to focus on the loss of the two starters, I think
replacing the 5 seniors will be just as big of a task. Do you realize that these 5 seniors made up
the majority of the scout team? While
Michigan was one of the youngest teams on the floor, they prepared with and
against one of the most experienced.
Just a few years ago 3 of these 5 seniors played valuable minutes for
John Beilein, and all 5 have played against and prepared for each B1G team multiple
times before 2012-2013. This might be
Coach Beilein’s toughest job next year, and few people will even notice.
After
reading that, you might be a little more discouraged or maybe realizing more
why seasons like Team 96’s do not come around very often. However, there are still reasons to begin the
countdown until Team 97 takes over Crisler. Michigan will be more talented next year. The Wolverines, in fact, will be one of the
deepest and most talented teams in the country.
This does not mean I think another Final Four trip is guaranteed,
though, just ask Kentucky. Champions
need talent, but they also need that talent to sacrifice for the betterment of
the team. At this point, Michigan will
field 11 scholarship players to begin the 2013-2014 season. Can we all agree that Max Biefeldt would be
ranked number 11? How many teams in the conference have someone that talented
as the last player off the bench? How many teams even have 11 guys that have played
valuable minutes? I cannot think of any,
and to be honest, it’s probably still an extremely short list if you expand the
search field to all of Division 1.
In terms
of top flight talent, Team 97 should consist of at least 4 NBA players; 3 of
which will likely be lottery picks. The
Wolverines should boast two legitimate B1G POY candidates (Robinson and McGary);
along with two potential All-B1G freshmen (Irvin and Walton). This doesn’t even include should-be improved
sophomores (Stauskas and LeVert), All-B1G defensive first teamer (Morgan) and
sleeper freshmen (Donnal). John Beilein
has re-built this program with his ever-changing system, surrounding himself
with dedicated and hard-working assistants, high level recruiting, and top-tier
player development; all while conducting himself with class and integrity. Not only will the 2013-2014 basketball team
be one of the best in the country again, the Michigan basketball program is one
of the healthiest in the nation. I will leave you with a quote from the man on
top after Glenn Robinson III and Mitch McGary announced they would be returning
for their sophomore years (from UMHoops): “I watched these eight kids work out
yesterday. I just gave my two cents and I let my assistants coach for most of
those two hours. I was smiling when I
went home… working out those eight guys, and knowing the quality of the three
coming in, I was smiling on the way home.”
Go Blue
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