It was a great run for Michigan.
I for one didn’t see the Wolverines coming within six
points of a national championship at the end of the regular season, but
Michigan really played its best basketball at the right time.
There are plenty of ways you can analyze Monday’s game.
You can be critical of the coaches or players or the refs, but I am just going
to let that all go.
Michigan had a great season and accomplished something
big for its program by reaching the national championship game. I didn’t think
John Beilein was a coach capable of taking Michigan to that next level, but he
proved me wrong and he deserves credit for that. I think he has secured his
spot as head coach of the Wolverines for a long time to come.
This season had the makings of being a disappointing one
after Michigan failed to win a Big Ten title of any kind, but the Final Four
and national championship game appearances made up for all that.
This last month can do a lot for the Michigan program
going forward. It should do a lot for recruiting, which is already going well
for the Wolverines (three ESPN Top 100 recruits joining the team next season).
Next season will certainly be interesting for Michigan,
but the big question heading into the offseason is who will be back for the
Wolverines?
Four of Michigan’s starting five all have the potential
to leave for the NBA.
It is more than expected that Trey Burke is leaving. The
sophomore point guard nearly left after his freshman year, but decided to stay.
Now he is the National Player of the Year and doesn’t have any reason to come
back outside of wanting to win a national title. I’d be shocked if Burke
returned. He is a guaranteed lottery pick.
Junior Tim Hardaway Jr. also seems set to leave. I
personally think he could benefit from coming back and being the focal point of
the Michigan offense. Hardaway disappeared at times throughout the season and
another year to develop his shot would be beneficial in my opinion. His family
pedigree helps his draft status, but I am not sure he’s ready.
Glenn Robinson III also has the family background to go
pro, but I really think he needs a second year of college. The freshman has
good length, at 6-6, but I think he could use another year in a strength and conditioning
program to bulk up a little bit. He was frequently out-muscled when playing
defense this year and became somewhat of a defensive liability for Michigan.
With his athleticism, Robinson III can be a great pro player if he develops his
shot. He was just a 32 percent shooting from 3-point land and 67 percent
shooter at the free-throw line.
Mitch McGary wasn’t really on the NBA radar entering the
tournament, but he certainly is now. I don’t expect him to leave, but his stocker
has never been better. He already has pretty good size at 6-10, 250 pounds, and
his outside shooting has noticeably improved. McGary also runs the floor well
and has great court awareness. I still think it would be wise for him to return
to Michigan and work on his post moves and try to develop his scoring inside
with both hands. I think McGary could really dominate if he continues to
develop. He would be a featured player for Michigan and I think he could be a
Player of the Year Candidate with another year of progress.
So, of the four, how many do you think will return. Right
now, I think Burke and Hardaway Jr. are leaving. I am on the fence about
Robinson III. He may not feel comfortable coming back with the others leaving,
or he could embrace the challenge of having to be a featured player. I think
McGary will be back for sure, which will help Michigan a great deal.
