The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/678402
FROM OUR READERS inson) before they blew up and had several others far exceed their rat- ings (Tim Hardaway Jr., Trey Burke, etc.). This was an anomaly and all the stars had to align perfectly. Since then Michigan has struck out on (or not gone after) the elite prospects and the under-the-radar kids have not panned out. For every Caris Le- Vert-type situation, there are always several others that can't play dead in a cowboy movie. Let me say that Beilein is a great person that has run the program in a way that should make Michigan fans proud. He was very unfairly treated in the ESPN-led Spike Al- brecht controversy. In a profession filled with cheaters and bullies, Beilein stands tall. But he is not a volunteer for the Peace Corps or Unicef and is not exempt from le- gitimate criticism. He has a newly remodeled Crisler Arena and brand new basketball practice facilities. Given that, he should be expected to recruit and sign the talent needed to make the team a consistent elite power. Looking forward, one hopes that Xavier Simpson can be a real impact player. He and Ibi Watson will inevi- tably be compared to Cassius Win- ston and Josh Langford, two highly rated players that chose MSU. Jon Teske looks like a player that needs time to develop, and perhaps Austin Davis will be one of the few under- the-radar big men to pan out under Beilein. History shows that two of the key stats for title teams are rebound- ing margin and defense. Shooting is important, but Beilein puts such an emphasis on it that he overlooks athleticism in many cases. If Michi- gan is not hitting its threes it has no chance, and athletic teams can take one-dimensional players out of the game. People forget that sharpshooter Glen Rice was a great athlete that led the rugged Big Ten in rebound- ing as a sophomore. They must also play two big men to have any chance to beat an elite squad in the tournament. The class of 2017 is key for Michigan. Jordan Poole is actually a very good get, and Michigan has a chance to sign, hopefully, athletic and talented prospects. Michigan has had a very up and down history in basketball and I have always felt that they have been a big underachiever or sleeping gi- ant. I hope Beilein and his staff will do what is necessary to put Michi- gan back into being a top 10-15 team. Kevin G. Smith Orange, Calif. Michigan basketball was indeed sleep- ing for the decade prior to Beilein's arrival, Kevin. What gets lost in the disappointment over an NCAA Tourna- ment miss and a two-and-done exit in injury-marred years is what he actually has resurrected. The Wolverines made the tournament five times in the past six years and al-