And when did you graduate from Michigan?IMO, if we play our best game, and Mich plays their best game, we lose by double digits (which is pretty much what the smart money is saying). I think our only hope is they get in foul trouble with Dickinson/Livers, and Wagner doesn't have the game he had vs OSU. With Brooks and Brown on the perimeter, Curbelo will have several unforced turnovers. He is loose with the ball, and that will not bode well against this team. Every time I see Mich play, they are pounding a good team-no one else in the country can make that claim. Mich has the ability to beat you from every position offensively, and play perhaps the best D in the league. They are big, deep, and talented. Clearly the best team in the conference, and I think the best in the country. When Kofi has to sit, they will hammer us on the boards. Dickinson will pull Kofi away from the basket which will be a problem for us, and Giorgi is a match-up mess for us. They may not win the NCAA with the one and done nature of the tournament, but they may, and the eye test tells you that any team that is 18-1 and 12-0 at home in this conference this yr is the cream of the crop. Too may ifs. If I'm betting the game, I would take the +9 with Michigan. Of course, that's why they play the game.
Wow, I didn't realize (or forgot) we were undefeated going into that Magic Johnson game - it was before my time, but I always thought it was a huge upset. We ended the year so badly, sounds like injuries played a role, that it looked like a huge upset in retrospect given they won the National title that yearOffhand, I'd say the WE'RE Number One game against Wake in late 2004.
EDIT: No, were were #5 going into that. I coulda sworn we were #3.
According to Wikipedia, we were #4 when Eddie Johnson beat Magic's #1 Spartans.
Man, I didn't need that - painful, painful memory - easiest the most crushing in my sports fandom life. '05 was hard because I think we were the better team and win that game 7 out of 10 times against UNC, but the '89 team was so much better than Michigan that year - Rice was on an absolute heater, but Robinson killed us breaking the press. Hamilton being hurt didn't help, but we just didn't play well at all and Nick not contesting that rebound, well. . .
If anybody needs a little extra fire for tomorrow
Long-time season ticket holder, pre-covid. What I stated isn't particularly insightful. Like I said, it's what the smart money is betting. I have watched us win a lot of games that shouldn't be close and are, and Mich just pound teams. Mich just BEAT (for emphasis) an Indiana team by 16, an Indiana that took us into OT, and the game prior they beat Ohio St convincingly, at Ohio St, a team that won in C-U handily without one of their best players. Which team would you expect to win?And when did you graduate from Michigan?
They will decide if Ayo plays a couple of hours before the game tomorrow from what I've heard-he's 50-50 right now.
With that being said, don't be surprised to see Ayo play tomorrow night.
I’ll go out on a limb and say Andre never develops into 40% shooter from 3. Not that he can’t improve enough to where teams just can’t leave him alone, but I see him in the 30-33% range — maybe creep up to 35%.I agree that developing a 40% 3 point shot will yield the biggest improvement for him.
You are being logical and using common sense. I would love for Illinois to win on the road versus Michigan, but based upon record and statistics that will be difficult. Michigan has been much more consistent than any team in the BIG Ten. Anyone who disputes that is speaking only from the heart. I am rooting for Illinois, but my money would be on Michigan, especially on the road.Long-time season ticket holder, pre-covid. What I stated isn't particularly insightful. Like I said, it's what the smart money is betting. I have watched us win a lot of games that shouldn't be close and are, and Mich just pound teams. Mich just BEAT (for emphasis) an Indiana team by 16, an Indiana that took us into OT, and the game prior they beat Ohio St convincingly, at Ohio St, a team that won in C-U handily without one of their best players. Which team would you expect to win?
My only question about your predictions was about Dickinson pulling Kofi away from the rim. He's 0-4 on the season from 3, but I haven't watched them too much, does he shoot a lot of midrange jumpers? I feel like that matchup is mostly just strength vs strength for those two bigs.Long-time season ticket holder, pre-covid. What I stated isn't particularly insightful. Like I said, it's what the smart money is betting. I have watched us win a lot of games that shouldn't be close and are, and Mich just pound teams. Mich just BEAT (for emphasis) an Indiana team by 16, an Indiana that took us into OT, and the game prior they beat Ohio St convincingly, at Ohio St, a team that won in C-U handily without one of their best players. Which team would you expect to win?
My only question about your predictions was about Dickinson pulling Kofi away from the rim. He's 0-4 on the season from 3, but I haven't watched them too much, does he shoot a lot of midrange jumpers? I feel like that matchup is mostly just strength vs strength for those two bigs.
Is this a Michigan fan ?IMO, if we play our best game, and Mich plays their best game, we lose by double digits (which is pretty much what the smart money is saying). I think our only hope is they get in foul trouble with Dickinson/Livers, and Wagner doesn't have the game he had vs OSU. With Brooks and Brown on the perimeter, Curbelo will have several unforced turnovers. He is loose with the ball, and that will not bode well against this team. Every time I see Mich play, they are pounding a good team-no one else in the country can make that claim. Mich has the ability to beat you from every position offensively, and play perhaps the best D in the league. They are big, deep, and talented. Clearly the best team in the conference, and I think the best in the country. When Kofi has to sit, they will hammer us on the boards. Dickinson will pull Kofi away from the basket which will be a problem for us, and Giorgi is a match-up mess for us. They may not win the NCAA with the one and done nature of the tournament, but they may, and the eye test tells you that any team that is 18-1 and 12-0 at home in this conference this yr is the cream of the crop. Too may ifs. If I'm betting the game, I would take the +9 with Michigan. Of course, that's why they play the game.
Michigan also lost by 18 to a Minnesota team that we annihilated twice. It's going to be all about the individual match-ups.Long-time season ticket holder, pre-covid. What I stated isn't particularly insightful. Like I said, it's what the smart money is betting. I have watched us win a lot of games that shouldn't be close and are, and Mich just pound teams. Mich just BEAT (for emphasis) an Indiana team by 16, an Indiana that took us into OT, and the game prior they beat Ohio St convincingly, at Ohio St, a team that won in C-U handily without one of their best players. Which team would you expect to win?
Can't believe I just watched the ending again. Maybe I was hoping for a different outcome? So sad.
If anybody needs a little extra fire for tomorrow
No they're just a smart person who pays attention to both team's performances and all their matchups. Michigan has 1 loss and has absolutely buried teams with struggled with/lost to. It's on the road and we don't have Ayo. You'd have to be insane to think that if they play their best basketball we win without a lot of luck. With Ayo I'd say it comes down to the wire but without they need to make some mistakes.Is this a Michigan fan ?
I don't think we would destroy Seton Hall. That team was very good. We probably beat them but I feel it would be a similar game to what they played against Michigan.Man, I didn't need that - painful, painful memory - easiest the most crushing in my sports fandom life. '05 was hard because I think we were the better team and win that game 7 out of 10 times against UNC, but the '89 team was so much better than Michigan that year - Rice was on an absolute heater, but Robinson killed us breaking the press. Hamilton being hurt didn't help, but we just didn't play well at all and Nick not contesting that rebound, well. . .
Not to mention we would have destroyed Seton Hall in the Championship
Reverse 89. (Not 98 though.)While I absolutely want to win this one, I'd be willing to accept a close loss on the road..........
just as long as we get revenge in the National Championship game in 5 weeks!!!
Thanks for the update, was just going to ask the board.They will decide if Ayo plays a couple of hours before the game tomorrow from what I've heard-he's 50-50 right now.
With that being said, don't be surprised to see Ayo play tomorrow night.
I recall he rubbed many people the wrong way. I'm with you, however: really enjoyed his color commentary. Interesting guy. Played and knew the game inside out, and has been an astute businessman since leaving Wake (the WSJ had an article about the latter years ago that I recall.)
Bruce Douglas was BigTen defensive player of the year in back-to-back seasons, 84-85 & 85-86.You are correct. I'm using the Big Ten media guide and it clearly lists Dee as the BIG 10 DPOY but under each of the teams it only lists Randle, CFrazier and Egwu. Not sure what to think of the listings.
Trent had a terrible game against NW at Rosemont his Freshman year. It was right before Xmas break and rumor was he was going to clear out his locker and go back to Florida and never come back. I'm glad that didn't happen.
Cincinnati the year KMart broke his leg. If he’s healthy (like he was for just about the entire season) the gap between them and the next best team was enormous.Yea. That year brings back a ton of memories. That was the year I graduated. Me and my mom had season tickets. We went to the indy tournament games. My mom was a rebounder and went to all the tournament games that year. What a disappointment to lose to of all schools UM??? Ouch. Bo's [bs] speech after they fired the coach Frieder for taking the UA job. And put in Fisher for the tournament. So much to hate. smh
The 90-91 Running Rebels sticks out in my mind as another great team that should've won it. What a team that was. Of course they won the year before and should have gone back to back.
Although just say 32 to 33% and watch outI agree that developing a 40% 3 point shot will yield the biggest improvement for him.
Lol. I know we can beat Michigan if everything falls right, but if they play the way they have been it’s going to be tough and even if Ayo plays, he’s not likely to be as sharp as he has been lately while wearing a mask and missing the last 2 games.And when did you graduate from Michigan?