Hoke, take notes

Yesterday was kind of a big day, in regards to Michigan basketball.  Two of the stars of this year's team announced they would forego their remaining two years of collegiate eligibility, and declare for the NBA draft. 


Since the loss a few weeks back, this has been on the minds of Michigan fans everywhere.  Some of us a little more obsessed than others.  I think I share my thoughts with most of those fans, that, had everyone returned, Michigan would have made a long, tough run in the tournament next year.  They would have been a dreaded opponent on schedules. A pre-season top 5 team according to the experts, of which I am not.  And really, really fun to watch. 


But, that didn't happen.  These kids have decided to go after their life-long dream of playing in the NBA.  So, the fans are left thinking and wondering, "Who is going to fill their shoes?" And what big shoes they wear. 


I've made mention of it before, but I'll do so more explicitly now.  John Beilein in an amazing coach.  He doesn't recruit kids based on stars, or rank, or name, or High School.  He recruits kids that he thinks he can help develop and will fit well into his system.  He recruits kids that he has a connection with. He recruits kids that have those intangible things.  He recruits kids that have "it." And then, he takes "it" and makes "it" better.  He not only develops their skills, their play-making, their basketball IQ, but he also develops them into young men. 


I read somewhere, that he makes a commitment to parents, while sitting in their living rooms, that he will not only coach their sons in basketball, but he will also coach them in life.   I watched this team go from a they'll-probably-not-make-it-to-the-tournament team, to a they-were-seconds-away-from-making-it-to-the-Final-Four team this year.  Yes, they worked hard in the off season. Yes, they were a year older. Yes, they were a year stronger. Yes, they had some lucky shots fall. But none of that would have been possible without the guy at the center of it all.  John Beilein. 


If I was David Brandon, I would arrange a meeting between Beilein and Hoke.  I would give Hoke and Co. assignments.  I would require him to spend quality time with Beilein and expect him to master his craft like Beilein has.  Hoke clearly needs some help in developing players and young men.  There is no denying that the football team has struggled in both of these arenas. Hoke, take notes. Beilein knows what he is doing. And he's really good at it. He's sending 4 potential first round draft picks to the NBA in the last two years.

My Pick 6 top players for next year:

1. Mitch McGary----if he stays

2. Caris Levert

3. Derrick Walton Jr.

4. Zack Irvin

5. Spike Albrecht

6. Any one of the freshman

Go Blue!

~Bekki