Love or hate Sparty but you have to admit that Tom Izzo can coach basketball. He can also recruit and outside of Coach B, Michigan has not had a coach that could match up the X O's with him. Coach B was not a supreme recruiter even though he was 2nd to none in other coaching areas.
Now Michigan has a coach that can do both and Dusty beat Tom and his squad by a combined 22 points this season. The match-ups might not be over either as Michigan could see Sparty this weekend or even in the NCAA Tournament.
Izzo used the Iowa game plan to pressure the top of the key and put Mara in conflict before he could make his lobs or other passes. This worked for a half as Michigan continues to find its footing without LJ Cason. Michigan then in the 2nd half matched MSU's physicality and shot better then Sparty. Yax was again the star and seems to love the bright lights with 27 points while Rez added a solid 18. I'm telling you right now, I love me some March Roddy Gayle who played well and scored 15, McKenney made some big baskets and had 12 off the bench. Burnett played better and had 10 points in his last game at Crisler. Cadeau and Mara both struggled combining for 6 points and 5 turnovers.
I love watching this team and I hate to nick pick but there is plenty for Dusty and staff to work on this week. MSU pushed the ball after made baskets and beat the Wolverines down the floor, the Michigan bigs got into foul trouble and Michigan did not look that organized on offense with the small unit was on the floor. The LJ role continues to be a work in progress. Cadeau struggled against MSU and Michigan really didn't have a solution at point when he went to the bench. Yax is a special talent but he just can't always be the solution on offense when Michigan gets into a funk.
In the first half Michigan played MSU's game. In the second, MSU couldn't keep up with Michigan's game. In the post game, Izzo fell right into the trap and had this quote: “I guess the crowd didn’t watch the game, because I’m nobody’s damn little brother, and neither is my team.”
This has been a historic regular season but the job is not done. Congrats to the seniors, lets go to work in Chicago! 9 more games, lets go!
- LJ told CBS he is not going to have surgery until next month so he can be with the team through out the tournament run. He is going to have it done in A2 and rehab in A2 as well. The expectation is LJ will redshirt next season as he recovers.
- How was that afternoon for all the recruits Dusty had on campus? 1 - Beat your rivals, 2 - Do Senior Night, 3- Get handed the Big Ten Trophy, 4 - Release the confetti, 5- Cut down the nets.
- Give Yax the Big 10 Player of the Year and Mara the Defensive POY.
1 comment:
Izzo is so overrated. He gets put on a pedestal at State because they can't get anyone else. Steve Fisher has just as many National Championships. Izzo doesn't develop players because he wants them to stay for 4 years and not turn pro. The way he verbally abuses players and referees is appalling, and a bad example for kids. His credibility is that of a used car salesman, and his ego prevents him from retiring. He tolerates dirty play from his players, if not encourages it. Izzo produces players with criminal records, and even interfered with a police investigation of one of his players. Lets cut the crap- There is not much to like about this man.
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