Greg Anthony on Michigan Wolverines Basketball

Wolverines vs Dukies

After the recent popular ESPN 30 for 30 documentary of the University of Michigan's Fab Five and their rivalry with the Duke Blue Devils, guess who the Wolverines meet in the 3rd round of this year's NCAA tourney? Ironically the hated Duke Blue Devils and their iconic coach Mike Krzyzewski.

UofM is of course an underdog coming into this game against Duke's 31-4 record. However Michigan has played the nation's best throughout the season fairly well. They were in close games this season against NCAA top seeds, Ohio State and Kansas.

"We've played the top teams in the country this year and fared well," junior captain Zack Novak said. "We're bound to get over the hump against one of them, so it would be great to do it (Sunday)."

No doubt Michigan's Big Blue faithful would love to see the Wolverines finally put away Duke in a tournament match-up. If they do, this could really put Michigan back on the basketball map again after languishing in near non-existence for years. A win like this and advancing to the Sweet 16 could do a lot for recruiting and helping Michigan get the players they need to take that next step as a program.

"It's a great rivalry. We played them a couple times in the last three or four years," Novak said. "Our class has split with them, 1-1. Right now, we're just thinking about present-day Duke versus present-day Michigan."

"We're just trying to embrace (the success) and you don't get too many chances to be in this situation," Novak said. "We have such a good opportunity that we just want to live in the 'now.'"

Michigan's Fab 5 Documentary

Should be an interesting documentary of the greatest NCAA basketball recruiting class of all time, "The Fab Five". The 1991 University of Michigan recruitment class of Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson changed not only basketball at the NCAA level but also ushered in a new hip hop swagger and style into the sports landscape. The team reached the 1992 and 1993 NCAA Championship games as both freshmen and sophomores, while starting a combined 304 of a possible 350 games.

What would follow was the largest scandal to hit the University of Michigan athletic department ever as well as cast a dark cloud over the basketball program for years to come.

Glenn Robinson III - Univ of MIchigan Commit

Jordan Dumars Transfers to University of Michigan

Former Detroit Country Day guard Jordan Dumars (son of current Detroit Pistons GM Joe Dumars) is now enrolled at U-M, after spending a semester at Southern Florida. Dumars' reason for transferring? He wants to play closer to home. Most likely he will be considered a walk-on and would be eligible to play at the end of the fall semester next season.

Not to play armchair quarterback here, but I was never sure why Dumars didn't pick Michigan originally. Dumars is a great outside shooter, but not necessarily someone who can create his own shot. He needs to come off a screen and get open in that manner.... translation, he is a perfect match for the Wolverines heavy 3-point shooting offense.

I'm More than a Pizza Man

Former Michigan football player and university regent, David Brandon has been announced as the new Athletic Director to replace Bill Martin. Brandon will be leaving his current post as CEO of Domino's Pizza to take this opportunity. On a side note, who knew Dominos was even still around?? Can't remember the last time I heard of anyone ordering a pizza from there.

Brandon quickly countered the question that everyone is surely asking themselves, how the heck is a pizza CEO qualified for this job?

Brandon was quoted as saying "I'm more than a pizza man...although I have not lived a career in athletics specifically as others may have, I believe I bring a unique set of qualifications, interests and experiences to this job."

I am really questioning this move by Michigan, not sure how someone goes from operating a pizza franchise to Athletic Director at the University of Michigan. The only qualification seems to be that he played under Bo Schembechler.

Brandon will be quickly thrown into the fire with a floundering football program and a gimmicky basketball program that needs to prove last year wasn't a fluke. If both programs do not begin to turn around after next year, two coaches may be on the chopping block.

Wolverines Roll Rival #15 Buckeyes

Michigan's dynamic duo of Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims were key in bringing down hated rival Buckeyes. The do led Michigan to a 73-64 victory over No. 15 Ohio State and improved their Big Ten record to 1-1, after previously losing to Indiana. Sims had 28 points and nine rebounds, while Harris added 24 points to go with seven rebounds and five assists."There was some sense of urgency," Michigan coach John Beilein said. "For one, it's Ohio State, but at the same time, you have to take care of home."

"You have to be really mobile to contain guys in our system," Sims said. "I was a recipient of good passes from a lot of players today. You take what the game brings you."

The Buckeyes were without their standout, Evan Turner. In Evan's absence, Jon Diebler kept Ohio State in the game to the bitter end. Diebler fiished with 14 points, including three 3-pointers, in the first half.

The Wolverines sorely needed this win to keep their spirits up. To this point they had not beaten any teams I would consider "good". Previously wins this season came against: Houston Baptist, Arkansas - Pine Bluff, Creighton, University of Detroit and Coppin State. Hopefully this is the win they needed to get the ball rolling in Big Ten conference play.

Michigan Wolverines Football 2010 Recruits List

Verbal commitments
DT Richard Ash (6-4, 270) Pahokee (Fla.)
CB Courtney Avery (5-11, 175) Lexington (Ohio)
CB Cullen Christian (6-0, 180) Pittsburgh Penn Hills
WR Drew Dileo (5-10, 175) Parkview (La.) Baptist
WR/RB Tony Drake (5-9, 170) Dallas Skyline
LB Josh Furman (6-2, 194) Millersville (Md.) Old Mill
QB Devin Gardner (6-4, 195) Inkster
P Will Hagerup (6-4, 210) Whitefish Bay (Wisc.)
RB Stephen Hopkins (6-0, 235) Flower Mound (Texas) Marcus
WR Jeremy Jackson (6-3, 195) Ann Arbor Huron
S Carvin Johnson (6-1, 185) Rummel (La.)
QB Cornelius Jones (6-2, 197) Spartanburg (S.C.)
LB Antonio Kinard (6-4, 210) Youngstown (Ohio) Liberty
WR Ricardo Miller (6-3, 208) Ann Arbor Pioneer
OL Christian Pace (6-3, 262) Avon Lake (Ohio)
DE Jordan Paskorz (6-3, 225) Hampton (Pa.)
WR Jerald Robinson (6-2, 175) Canton (Ohio) South
S Marvin Robinson (6-1, 195) Eagle Lake (Fla.) Lake Region
CB Terrence Talbott (5-10, 172) Huber Heights (Ohio) Wayne
DT Terry Talbott (6-4, 255) Huber Heights (Ohio) Wayne
S Ray Vinopal (5-10, 178) Youngstown (Ohio) Cardinal Mooney
RB Austin White (6-0, 186) Livonia Stevenson
DE Ken Wilkins (6-3, 244) Washington (Pa.) Trinity
WR D.J. Williamson (6-1, 175) Warren (Ohio) Harding

5 more Michigan targets
CB Tony Grimes (5-11, 166) Hollywood Hills (Fla.)
NT Johnathan Hankins (6-3, 335) Detroit Southeastern
DE Clarence Murphy (6-2, 220) Hollywood Hills (Fla.)
S Sean Parker (6-0, 185) Harbor City (Calif.) Narbonne
OL Torrian Wilson (6-4, 315) Miami Northwestern

2010 Recruits Enrolling Early
Jeremy Jackson
Jerald Robinson
Ricardo Miller
Marvin Robinson
Christian Pace
Austin White
Devin Gardner* (trying to graduate early)

Rich Rod and Michigan WILL BE FINE.

Okay, everyone settle down. The 2009 season is over for Michigan Football.

Long time fans, like myself, aren't quite used to not anticipating our bowl matchup. We're used to planning our exact location when we plan on being hungover and not moving for hours on end, on New Years Day. But, just like last years fate, we now have to patiently wait for 10 months before we can yell at our TVs and furiously argue with state fans about how we hate each other.

We're used to 8 or 9 win seasons, year after year (state fans call this 'arrogance', we call it tradition). We're used to having a very good team (not great), that competes for a Big Ten title every year. To sum it up, we're used to winning football games, plain and simple.

Then Rich Rodriguez comes in and "ruins" the tradition of UM Football, and loses a combined 16 games in two years of work.

This, most Michigan fans would say, is a problem. But I'm one of the optimistic few that think Michigan Football is going to be just fine. And actually, I'd bet that they will be better than fine, competing for Big Ten titles as soon as next year, and National Titles by the 2012 season.

Why so optimistic you say? I'll start with the facts. The 2009 roster was 70% Freshman and Sophomores. There were many Sophomores and a few Freshman to actually play a lot of downs in Big Ten games this year. (this obviously doesn't count the redshirt freshman players who are lifting and practicing every day during the season, and were part of RR's first complete recruiting class)

Next year, UM returns 9 of 11 starters on offense AND defense.

All of this equates to experience. And this is most crucial for a Rich Rodriguez coached team. He started off with players remaining from a traditional "pro-style" offensive system. The switch to a spread offense isn't going to be easy for players who have played their whole lives in a traditional offense. It takes time, coaching, and experience actually playing within the new system.

This season showed glimpses of how good this offense can be with the type of players necessary to run it. Even with multiple catastrophes throughout the season (TURNOVERS GALORE), they were one of the better offensive teams in the Big Ten. Tate Forcier obviously has the potential to be a good, possibly great quarterback for this team. He, along with the rest of the youngsters, will only get better. That makes me happy, because that offense is really fun to watch when it's 'on'.

Defense is another story. With three different coordinators in three years, there is obviously not much consistency on this side of the ball. The defense looked solid for parts of the season this year, but the second half was horrible. The only game they looked good (minus Delaware State...) was the ohio state game. If they give Robinson three years of coaching with this young team, they could be solid. I'll need to see some improvement next year first, but for now, I'll trust his experience.

All I know is this, the new staff is recruiting very well for their system, and I can see things getting better on the field. The only thing holding this team back is lack of experience, and they're going to get a lot of that next year. With more and more players graduating early and coming to UM in January, spring practices are very helpful for a young team like this. Another point to make with recruits, when they come to see a UM game, or watch one on TV, they're seeing playing time.

I'm calling for 8 wins in 2010, and continual Big Ten Championships afterward, with a few National Titles sprinkled in there (obv).

So, like an msu or a Lions fan, I'll leave you with this:

"There's always next year."

Forcier to Start at QB for Wolverines

Freshman Tate Forcier, who enrolled early and got valuable practice time during the spring, will be the starting quarterback when Michigan opens its season against Western Michigan on Saturday at Michigan Stadium.

Forcier will be the third freshman since Rick Leach in 1975 to start at quarterback his freshman year. Chad Henne started in 2004.

Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez revealed his decision during his weekly radio show Thursday night. He reiterated what he has said for more than a week -- that all three quarterbacks, including junior Nick Sheridan and freshman Denard Robinson, will play.

Wolverines Will Host UConn in 2010 Opener

The Michigan Wolverines have confirmed they will open their 2010 football season against the Conneciut Huskies. The Sept. 4 game will open the newly renovated Michigan stadium.

Not exactly a huge opponent for the big event, but at least its a BCS school. Schools are becoming more and more afraid to put legitimate teams in their schedule as one loss can ruin a team's title hopes.

Kelvin Grady to Transfer from UofM

On Thursday, Michigan Wolverine reserve point guard Kelvin Grady has announced he will transfer to another program.

During his two years at Michigan Grady averaged 4.9 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

Regarding his departure Grady commented: "It's been a wonderful experience both as a student and as a player here at the University of Michigan, but I feel I need a fresh start. I love this university and want to thank the coaching staff, my teammates and everyone else who has supported me over the past two years. However, I have decided to explore other academic and playing opportunities at this time."

Not a big loss for the Wolverines, but he was good at pushing the ball up the floor and running in an up-tempo style game. No word on where he will be transferring to, but I would assume its a small DI school or possibly DII.

UofM QB Nick Sheridan Injures Leg

Nick Sheridan, UofM's Junior QB suffered a small fracture in his right leg during spring practice and is expected to be out 4-6 weeks to heal..... oh wait.... no one cares because Nick stinks at QB and incoming Freshman Tate Forcier will take his spot regardless.

State of Michigan Power Rankings

Best NCAA Basketball Teams in the State of Michigan in Order

Michigan State
(14-3 Big Ten, 24-5 Overall)
RPI: 6
Strength of Schedule: 7
Key Wins: Oklahoma State, Texas, Kansas, Minnesota, Illinois
In-State Wins: Oakland, @ Michigan
In-State Losses: -


Michigan
(8-9 Big Ten, 18-12 Overall)
RPI: 48
Strength of Schedule: 9
Key Wins: UCLA, Duke, Illinois, Purdue
In-State Wins: Eastern, Oakland
In-State Losses: Michigan State


Oakland
(13-5 Summit, 20-11 Overall)
RPI: 130
Strength of Schedule: 286
Key Wins: Oregon, @ Wisc - Green Bay, North Dakota State
In-State Wins: @ Eastern
In-State Losses: Michigan, Michigan State


Detroit
(2-16 Horizon, 7-23 Overall)
RPI: 277
Strength of Schedule: 145
Key Wins: -
In-State Wins: Eastern, @ Central
In-State Losses: Western


Western
(6-8 MAC, 9-19 Overall)
RPI: 292
Strength of Schedule: 269
Key Wins: -
In-State Wins: Detroit, @ Central, @ Eastern, Eastern
In-State Losses: -


Central
(5-9 MAC, 9-18 Overall)
RPI: 300
Strength of Schedule: 275
Key Wins: -
In-State Wins: Detroit
In-State Losses: Detroit, Western, @ Eastern, Eastern


Eastern
(4-10 MAC, 6-23 Overall)
RPI: 329
Strength of Schedule: 240
Key Wins: -
In-State Wins: Central, @ Central
In-State Losses: @ Detroit, @ Michigan, Oakland, Western, @ Western

Fab 5 to Reunite

From Mlive.com
by Jeff Arnold

Jalen Rose stood at center court in Crisler Arena a year ago, vowing that he would one day reunite the Fab Five.

In time, Rose said, one of the most celebrated collections of talent in college basketball history would return to the University of Michigan to celebrate their accomplishments.

Now, 16 years after Michigan's famed fivesome helped lead the Wolverines to their second straight national title game and more than a decade after the NCAA vacated both of the seasons the Fab Five spent together, they will again come together.

Just not in Ann Arbor.

Rose, along with former teammates Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson, will appear together at a charity event at the Motor City Casino in Detroit on April 4, the event's planner said Tuesday.

The event will benefit the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. It is part of a weekend of festivities surrounding the Final Four, which will be held at Ford Field.

Ticket prices for the event haven't yet been finalized.

The reunion will mark the first time the former Michigan starting five has been together since they all played together in 1992 and 1993.

The NCAA erased the Fab Five's achievements after learning that former Michigan booster Ed Martin gave Webber $280,000 in illicit loans and another $336,000 to three other Wolverines' players.

And, while most believe the Fab Five's legacy was forever tarnished by the controversy surrounding the group, Rose believes, in time, all will be forgiven.

King, who serves as a Michigan basketball color commentator, said Tuesday night he is helping to organize the event.

He said at last year's ceremony involving Rose that he looked forward to a time when he could once again be together with his former teammates.

"I know everybody wishes (the rest of the Fab Five) was here," King said. "Just because I'm the only brother who's here supporting (Rose), it doesn't mean that everyone else isn't here in spirit."

Threet Leaving UofM

Steven Threet was the most experienced quarterback on the University of Michigan roster until he announced that yesterday that he will be once again transferring (he transferred to Michigan from Georgia Tech). Threet obviously saw the writing on the wall with the two new "mobile Quarterback recruits (Forcier and Robinson) coming to Michigan, that he would at some point be phased out, if not immediately.

Threet was quoted as saying: "I have requested and received my release. I do not yet know where I will continue my collegiate career and will have no further comment until that decision is made."

Last fall, the 6-foot, 6-inch, 230-pound Threet started eight games for the Wolverines. He completed 102 of 200 passes for 1,105 yards, with nine touchdowns and seven interceptions. Threet at his best was average, and when not at his best was a sub-par QB in Rich Rod's system or I would venture to guess any system.

See ya Steve, we won't miss ya.

MIchigan Wolverines 2009 Recruiting Class

The question wasn't IF the Wolverine football class would take a hit, but how badly it would take a hit after the disasterous season that was 2008. The perennially strong football program of Michigan ended up not taking too bad of a hit after all was said and done.

It was no secret the Wolverines were looking to upgrade their speed with this recruiting class to fit Head Coach Rich Rodriguez's style of play and they did just that, signing six players who are running backs, receivers or a combination of the two. Arguably the fastest player is quarterback Denard Robinson, who runs a 4.3-second 40-yard dash, according to his high school coach.

In addition to Denard Robinson, the Wolverines also landed another highly recruited dual threat quarterback in Tate Forcier. Both are expected to compete for playing time next year as freshman and best case scenario, beat out Steven Threet and Nick Sheridan for the starting position.

In addition to Robinson and Forcier, the Wolverines signed two other highly regarded players in Justin Turner and Will Campbell. Justin Turner is a cornerback from Ohio whom Secondary Coach Tony Gibson said he believes is talented enough to play during his first season. And of course big Will Campbell is arguably their best recruit. He's a defensive tackle from Cass Tech High School in Detroit who was a man amongst boys this year in the PSL, often being tripled teamed on the line of scrimmage.

Below is the remainder of this year's recruiting class for the University of Michigan

LB Isaiah Bell, 6-0/209, Youngstown, Ohio

DT William Campbell, 6-5/315, Detroit (Cass Tech)

DB Vladimir Emilien, 6-0/186, Lauderhill, Fla.

QB Tate Forcier, 6-0/184, San Diego

ATH Jeremy Gallon, 5-8/165, Apopka, Fla.

K Brendan Gibbons, 6-0/202, West Palm Beach, Fla.

WR Cameron Gordon, 6-2/211, Inkster

ATH Thomas Gordon, 5-10/199, Detroit (Cass Tech)

LB Brandin Hawthorne, 6-0/181, Pahokee, Fla.

DB Mike Jones, 6-2/200, Orlando, Fla.

RB Teric Jones, 5-8/186, Detroit (Cass Tech)

DE Anthony LaLota, 6-6/260, Princeton, N.J.

OL Taylor Lewan, 6-7/272, Scottsdale, Ariz.

QB Denard Robinson, 6-0, 179, Deerfield Beach, Fla.

DE Craig Roh, 6-5/230, Scottsdale, Ariz.

OL Michael Shofield, 6-6/272, Orland Park, Ill.

RB Vincent Smith, 5-6/159, Pahokee, Fla.

WR Je'Ron Stokes, 6-1/178, Philadelphia

RB Fitzgerald Toussain, 5-10/185, Youngstown, Ohio

DB J.T. Turner, 6-2/190, Massillon, Ohio

OL Quinton Washington, 6-3/315, St. Stephen, S.C.

DB Adrian Witty, 6-1, 185, Deerfield Beach, Fla.

Greg Robinson in as New Wolverines Defensive Coordinator

Michigan Wolverines Head Football Coach Rich Rodriguez has hired in Greg Robinson as his new Defensive Coordinator to replace Scott Shafer.

Robinson was fired from his Head Coaching position at Syracuse University last fall after four years and a 10-37 record. Previous to his stint at Syracuse, Greg served as a Defensive Coordinator with the Texas Longhorns, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets and Denver Broncos.

Robinson's Texas defense ranked No. 18 nationally in scoring defense, and No. 23 in total defense. I think this will end up being a great hire for Michigan as he has proven experience in this position previously at a top program (Texas).

However, anything would be better then the poor job Schafer did with a fairly talented group on defense last year.

Wolverines Drop from Top 25

After starting the Big Ten season with a loss to Wisconsin and then following up with a win against the Illini, the Michigan Wolverines have dropped from the Top 25 after being previously ranked #24 against Wisconsin two games ago.

The Wolverines are now 11-3, 1-1 Big Ten and have dropped three spots to the No. 26 rank in the nation.

Michigan will soon have a chance to get back into the Top 25 though, as three of their next four games are against highly ranked opponents: Indiana (184), Iowa (48), Illinois (19) and Ohio State (16).

Cass Tech Standout to Join Wolverines

Detroit Cass Tech Defensive Line standout, Will Campbell originally committed to the University of Michigan and then dropped his commitment to the football team in early September to consider other options, which turned out to be LSU and Miami.

However, late in the third quarter of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Campbell finally made his decision of where he intends to enroll. With hats from LSU, Miami and Michigan laid on a table in front of him, Campbell picked up the Michigan hat and put it on his head. The 6-foot-5-inch, 310-pound Campbell, who played at Detroit's Cass Tech High School, has said he intends to enroll in college for the winter semester.

Rivals.com ranks Campbell as its No. 25 player overall nationally, and its No. 4 defensive tackle.

This commitment should help ease the sting of the recent decommitment of Shavodrick Beaver. Beaver, who decided to attend Tulsa rather than Michigan, is one of several Michigan recruits who changed their minds about coming to Ann Arbor after a poor 2008 season.