March Madness with no Michigan leads me to start thinking about next season. And I'm already excited.
The blossoming of Irvin and Dawkins this season, the return of Caris (my prediction) and the addition of Robinson gives us 4 shooters with length to spread the floor. And depth that we've never had. Irvin has taken the step from shooter to player, and the ability of he and Caris to drive the ball, make the mid range shot and assist gives us so much versatility and many options. We have three wings with experience and one who has had a year to absorb Beilein's system in practices. Every one of those 4 players will be capable of shooting better than 40% of threes. Their length will enable us to play zones effectively. And to rebound from the 2 and 3 positions. And don't be surprised to see Beilein play three of those guys with a point guard and center on occasion.
Point guard is as solid and deep as it's ever been. Walton should reclaim his starting spot, but Spike and MAAR will merit PT, too. This is one of those tough problems that you like to have - not enough minutes to go around. You could envision MAAR or Spike playing some 2 behind Caris. But that means that Irvin and Dawkins split time at the 3, and I don't see how you keep either one off the floor for too long.
At center, I'll be very surprised if Doyle doesn't start and command 20+ minutes. Donnal and Wilson will pick up the remainder, with Wilson slated for some time the 4, as well. At 6'8", Robinson could play some 4, a very tough match-up for most 4s at the offensive end. Wilson's shot blocking ability says 5, his ability to hit a jump shot says 4. Donnal shines every now and then. It's possible that he starts putting it together and becomes a bigger factor. I've leaned never to write a Beilein player off if he's willing to work to improve.Then, of course, you have Chatman as a 4, most likely. I expect him to make big strides in the off season. He can rebound, handle the ball, run the court and hopefully make the kind of decisions with the ball that he made in the last few games. Again, you've got 4 guys for two positions. Some tough choices, but a nice problem to have. If Wagner comes here, you have 5.
Beilein has always settled on a 7 or 8 man rotation in the past. Don't see how he can do that next season. With so much length, we might see a lot more zone, and maybe a more effective 1-3-1. There will be intense competition in practices, and most everyone is spending the summer at Camp Sanderson. Can hardly wait.
The blossoming of Irvin and Dawkins this season, the return of Caris (my prediction) and the addition of Robinson gives us 4 shooters with length to spread the floor. And depth that we've never had. Irvin has taken the step from shooter to player, and the ability of he and Caris to drive the ball, make the mid range shot and assist gives us so much versatility and many options. We have three wings with experience and one who has had a year to absorb Beilein's system in practices. Every one of those 4 players will be capable of shooting better than 40% of threes. Their length will enable us to play zones effectively. And to rebound from the 2 and 3 positions. And don't be surprised to see Beilein play three of those guys with a point guard and center on occasion.
Point guard is as solid and deep as it's ever been. Walton should reclaim his starting spot, but Spike and MAAR will merit PT, too. This is one of those tough problems that you like to have - not enough minutes to go around. You could envision MAAR or Spike playing some 2 behind Caris. But that means that Irvin and Dawkins split time at the 3, and I don't see how you keep either one off the floor for too long.
At center, I'll be very surprised if Doyle doesn't start and command 20+ minutes. Donnal and Wilson will pick up the remainder, with Wilson slated for some time the 4, as well. At 6'8", Robinson could play some 4, a very tough match-up for most 4s at the offensive end. Wilson's shot blocking ability says 5, his ability to hit a jump shot says 4. Donnal shines every now and then. It's possible that he starts putting it together and becomes a bigger factor. I've leaned never to write a Beilein player off if he's willing to work to improve.Then, of course, you have Chatman as a 4, most likely. I expect him to make big strides in the off season. He can rebound, handle the ball, run the court and hopefully make the kind of decisions with the ball that he made in the last few games. Again, you've got 4 guys for two positions. Some tough choices, but a nice problem to have. If Wagner comes here, you have 5.
Beilein has always settled on a 7 or 8 man rotation in the past. Don't see how he can do that next season. With so much length, we might see a lot more zone, and maybe a more effective 1-3-1. There will be intense competition in practices, and most everyone is spending the summer at Camp Sanderson. Can hardly wait.
