I can't help but marvel at how much free publicity and exposure the program is getting right now. Unless you've been under a rock it is impossible to miss how much goodwill and exposure Coach Howard and the university is getting right now. Easily hundreds of millions worth of free publicity.
Every analyst is now firmly on the Michigan train. Grassroot AAU coaches commenting throughout the games and the prior months with potential recruits engaging the posts. There is a sizable group of NBA players championing Coach Howard for coach of the year. Constant mentions of how there is the #1 recruiting class in the nation coming in so the program isn't going anywhere. Last night so much talk about Grant Hill and Juwan playing each other during their time at Duke and UM, respectively.
Top national recruits are tweeting their excitement and positive impressions during games is insane too. The impact this has on potential recruits cannot be understated. Brandon Johns (who's a different type of player than Livers) entering the starting lineup shows recruits that you can be effective in the system with being a carbon copy of someone else. The team plays an open style, multi option attack and that is what they are looking for.
The stats posted last night showing how this is the 4th Elite 8 in the last eight years stamps this program is elite. The fact that these recruits have grown up seeing UM in Elite 8s, Final Fours and National Title games mean something. Combine that with the constant talk about them being at the same level as Baylor and Gonzaga and wow this program is getting untold millions and maybe billions of free exposure and impressions that will strengthen recruiting efforts.
Best yet, the energy and comradery that is present from all the guys on the bench and how they enjoy each other's successes put this program in a special light. It was understandable the concern of where the program would be when Coach Howard was hired but looking at it now and I can't wipe the smile off my face.
Every analyst is now firmly on the Michigan train. Grassroot AAU coaches commenting throughout the games and the prior months with potential recruits engaging the posts. There is a sizable group of NBA players championing Coach Howard for coach of the year. Constant mentions of how there is the #1 recruiting class in the nation coming in so the program isn't going anywhere. Last night so much talk about Grant Hill and Juwan playing each other during their time at Duke and UM, respectively.
Top national recruits are tweeting their excitement and positive impressions during games is insane too. The impact this has on potential recruits cannot be understated. Brandon Johns (who's a different type of player than Livers) entering the starting lineup shows recruits that you can be effective in the system with being a carbon copy of someone else. The team plays an open style, multi option attack and that is what they are looking for.
The stats posted last night showing how this is the 4th Elite 8 in the last eight years stamps this program is elite. The fact that these recruits have grown up seeing UM in Elite 8s, Final Fours and National Title games mean something. Combine that with the constant talk about them being at the same level as Baylor and Gonzaga and wow this program is getting untold millions and maybe billions of free exposure and impressions that will strengthen recruiting efforts.
Best yet, the energy and comradery that is present from all the guys on the bench and how they enjoy each other's successes put this program in a special light. It was understandable the concern of where the program would be when Coach Howard was hired but looking at it now and I can't wipe the smile off my face.
