1. I know we all wanted to beat OSU and win the B10 tourney. But in terms of the NCAA tourney, I think losing yesterday was probably a blessing in disguise. We need another day of rest. Brooks is banged up and needs another day of rest. I'm sure there are other injuries we don't know about (e.g., Wagner). The minutes may have caught up with Smith as well yesterday (who is constantly battling with bigger stronger guys). We have played a brutal schedule. We can sit back and learn from watching games today - and get some rest. I didn't see our banged up team learning on the fly to play without Livers beating an Illinois team that's playing their best basketball. and we didn't need another injury that could have come out of that war of a game.
2. I like that we just played where the tourney will be. This gives B10 teams one advantage in terms of less travel and getting used to the venue we just played in (assuming we play any games there).
3. I am optimistic that with more minutes, less uncertainty about his minutes, and preparing knowing he will be the guy, Johns is going to continue to improve and be more solid. He is a young gifted basketball player with great length, athleticism, and skill. But he's been behind NBA players for 3 years. He's now going to get his shot. It's not like we're throwing out a walk on with a ceiling. It would not be shocking if Johns had a coming out party. Let's also keep an eye on Williams. Both of these guys are gifted.
4. Along those lines, I really think we should start Johns and bring Brown off the bench. It seems to me that Brown has played best with less minutes when he can dial up the energy.
5. I know the team has struggled much more recently offensively. But the defense has remained solid. Let's not forget that.
6. I'm not convinced Livers won't play again this year - especially if we get out of the first weekend. The team hasn't ruled it out. Livers hasn't ruled it out. Davis came back earlier in the season when he was out "indefinitely". Michigan has been up front this year about playing status. Let's remain optimistic.
7. We will definitely benefit from a less physical brand of basketball in the tourney. Dickinson becomes harder to guard (and he will be less scouted). Wagner becomes tougher to guard.
2. I like that we just played where the tourney will be. This gives B10 teams one advantage in terms of less travel and getting used to the venue we just played in (assuming we play any games there).
3. I am optimistic that with more minutes, less uncertainty about his minutes, and preparing knowing he will be the guy, Johns is going to continue to improve and be more solid. He is a young gifted basketball player with great length, athleticism, and skill. But he's been behind NBA players for 3 years. He's now going to get his shot. It's not like we're throwing out a walk on with a ceiling. It would not be shocking if Johns had a coming out party. Let's also keep an eye on Williams. Both of these guys are gifted.
4. Along those lines, I really think we should start Johns and bring Brown off the bench. It seems to me that Brown has played best with less minutes when he can dial up the energy.
5. I know the team has struggled much more recently offensively. But the defense has remained solid. Let's not forget that.
6. I'm not convinced Livers won't play again this year - especially if we get out of the first weekend. The team hasn't ruled it out. Livers hasn't ruled it out. Davis came back earlier in the season when he was out "indefinitely". Michigan has been up front this year about playing status. Let's remain optimistic.
7. We will definitely benefit from a less physical brand of basketball in the tourney. Dickinson becomes harder to guard (and he will be less scouted). Wagner becomes tougher to guard.
