Of course, in the Beilein era with much success and Michigan being a national power, one of the few complaints by knowledgeable UMBB followers is the lack of defense at times. Last year, it was abysmal in the first half or so of the season, especially being apparent in the ugly loss @ Illinois (white collar game).
Many thought it should have been much improved with Billy Donlon being the "defensive coordinator." But, Michigan did not have much success in Donlon's gap defense where they focused primarily on stopping driving lanes instead of denying passing lanes. Kind of a pick your poison kind of situation. It didn't work very well in the Big Ten.
I'm here to tell fans worried about the defense that Michigan is in good hands with the genius that is John Beilein as head coach, even on the defensive end. After early season struggles on that side of the floor, Beilein took over and switched the team's philosophy, denying more passing lanes which led Michigan to be a great team overall.
I'm always concerned about playing good defense because of how important it obviously is, but I'm confident that this can be a good defensive team and losing Donlon won't be a huge loss in that area. We should be solid on D.
Zavier Simpson is a vastly underrated defender, great at positioning himself, quick feet. Awesome part of his game.
Simmons is a good enough athlete to compete on that end of the floor, and won't see the floor as much as he would like if he doesn't defend well.
Charles Matthews should be a technician on D and rebounding.
Rahkman is an average defender and if he plays the right technique, he can be effective.
Duncan Robinson has some obvious struggles moving horizontally on D, but makes up for some of it in being great at reacting and putting himself in good position (he will take some charges, etc.)
Livers will be able to defend stretch 4's and defend competently in the post with his size
Moe needs to improve, and I assume he will on this end of the floor, especially if he wants to take the step to the NBA after this season.
Austin Davis should be very solid in post defense.
Looking forward to the season!
GO BLUE
Many thought it should have been much improved with Billy Donlon being the "defensive coordinator." But, Michigan did not have much success in Donlon's gap defense where they focused primarily on stopping driving lanes instead of denying passing lanes. Kind of a pick your poison kind of situation. It didn't work very well in the Big Ten.
I'm here to tell fans worried about the defense that Michigan is in good hands with the genius that is John Beilein as head coach, even on the defensive end. After early season struggles on that side of the floor, Beilein took over and switched the team's philosophy, denying more passing lanes which led Michigan to be a great team overall.
I'm always concerned about playing good defense because of how important it obviously is, but I'm confident that this can be a good defensive team and losing Donlon won't be a huge loss in that area. We should be solid on D.
Zavier Simpson is a vastly underrated defender, great at positioning himself, quick feet. Awesome part of his game.
Simmons is a good enough athlete to compete on that end of the floor, and won't see the floor as much as he would like if he doesn't defend well.
Charles Matthews should be a technician on D and rebounding.
Rahkman is an average defender and if he plays the right technique, he can be effective.
Duncan Robinson has some obvious struggles moving horizontally on D, but makes up for some of it in being great at reacting and putting himself in good position (he will take some charges, etc.)
Livers will be able to defend stretch 4's and defend competently in the post with his size
Moe needs to improve, and I assume he will on this end of the floor, especially if he wants to take the step to the NBA after this season.
Austin Davis should be very solid in post defense.
Looking forward to the season!
GO BLUE
