Rare indeed are November weekends where victories against Army, Idaho State, Radford and Brown portend anything more than a cheap win let alone the virtues of progress and hope. But in Iowa City, Ann Arbor and Minneapolis, the Big Ten Conference welcomed Todd Lickliter, John Beilein and Tubby Smith in victory, and in the process, a glimpse of light was shed on the effect these coaches will have on their respective Universities.
Iowa wins, Iowa wins!
With Tony Freeman out up to six weeks with a broken foot, freshman Jeff Peterson stepped into a starting lineup he’ll likely never leave. Peterson put forth a black-letter Lickliter game, playing 38 minutes of smart basketball illustrated by his nine assists and zero turnovers. Justin Johnson, a senior shooter who made 45.5% of his threes last season, made seven out twelve on Friday night en route to 21 points. Throughout the game, Iowa showed Lickliter’s influence by repeatedly making the extra pass while at all times playing in control. Most importantly, Iowa played solid team defense on and off the ball without the inexplicable lapse in mental concentration that marked much of the Steve Alfrod era.
It’s just one game, but the players in Iowa are Lickliter the effort he demands. With Johnson’s ability to capability to score outside and with Peterson’s penchant to protect the ball, Lickliter is well on his path to establishing the Iowa Way. Certainly, a long season beckons, but after game one, Hawkeye fans should feel optimistic that their team will not be rolling over amid the speculation of their prematurely ordained losing season; they will compete.
A Tough, Tight Ship in Ann Arbor
Michigan coach John Beilein commenced his weekend by suspending Jerret Smith for one game for his decision to blow off class. Consistent with Amaker’s D minus record as a coach who graduates his player, Hoopraker can’t recall Amaker suspending anyone for such a breach. With Beilein making a clear statement in favor of discipline before his first game, Michigan commenced the season by demonstrating a balanced offense and consistent defense in wins against Radford and a Brown team coached by former Bill Carmody assistant Craig Robinson.
Of all Michigan players, sophomore DeShawn Sims seemed most liberated from Amaker’s reign by Beilein, showing added range to his jump shot and consistent effort on defense. Like Sims, freshman Manny Harris provided leadership, protecting the basketball in addition to some considerable offensive ability en route to 22 points against Brown. Taking a cue from its coach, this year’s model in Michigan will no longer be an easy mark in Crisler as in year’s past. Galvanized by adversity, Michigan seems to have circled the wagons and consequently, through the example of their coach, they have found the fortitude to fight.
Hope in Minnesota
It’s been well-documented Kentucky ran Tubby Smith out of Lexington. Despite winning five SEC titles, making the Round of 16 six times in nine seasons at Kentucky, as well as 10 consecutive NCAA tournaments, Tubby was no longer welcome South of the Ohio River. Enter Billy Cylde Gillispie, flavor of the month, Bill Self protege and former Illinois Assistant, for some reason, considered by many Wildcats as the antidote to Tubby’s mediocrity. After an opening win against a decent Army team coached by Bobby Knight protege Jim Crews, Minnesota can exult thanks.
In one game, the Golden Gophers rebuked much of the latent defects of the Dan Monson era. Where Monson’s teams were characterized by selfish and sloppy play, Tubby’s model plays defense, shares the ball, and most importantly, they play hard, very hard. Throughout the game, even well into the second half when the outcome was secure, Minnesota played in your mug defense, holding Army scoreless for nine minutes are one point. Like Iowa and Michigan, despite their perceived shortcomings, Minnesota will not be an easy out this season. After one game, the message is clear: when your team travels to Williams Arena, hope they’re prepared to play or they’ll be outworked into a loss.
The transition to success is underway at three traditionally proud Universities that have suffered from complacency and excuses. Facing a season of unforeseeable challenged, a better Big Ten awaits for all of us.
