After a 54-42 loss to Michigan State in Crisler Arena, Ann Arbor isn’t smiling this morning.  The reality of the Wolverines’ NCAA aspirations have rapidly vaporized in the swoon of seven losses in nine games and they now sport a 15-10 record.  No doubt, at the end of the night, losing to Tom Izzo and the mighty Spartans doesn’t feel good.  But, even in a loss, and perhaps in no game more than last night’s, Michigan’s winning transformation from the malaise of Tommy Amaker’s era was abundantly apparent.Wolverine Heart

Michigan fans are understandably bummed with the unfulfilled promise of the early season upsets of UCLA and Duke not to mentioned being beaten by their in-state rival, but it’s worth remembering that Michigan is 18 months into the tenure of John Beilein and just one season removed from a 10-22 record.  Beilein offered no quick fixes as last season he admittedly spent the season teaching his team how to pass, shoot, and play defense, basketball fundamentals that were neglected during Amaker’s reign.  While losses hurt, it’s the long view that matters.

No longer do Michigan fans have to endure talented players going through the motions with half-hearted effort and less discipline.  Last night, the effort from former walk-ons CJ Lee and David Merritt was inspiring. They played their guts out, in Lee’s case literally. Beilein’s riding basketball savvy freshmen basketball Stu Douglass and Zack Novak hard and they’re giving him everything they have on virtually every possession.

And DeShawn Sims showed again how far he’s come since he arrived in Ann Arbor as a raw McDonald’s All-American.  He carried the team on his back and did everything he could to get a win on a night where Manny Harris was covered like a blanket by Travis Walton.  Even in a loss, Michigan played its heart out and that’s something the program can build upon, for this season and beyond.

Looking ahead, next up for the Wolverines are Northwestern, Minnesota and Iowa.  Despite the loss to Michigan State, the season’s clearly not over as 18 to 20 wins are still within their grasp. The NIT is a reality but, with a strong finish that needs to include a few upsets and a Big Ten Tourney run, the NCAA’s are still within reach.  To get to the postseason, Michigan needs to keep playing tough hoops and hopefully get a few Manny Harris shots to fall in the process.  If they do that, they’ll be on the winning side down the stretch.

A 2 Point Spartan

It’s rare that a player who shoots 1-4 from the floor and scores a mere two points imposes his will on the game and ultimately determines its outcome.  Last night, Travis Walton defended Manny Harris all over floor and essentially shut down the Michigan catalyst and star. Harris ended the night with 7 points 2-10 from the field in 37 minutes.  Spartans Weblog was equally impressed with Walton’s effort.

Much as the devastating injury last season to Penn State’s Geary Claxton fast-tracked Talor Battle’s development, the infirmity of Raymar Morgan has given freshman Delvon Roe and sophomores Durrell Summers and Kalin Lucas more opportunity to grow.  For Lucas, the team is now unquestionably his.  His first step is unreal.  His ability to create and score off the dribble reminds me of Mike Conley attacking the rim for Ohio State two seasons ago.

For Roe, each day removed from his knee injuries he looks stronger and stronger.  He’s a smart player, with good hands and an unselfish, team-oriented composition.  Our friend at Sparty Basketball shares the love from Delvon, another in the long line of top-notch players Izzo has plucked from Northern Ohio…Andre Hudson, AJ Granger, Travis Walton, Raymar Morgan.  Roe’s development and to a lesser extent the late surge by Draymond Green, gives the Spartans unparalleled depth and balance.  When Morgan gets back, presumably against Purdue…wow.

Posted by TD Lawlor on Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 at 11:45 am.