Warde

Now it has happened, at least it will in half a year.   

I appreciate Brian and Seth.  I'll see what the blogger has to offer but I have never liked Seth as a writer, particularly when he tries to be profound.  The most diehard brethren there are predicting the future:  "be careful what you wish for."  The comments there are lengthy.

This is a story that will draw them out of the woodwork.  Everyone's going to have a say.

 If you were a detective putting a chart together on the wall Warde Manuel would be right smack in the middle.  Now that there is no road back for him I have to say I wish him well.  It is an extremely difficult job.  Maybe not everywhere, but at Michigan it is a hotseat.  Quick, who hired Rich Rodriquez?  Bill Martin.  I don't recall the name.  I do remember Dave Brandon and the players getting beat-up in the backfield and Brady Hoke freezing in a t-shirt to prove a point.  So it seems to be tied just a little to the football program.  There is the administration, the boosters, the alumni, the fans, of course the lying coaches, the budget, media, and now the players.  How about the guy Kyle Whittingham fled from at Utah, who ran out on the field or chased the officials in a tantrum over a official's call.  It is an extremely difficult job balancing everything else with trying to win.

As I wrote below, I lost respect for Manuel when he kissed Harbaugh's ass despite the suspensions, violations, and scandals.  Then, Sherrone Moore was a few notches lower still.

For a moment I thought this had ended in the opposite direction of sweeping it under a rug.  President Domenico Grasso said Manuel is "one of the best athletic directors in the country" and there is all kinds of hedging on an investigation report.  (Of course there is a report.)  

But no, the sh*t had already hit the fan.

A comment I read on the blog, the one mentioned above, sticks in my mind.  I was too declarative so I'll tone it down:  Might you think differently if he was not fat and black?  Truth is, I just do not like his arrogance, a lot like you know who with the big suite and guest list.  But the guy has three degrees from Michigan.  His first job at Michigan was as a scholarship administrator. 

Having a slightly off-putting appearance or personality is no reason to fire someone.

Being in charge of the rules, ethics, and doing things the right way and not doing your job is. 

--- 

7/14/26 

Probably the most common comment, or commenter, is that he was successful at Michigan.  That success was tainted long ago and the most common reaction beyond MgoBlog is cheaters never prosper (so to speak).

Supposedly he is leaving and that is fine with me.  Usually when rumors like this go around at some point they prove to be true, especially when the defendant himself claims buyout talks are in process.

God damn, this is what makes Michigan unique:  they will not give an inch.

As someone who succeeded in the marketing research and survey research fields, I always wondered, why are these law firms doing survey, or qualitative, or any other kind of consumer research when there are experts at it?  Now the speculation or innuendo or motives are finally clear. I always knew it was some kind of illicit behavior--illicit including concealment.  Are you kidding me, oral reports?  The FOIA founding fathers would turn over in their graves.

Manuel himself is the slimiest of them all; it follows, he is the conduit and right smack mad in the middle.  Now he is quoting "social media" or something claiming consumers from all walks of life are bereft.  Fergodsakes social media is nothing but our savior over everything else so corrupt you can smell it.  Anyway, Manuel is more experienced than most.  Now he has admitted he has been castigated by the bots trained on him before.  That has to be the last refuge.

What's he gonna do, stay for four years after this?  He is already overpaid.

So, this hockey coach stuff.  That's a pleasant story.  Next up:  Sherrone vs.Juwan UFC at the White House. 

Now he is claiming success, and proud of and all kinds of other nonsense.  New Orleans, huh? 

The entitlement and arrogance is beyond comprehension.  You're wealthy enough.  Just go. 

--- 

He was or is still arrogant and permissive.  That is a summary.  Another one is he looks like Humpty Dumpty; damn that picture, he looks like that guy in the James Bond movie when the sofa inflates beneath him.  And finally, him sitting in that big executive watch-suite and in the picture on everything.

It started with Pig Harbaugh.  Warde gave him the moon and he was still gone.  By the moon I mean I/we'll protect you in everything you do and pay you a fortune too.  Gawd, the bidding and bidding and ass kissing to keep him.  Anyone in their right mind would have said good, go, and bye.  It is so weird, Michigan hasn't had a player problem in a long time.  The coaches however, someone let them out of their respective cages.

Then there was Juwan for whom I never rooted against Michigan. It smacks of racism or should I say race favoritism.  It was excruciating waiting for him to be fired.  

Finally, Sherrone Moore.  You couldn't invent a scummier person if you tried.  You, or at least I could, see right from the beginning it was going to be a character issue.  But he rewrote the book.  Right out in the open, everyone knew and of course his family had to too.  I don't know when we will ever see again someone fall so fast and so hard.

Then there's the hockey coach, gymnastics, and there was something with baseball too I think.  All I can think of is a drunk Denard.

Michigan is the butt of every joke from here to Reddit.  That is Warde's legacy.  I mean, it isn't hard to put together.  The overpriced report is coming out.  I don't know what budget loophole was used to pay for it.  It cannot remain completely hidden.

Dusty May and even L.J. Cason be damned too.  I'm a Kyle Whittingham fan.  Let them be acceptable as long as they're clean.  And just stay long enough to not wear out your welcome.

 

Goodbye Dusty May

Shocking (just because I went to to ESPN and out of nowhere it was the headline) but not really surprising.

The team was new each year.  There were only two of them.  Not good for followers.

Ruthless.  May spared no one in out with the old, in with the new.  Tre Donaldson was a prime example.

The Star Trek uniforms. 

Liar.  He said he was happy.  If you didn't want to do it, why did you do it?

Deadline.  The NBA draft is coming up very soon. 

---

I don't think any of these guys are that different or that special.  May's strategy of signing expensive bigs has already been copied.

 

The Team That Doesn't Even Try to Win

As some who read this blog know, I used to be an Atlanta Braves fan and still sometimes watch and write about them.

Now they are playing the NY Mets.  Talk about failure!  Out of ten starting players including the pitcher and DH the Braves have four real MLB players:  Olsen, Albies, Harris, and I'll count the other two outfielders, usually White and Yastrzemski as one.  Catcher Leon is hitting .077, SS Kim is around .100, $221 million Austin Riley is around .200, etc.  Pitcher Spencer Strider is barely hanging on.  Acuna and Drake Baldwin are out.  Ronald Acuna, Jr.'s problems appear chronic; Baldwin, a main key to the lineup last played about a month ago.  The Braves don't have a DH.

The interesting thing here is Atlanta is the best team in MLB, still, and has been from the start of the season.  As a long-time watcher, I suggest the biggest reason for the their won-lost record is manager Walt Weiss.  Sny or Sin or...  Snit was a failure, or one could say, was a lap dog for the too powerful GM and other titles Alex Anthopoulos.  Once oversimplified and and regarded as a genius, the Braves own real estate (and investment bankers) that includes gig workers and hangers on.  

Not the most expensive, but the marquee failure is catcher/DH Sean Murphy.  He is perhaps the second major reason the Braves are still in first place with 46 wins--he has not played.  (He does have 14 at-bats, 6 strikeouts, and a .071 average.  Last season he came out of the whirlpool or bench and hit a couple of home runs--only--so they made him a DH.  The real reason is he has a ridiculous contract.

Others on the list are the aforementioned 3B and bedrock Austin Riley.  SS Kim is terrible and was cut before and the Braves gave him $20M-plus.  Michael Harris, another decade-long bonus baby shows up sometimes (I am am sick of his shoe modeling).  Then there is the pitcher, sure he'll be a reliable starter, now in the bullpen and the ubiquitous injury complaints.

More rationally, the second/combo first reason for the Braves' success is pitching.  Bryce Elder climbed up from the sewer (link) from the only man who would actually show up and pitch into an all-star.  Three relievers have been lights out; Weiss has used them brilliantly--if the game is winnable they hold and save it.

The Nationals are decent; they won one of the rare series the Braves have lost this year.  The Phillies have thoroughbreds and grit as always in recent years; I'd put my money on them.  The Marlins are better than the Mets!  

But, still, 8 1/2 games...  Watch.  It'll be fun and a good story.  It can be cut in half in a week.  Chris Sale is already showing cracks and I don't think he has produced a full season in recent years.  Can Elder hang on?  Grant Holmes has been a fighter; Martin Perez has been good but I cannot describe where he came from or how long it will last.  Strider is up in the air.  History has proven injuries (e.g., "sore shoulder") will happen, and that includes those assumed to come back (the Braves have several).

I don't know why more teams are not better.  It seems most are in the same shambles the Braves are yet with poorer records.  

I predict the Atlanta Braves' best record in baseball will not last.  L.A. has 45 wins.

(Quick.  Checks score, Mets 4 Braves 1 only in the 3rd.  Soto is having a good season.  The Mets' lineup doesn't have anyone under .200).

Spencer Strider.  As usual or as predicted, he is "shut down" for a month.  As if that is going to miraculously cure his arm, mechanics, or whatever is ailing him.  Just once I would like to see a player actually explain why he is unable to play and contribute.  Why doesn't he just retire. 

 

Kyle Whittingham

He has been impressive as hell.  I won't even add so far.

Who is Morgan Scalley?  Why did he interview with Michigan when Harbaugh was hired?  And why did Sherrone Moore and Urban Meyer pop up?

I'll be exploring this.  He is the story.

 ---

AI is here and the story is out there.  Boy, I would love to interview Coach Whittingham.  

Here's a main quote: 

"Athletic Director Mark Harlan and the Utah administration felt that giving a coach near the end of his career complete control over that magnitude of multi-year financial commitments and roster assembly would handcuff the incoming staff."

177-88, 109-70 in league is good to very good but not great.  Kirby Smart at Georgia, for instance, is 117-21; 69-12.  Utah was in the powerful Pac-12 and is now in the Big 12.  The football stadium holds 51,444, less than half of Michigan home attendance.

 1.  Coach Whit has been a great spokesperson, image of, spokesperson for the program.  He is experienced and powerful yet human.  He doesn't dye his hair.  It was awkward, but he did a great job introducing himself at the basketball game. 

2.  He has done a great job--"they know how it works"--stealing players and coaches from Utah.

3.  For some he was a little slow in hitting the portal and the recruiting trails.  He was careful and wise to avoid being rash.  Michigan recruiting is now firmly in the top ten and as always there is plenty of talent already on board.  Well done.

Utah's recruiting class currently consists of four 3-stars.  Morgan Scalley has never been a head coach and his entire career consists of Utah under Whittingham.  Mark Harlan, the athletic director has proven himself to be a moron.  Otro Capital and Crimson Brand Partners, private equity, is disgusting for a public university; Michigan and USC don't want it and don't need it.  In Utah BYU, owned and operated by the Church of Latter Day Saints,  will always be number one (BYU currently has the largest endowment in the Big 12).

It sure looks like ageism, i.e., discrimination, to me.  Stupid and not beneficial too.

This too courtesy of AI:

"No, Kyle Whittingham has never been involved in major personal scandals, major NCAA violations, or legal trouble throughout his long career."

In a profession of scoundrels he rises above.  

4.  He will be 67 in November of  this football season.  Good for him.  He is doing exactly what he wanted to do in terms of competing with anyone and everyone and being the best he and his team can be.  What a gutsy move, getting out of Utah where he has spent and built (almost) his whole life.  Use and help Michigan to progress, what a great concept.  Both he and Michigan are already benefiting.

P.S.  University of Michigan $21.2 Billion Top public university fund in the conference; posted a stellar 15.5% investment return driven by alternative asset classes. US News.  Academically considered "elite."

 

The 2026 Football Team Look First Look

Kyle Whittingham is of course the main story but let's not forget why.  I haven't posted here in a while and this on Sherrone Moore popped up.

I really disliked the guy almost from the start.  He reminded me of that guy from Michigan State in terms of being way over his head.  And why do you think he was promoted by Harbaugh.  It is because he considered himself scandal-proof.  He was the right hand man.

Then his team was bad and he looked like he was going to cry.  Leadership was nonexistent and the canned responses were excruciating.  All the recruits in the world were not going to make it better.  The tragic flaws were evident to all.  Then the king fell.

Whittingham arrived because it was necessary.  To Wimp Manuel he is a face-saver and the $10 million in investigations can be covered up.  The former admin is of course no one's concern.  Either is Moore, now.

Still, failure and stupid is worth remembering forever.

I feel a need to write because the hype is already starting--who will be a breakout player, Big Ten rankings recruiting rankings, top returning players, and all kinds of optimism and homer rhetoric.  Something similar was all the projected basketball line-ups and NCAA tournament predictions.  In terms of football, no one know.  Likely, new coaching and a lot of new AND different players will likely take time to be at their best.

By different, I mean from Utah, or through Utah or acquainted with Whittingham.  I'll start there.  Coach Whittingham has been very successful in bringing rumored and available talent to Michigan.  I don't know if he ever said this directly, but the major reason he came to Michigan is a chance to compete with anyone.  Now he has those resources.  Names that come to mind are John Henry Daley (DL), J.J. Buchanan (WR) and Smith Snowden (CB), plus all the coaches.  The grade here has to be A.

In terms of the rest of the country Whittingham has been average.  But, see above.  All in good time.  

 

The Game - Michigan 69 Connecticut 63

It is by far the worst game Michigan has played this season.  Michigan looked tired and unprepared.  No one was scoring.  I guess Cadeau or Johnson would be MVP as they played best.

Give all the credit to UConn and Dan Hurley.  It was a brilliant performance.  Karaban, Reed, and others were fantastic. It confirms what I wrote and thought about other opponents including Alabama, Tennessee, and Arizona; they didn't come to play or win, and UConn certainly did.

Michigan win and they're the champs.

--- 

Almost 1/4 thru.  Mara 0-3; Michigan 0 /3 from 3 (Cadeau 0/2).  UConn tough on the ball, forcing Michigan deep.  UConn looking much better than expected.  Tarris Reed is winning.  Tie game 11-11.

UConn looks much better than expected.  Karaban is winning too.

Lesson learned:  UConn has a way.  Michigan like Illinois.  Terrible shooting.  UConn causing.  17-18 UConn @7:00 minutes.  Ouch.  Michigan is being outplayed.  Not out-talented, outplayed.  No threes, no dunks, no Wow!

This is a tense game.  Dan Hurley's scheme and coaching is working.  21-20 now, 6:17.  21-23.  The one edge Michigan has is fewer fouls.  But it is dead even.

UConn is outrebounding Michigan.  You can see it under the basket where Lendeborg is not playing (Cadeau is out with two fouls).  Where is Johnson?  17-15 UConn leading in rebounds; absolutely opposite of all predictions.

It all started with Mara missing three close-in post-ups.

Yes it was a hook and hold.  The only bright spot for Michigan is UConn foul trouble.  Hurley complains about everything.

Stunning:  Michigan 23 points. Now 29-25 Michigan.  What a game!  Michigan 0/8 3pt; UConn 4/12.

Gayle Wow #1.  Dumb Michigan foul with 2.6 seconds, Lendeborg's second.  Reed 1/2.  

33-29 at the half.  Close is the way it is supposed to be.  Don't complain!  Michigan leads.  Just please don't let it be one of those "it wasn't our night give them credit" interviews.

---

Michigan is tightening its defense.  They're still discombobulated on offense.  Lots of balls off their fingertips.  Tons of missed tip-ins.  

But Michigan is enlarging their small lead.  They're racking up UConn fouls and are slowly increasing their lead.  How?  Defense.  Rebounds.  Going to the rim (because their outside shots are not close).  Steals, blocks, and turnovers are in Michigan's favor.  Some said it would be ugly.  It is ugly and Michigan is slowly winning at it...  Finally a three (Cadeau), Michigan 48-37.

Bill Raftery is 82 and very, very welcome on my TV.

Lendeborg is moving nicely.  Probably the foul trouble is affecting UConn.  Michigan still only 4 assists.  That prevents a lot of the Wow.

The difference is the defense for Michigan.  Michigan 15-10 in the second half.  Cadeau once too often with the right hand; Tschetter another Michigan missed layup.  UConn sure doesn't impress statistically or size-wise but they're every bit Michigan's equal on the glass; smart, great timing, anticipation, and team play.

34-28 UConn rebounding lead.  Reed has 12 so far and Karaban is playing like a star big, including a block.  Lendeborg is 0-5 from three and the last one was several feet short of the rim; the top of the key scoring from his is completely missing. Michigan is an abysmal 1/14 (7%) from three but still leading 52-45.

Story of the game is ugly.  Michigan is ugly.  UConn is just a little uglier.

Lendeborg is gassed exhausted.  He is still playing and trying.  Huge wide open three by Mullins.  56-48.  This is not over.  Mullins again, 58-51, open.  60-51. Morez Johnson 4th foul.  Tense.  Close.  Better to have the lead than not.

Michigan bench is 2/12 with 8 points.   

McKenney a stepback three.  65-56 with 1:49 to go.  I'd rather be in the lead.

If UConn wins it is because of Reed and Karaban.  Neither necessarily look the part.  But they are why UConn has won championships.  

Free throws.  One minute left.

Ball just banked a three.  

Gayle missed both free throws.

Hurley being Hurley.  Ice the shooter.  McKenney can ice it.  67-63 with 13 seconds.  Both.

69-63.

Guts.  A really tough opponent. 

Michigan vs Uconn Prediction

I'm just finishing watching Illinois against UConn.  Funny how you think you know if you follow the Big Ten.  Illinois is not great.  Neither is UConn.

I'll put an end to all the suspense now.  

Give them credit.  Michigan 92 UConn 75. 

Specifics.  I remember Tarris Reed from the Juwan days; he was big, slow, and not a jumper; same now, but with some moves.  Mara is five inches taller and great at going straight up--offense and defense--as well as anything involving hands or arms.  Karaban, Mullins, and others are going to get eaten-up by Michigan's guards--Burnett, Gayle, Cadeau, and McKenney, ditto Arizona.  Unlike Arizona, UConn has very little height or strength under the basket.  Morez Johnson may miss putbacks but but he is a one-man 3, 4, and 5 around the basket.  Reed cannot do it all, even without a healthy Lendeborg there.  I didn't see anything special in UConn's screens, or shooting, or rebounding.  Michigan may have a better athlete at every position.  Michigan has better three-point shooters and a just as effective scheme.  I see no indication UConn will stop McKenney or Gayle and Mara will have a field day.

Then there's the Michigan factor.  For Arizona my count was 5 -- if Michigan has at least five wow moments in terms of lobs, dunks, or full-court theatrics they will win.  They usually if not always exceed.

Yaxel Lendeborg is needed to spell Cadeau and hitting 3's from the top of the key is fine too.  

Anticipation: Michigan Arizona Prediction

There has seldom been such an anticipated game.  That is because there has seldom been two teams so praised.

These things are never unanimous, but for Michigan it may not have ever happened like this in men's basketball.  Even against Arizona, the higher team in rankings, Michigan is favored.  And that is because Michigan's three losses are viewed by some, including this writer, as anomalies.  Michigan has looked unbeatable since Lendeborg kicked-it up and they learned to play without Mara and Cason.

And now, from someone who has virtually not seen Arizona play this season.  They play in the paint and are not heavy 3-pt scorers.  They have a big and experienced roster with young talent too like Michigan and are possibly deeper; some say their guard play is better.  I think Alabama has it right and they were close for a half--pure speed and hoping for luck.  I don't think anyone can beat Michigan in a half-court game because Michigan will include with it spectacular bursts with full-court passes, lobs, and 3's.  Nowhere have I read Arizona has such a playbook.

Now I have to do it, watch Arizona.  I know Purdue (one of Michigan's three losses) so I'll be back...

The real reason I came here writing today is what I have gleaned from all the hype.  Tommy Lloyd is not so likeable IMHO; not a fan of the scowl, the phony but I'm in charge laughter, the you-figure-it-out locker room (Purdue), the international pipeline, or wait, almost through, failure to deny NC rumors (i.e., negotiating) and the 20 years at Gonzaga saga.

He and Dusty May are the phenoms this year and in the new age.  May is more palatable.

And again, Mr. Never Seen Arizona here, I cannot see Arizona as loose, happy, and all-for-one as Michigan.

Michigan 80 Arizona 70.

Michigan 95 Tennessee 62 NCAA Tournament March 29 2026

the game started out like one of those that Michigan will win.  their five against Michigan's five.  slow.  no space.  less than 5 min in and Mara has 2 fouls.  that is stupid.

Again, it a pace where Michigan will beat you one on one.  

Tennessee's shots are way off.  Michigan is missing too but they are close.  Good looks and close.  

Gillespie could be the difference.  Tied.

Cadeau back in; McKenny as PG didn't look good.  Make-up calls for the Mara snuff call.

This is a very tough, physical game.  Lots of fouls.  Time for Lendeborg.  And free throws.

Checks stats.  Michigan is in the lead 17-16 but has not made a three. Free Throws are 9/10 and that is huge.  I should be a fortune teller:  22-16.  25-16. Michigan is incredibly tough to beat at that pace.  Okpara is the center from Ohio State; he has 3 fouls.  The Vols have miss a lot of shots; 77% to be exact.

Apparently Cadeau is all over Gillepsie.  Michigan is getting a lot of calls.  Passing, spacing, passing, and a 3.  Barnes better do something.  Michigan has learned to play without Mara and Gayle is 2-2.

"No answers now for this Michigan defense.  None."  That is rare.  Most coaches would run a play.  It is now 35-16.  This, the spacing, passing, and shooting is John Beilein revisited.  Front court?  It has nothing to do with it.

Field Goal %  T - 20  M - 55  @  3:56 first half.  The color announcer keeps saying Michigan defense.  Don't they play defense in the SEC?

Now, if Michigan hits 3's while Tennessee fights two's, the game is over.  I don't see the Tennessee offense exploding.

T - 26  48 - M   Nice finish for Tennessee; long drought for Michigan at the end.

It is a 26 point lead now 15+ to go second half.  What can you do?  Michigan will run or hit 3's.  You can't come back from that. 

---

It was almost never in doubt.  Tennessee is not a good shooting team.  They had a lot of clunkers.  I am really surprised at how immature and lacking leadership Tennessee is.  Maybe no one knows how long Barnes will be staying, or the transfers they have acquired lack something in the way of character.   I remember Rick Barnes from Providence and later Clemson. I enjoyed watching.  But Barnes has not been winning championships. It was still a suspenseful game in the second half--please don't get injured or do anything stupid.  That pretty much true for both teams.

There it is, the Final Four:  Arizona, two Big Ten teams, and one from the East (ACC or Big East).  As easy to dislike as he is, Bruce Underwood has taken some seemingly unlikely to fit transfers into the next-best Big Ten team.

 

Keys to the Elite 8, Michigan vs. Tennessee

Assessment

The Vols are big but not as talented as Michigan (they say).

The Vols are deep but not as talented as Michigan (they say).

Rick Barnes is a really good coach.

Key stats:  Rebounding, points, opposition points, steals, and blocks are just about even. 

Tennessee does have 11 losses to Michigan's 3 and they are only a 6 seed, but they are #11 at KenPom and they have played a tough schedule. 

Stats say Tennessee is not a great 3-shooting team. 

 

Keys to the Game for Michigan 

Stay out of foul trouble.

Hit 3's.

Rebounds and points from Morez Johnson.

 

Also 

Points from Mara, Cadeau, and Burnett.

Slashing and steals from the bench (Gayle).

Lendenborg and McKenney, keep it up from 3.

Mara, prove the last game was a fluke.  Post, rebound, and pass as capable.

 

We'll see what happens, but going in this is a really worrisome game.  It is all just too easy.  Why, at every turn, do all the people who are paid to predict choose Michigan.

Borzello's prediction: Michigan, 80-68
Medcalf's prediction: Michigan, 85-69

That is the latest from a little outfit called ESPN.  I don't know who these people are, but they are trumpeting the same tune as the rest.  Tennessee's roster is tall, heavy, and deep.  If I were Rick Barnes, and I am certainly not, I would tell every single big they are going in for short stretches of bully ball.  Everyone should have three or four fouls midway through the fourth quarter; your job is to debilitate Mara, Lendenborg, and Johnson.  FWIW, Dusty May could tell Cheddar the same.

If Tennessee's bigs can hold their own Tennessee can win.  Or, if any of three Michigan frontcourt starters get into foul trouble, Tennessee might win.  That is the question in this game:  Is Michigan's frontcourt unbeatable?  If Tennessee cannot do it with their roster the answer has to be yes.

The same virtually unanimous predictions have preceded every Michigan tournament game so far and they have been right.

It is fascinating that per the announcer Dusty May planned for an Alabama game too fast for Mara.  And Alabama's Oats doubles stopped him completely.  Part of it confirms that the internet pundits don't know a damn thing.  Tennessee is the #1 team in offensive rebounding but they aren't good at scoring on those rebounds?  What does that mean?

When I look at Tennessee's roster I see size and experience, and some big recruits too.  Actually, it goes even farther into incredulity.  Michigan just played Alabama; who is Amari Allen?  It looks like Arkansas (Calipari) should have won the NCAA Tournament a week ago.  Nate Ament at #14 and the Vols transfer from Maryland (Gillespie) on there too.

Michigan is not the only team that spends.  But they almost all still say Michigan can't be beat.

The team, the team, the team.

 

Counterpoint: Michigan 90 Alabama 77

I like Steve Lappas as a color guy because he's energetic and not afraid to show it.  He is as much an expert as anyone.  Maybe he is not the biggest expert in the world about these teams.  A new viewpoint is nice.

Thanks to this guy and a decent rewind of the whole.

The mark of a better-than-most-others coach is getting the most out of the team to be specific and consistency with really good teams is another.  Nate Oats is that.  And if you read the 'Bama blogs you'll find appreciation.  Others have said it too, this is not their best team, nonetheless they have a formula that'll work against almost anyone.  Those  on the aforementioned blogs have had a chance to assess and reconsider--the guy with the very large personal consumption stash is both their best 3-pt. shooter and their biggest idiot.  Because it is not their best team, they showed like the 'Bama of old as in a bunch of bad decisions.  Damn if they didn't win at their game for a half.  Speed kills.

It is stunning the prognosticators predicted Michigan as the favorite going in and still do so at every opportunity.  Juwan Howard has shriveled to a raisin.  Who the f... is Dusty May and this isn't about anyone's checkbook.  This isn't just about very good but only time will prove that.  This is about being the best.

You cannot put a price on human behavior.  I don't care how they got here.  None have failed in terms of character or effort.

The game is a tale of two halfs, the first Michigan sustaining as few others could and the second was time to come to papa.

Wtf?  Lendeborg was playing the four with Johnson as 5.  No question his top of key three-pointers were the difference maker in the entire game.  It was a pace so fast it negated Mara in large part.  Make no mistake, Michigan did not pull punches.  Win or go home.  Others to mention McKenney is one who even with the highest accolades exceeds; too young and too fast to do that.  I'm happy Gayle has found himself and same goes for Cheddar.  It sure would be nice to see Mara, Johnson, or Cadeau again next year and the same goes for others from the bench.

This game, it truly was one that most teams wouldn't survive.  Still, it was predicted. 

Next up:  An Illinois win will cause me to barf.  Can't say I'm crazy about the Iowa coach either, but still.  Years ago I made a decision as a blogger that I will not joke about anyone's name.  An exception is in order.  Brad Underwoodvich has the worst comb over ever.  

 

A Loss Will Cause Me To... Michigan 90 Alabama 77

Since I still don't know how to describe it I will start by saying the announcers are annoying.  Voice lessons won't help.

It was possibly the worst first half Michigan has played all year.  But, and this has happened before, floor and 3-pt shooting is excellent with both about 50%.  Turnovers a little high.  Rebounding even is not good.  Lots of blocks.

What is the matter with Mara?  He is just standing there with the ball.

Ugly, not good first half but only down by two. 

Alabama is terrible.  They only have one good player.

At least now at 70-57 it is showing.

Lendenborg is everywhere and is doing everything.

For some reason Alabama is making Michigan look ugly.   But they're still behind by 10.

Alabama is terrible.  Nate Oats is weird.

Once again, Roddy Gayle, it comes and goes.  It is going in this one.

There's the one guy, but Alabama is not a good 3-pt shooting team.  Have they scored in the second half?  Alabama is terrible.

Michigan is still shooting 49/52.  And they're opening up a rebounding lead.  They're doubling Mara--have been all game.  Why?  It is an interesting strategy, shutting down Mara.  But it is not something that is going to win the game.

Uh, Morez Johnson is not having his best game.  

Sherrell is odd too.   At 6'10 he didn't do the opening tip.  He has no hands as a rebounder and no moves as a center.

Michigan is missing free throws but Alabama is still not catching up.

You can't lose when you outrebound, outblock, outshoot, and out-assist the other team.  

Alabama, the great, fast 3-pt machine had 28 points in the second half.  Alabama is... You know the answer.

 

A loss would have made me read MgoBlog to try and find out how Michigan could play that badly.

 

Michigan 95 Saint Louis 72

"They are unlike any other team in college basketball."

They said it, but I was just thinking how to word it myself.  Michigan is weird and unusual.  They are so  good the only time the lose is when they make mistakes--usually because of their own hotdogging--or when an opponent does something really special.

It is a long, long game, and also a fun one to watch; say what I will (below) Avila is fun to watch.  The first half seemed like it took forever and now, with 8 minutes left, Michigan has 79 points and the second half is dragging too. The outcome has never been seriously in doubt, but the Billikens look good.  

OMG there's Tom Izzo!  Determined is an understatement, and his big bodyguards (the players) look downright scary.  If I were just about any team in the country I would not want to play Michigan State in the NCAA tournament, ever.

I remember the A10--I went to GWU and used to sit in the very nice but high school-like gymnasium because students then got in free with an ID.  And men's basketball was the only real, almost big-time sport.  Of course back then Dayton and others were not considered part of the Atlantic coast.

So the game is over but they are still playing.  You see some very close games when unexpected teams celbrate and also complete blowouts in the NCAA tournament.  

In Michigan's case it is a team that is designed then built from the ground up.  Sometimes I wonder why basketball or football coaches get fired only to be replaced by people who appear to be no upgrade.  Maybe it helps to take a fresh look at the whole thing; same goes for Michigan football, and while it was necessary and Kyle Whittingham may do a great job in the short term, that hire looks riskier to me than Dusty May especially given the last two years of Michigan basketball.

It is garbage time; you cannot tell from the boxscore what is going on, you have to watch.  I've seen the name, but who is Oscar Goodman?  Wow, another block!  Is Mara still playing?  Goodman is/was a promising recruit, as is the additional 7-footer in the young man from Germany.  I am answering my own question again:  they are simply not good enough to make the lineup and no one can predict the future beyond the last game.  

Vipbox shut off fast and I missed the talking heads.  No loss.  Time to switch to the next game.  "Oooo We."  Caught it anyway.  That is what I expected to hear.  Clark Kellogg has finally removed his Ohio State-Michigan blinders.  Even Charles Barkley is gaga and (reasonably) articulate.

Florida beats Prairie View A&M (what a name) 114-55 and you have to ask, why are they so merciless?  It happens in the NCAA when teams have players they cannot match.  Sometimes a little coaching helps; against Purdue I think coaching won the game when Michigan could not stop the Braden Smith-Trey Kaufman-Renn two-man game, but by far the main the main is physical action you just cannot stop, like running the rock fifteen straight plays at the end of a football game.  In The Tournament you have to do it; you cannot lose the fire even for a few minutes or the game could be your last.

It took me a while to even watch this year given the off-season layoffs then rehiring.  Since say midseason, Aday Mara has been Michigan's best player.  He does things others cannot match or that makes you say I have never seen that before.  (Googles Aday Mara full court alley-oop.)  Mara's arms:  I don't know how he does it.  They are long, they look flimsy but they are strong and I have seen him rocket passes across the court and grab or catch the ball like vice grips and his arms are rubber bands made of steel.  Still he has an incredibly, almost beautifully soft touch around the basket.  He uses his vision of being above everyone else and is a smart  and effective passer.  He runs hard.  What the heck is a Billiken?  In this one Robbie Avila (a great and fun to watch player also) was having trouble getting up and down the floor.

A while back I looked at NBA mock drafts:  Yaxel Lendeborg was slated in the 8-10 range; Morez Johnson Jr. was around 22ish; and Mara at the end of the first round of 30 picks.  For most of the season Lendeborg was not a star and he can be flamboyant; he has turned it up at the end of the season.  Johnson is great around the basket but I cannot remember the last time he made an outside shot and in a few recent games he has almost disappeared.  To me Mara is the first Michigan NBA pick.  You can just see how gifted he is in terms of size and agility plus he works on the little things. He is not just a tall guy with potential. Whoever or however nasty rumors from L.A. started is a disgrace and in interviews he is humble and likeable.

Back to the game.  In the first half St. Louis was making runs and even taking the lead.  Michigan is missing all these easy shots and turning the ball over.  What is wrong?  The stats showed different.  Michigan was shooting 60% from the floor, around 50% 3's, and turnovers and assists look good; free throws not so hot but that improved, as did the rebounding differential.  Michigan won all-around.

Strange team, Michigan basketball.  Nimari Burnett does not usually miss all his free throws.  I like a guy who's happy. And L.J. Cason doesn't sit in the stands.

The Billiken is a charm doll created by an American art teacher and illustrator.

 --

As always, my top five reasons.

1.  Robbie Avila didn't match the hype.  Of course I cannot judge his season or career and perhaps he was having a bad day.  He was ordinary and not a difference make; one rebound and not great shooting or assists either.  Maybe it was the two fouls early in the game which, incredibly, he played through.  Again, not my place to judge.  To me he looks like he could be in better shape.

Two, the whole Michigan team.  Everyone played skilled, smart, and together with a little bounce.

Mara as mentioned above.  In the few times Michigan has had trouble this season most are linked to smart opponents and Mara foul trouble.  

4.  Lendeborg.  Community college, bedrooms without furniture, and I don't even remember past developmental problems.  He has worked his way up and through and he takes a while to appreciate.  I haven't heard a bad word about him at Michigan.  Going into the game and reading Brian Cook's accolades (among others), I thought the way to negate Avila is to put Lendeborg on him.  There were signs of this.  No question he has all the skills.  It like one of those ridiculous comments after the murder when he or she didn't act the way they should have.  Lendeborg's exuberance can be hard to interpret. It certainly does not hurt the basketball team.

Last.  It is just a comment.  But first, Roddy Gayle, Cheddar, McKenney too.  The whole rotation.  

Yes, and per coach Josh Schertz, there are teams that spend and manage NIL better than others but the number of them is way more than five or ten.  You can probably count whole Big Ten in that group--even lesser teams this year spend like crazy.  You can try, and you must be ethical, but you cannot change the rules, the landscape, or the market.  If you play you play to win.  This too took some of us a while to realize and appreciate.  I forget the numbers; a writer with Yahoo or the NY Times who qualifies as an expert opinion estimated Michigan's payroll; $10, 15, 20 million annually.  That is one donation from a booster or alumnus at any college.  The talent differential was not close.

 

And still going

So we are here, At the end,

Lendeborg, could we ever spell thee?

Oh, but we digress, but we are right on.

 Howard nose to nose.  I have seen everything.  

From Lithuania to Howard.

End.

St.Louis is next.

 

Michigan Basketball, March 2026

The 2025-2026 season will be over in a couple of weeks and three of the four big-time transfers will declare for the NBA draft and probably go in the first round.  Twenty-four year-old Nimari Burnett will or should retire; Tschetter and Gayle are out of eligibility.  L.J. Cason, with McKenney, one of the two links to the future is in terms of the team is out until further notice.  Elliot Cadeau is likely to go the way of Tre Donaldson--stay or not.

27-2 and 17-1 is truly amazing.

As a whole, the team is very good.  Dustin May will probably do something similar next season.

The nine who play play hard.  The Illinois game was a big win.  When I write a column about a game I always ask myself:  Why did they win?  In this one they were in the lead by 5-10 points most of the game; the Illini were chasing and that is exhausting.  Michigan were better shooters, rebounders, passers, and arguably stronger and more athletic.  They are a better team and coached to the maximum roles and results.

But for me, the team is not easy to like.  Is May just another Harbaugh?

The team will be completely new again starting in a month.  There is a #4 recruiting class coming in.

--

Post MSU.  19-1. 

No one provides figures but apparently there are some ten teams with $10 million payrolls.  That is the problem.  Michigan is a good team.  Who cares.

Dusty May is a pimp and the players are whores; maybe not Cheddar who stayed.  Yaxel Lendeborg $3 million?  I'm not rooting for him or them.