The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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APRIL 2019 THE WOLVERINE 21 was tremendous memories," he said. "We're thrilled to be back today to cel- ebrate the 30th anniversary, and it's hard to believe it's been 30 years since the one and only national champion- ship at Michigan. "It's incredible. I'm the only one who hasn't aged. This game keeps you young. If you stay in it, it can wear you out, but it keeps you young in heart and spirit. To see them all smiling and hugging was sensational." Higgins was in his element in soak- ing up the attention. Thirty years ago seems like a blink, he said. "It's like yesterday, especially when you see your guys," Higgins said. "Ev- eryone sounds the same; they remem- ber all the stories." Fisher credited Beilein for making it happen. "John Beilein and I have been friends for a long, long time, and he is a fantas- tic coach and a better human being," Fisher said. "I think most people that know him would say that. He's one of the reasons I came back." Beilein was happy to oblige. He's been trying for years to create a family atmosphere, had been trying for years to get Fisher back and hopes this sea- son won't be the last time. "When it's all over, knowing every- one is welcome back will be one of the things I'm most proud of," Beilein said. "Everyone who came back was so happy, especially Steve and his wife, Angie. We'll continue to embrace this and look forward to a brilliant future. "We have continuity here now, and everyone knows where home is. Mike Griffin, Mark Hughes and Glen Rice all talked to our team after the game — they all follow us, and Rob Pelinka said he follows both us and the Lakers. I remember watching some of these guys way back when and thinking how much I would love to be on that bench someday." He's there now and creating more lasting memories for the future and en- suring more great reunions to come. ❏ Steve Fisher took over as the interim head coach just before the start of the NCAA Tournament after Bill Frieder accepted the job at Arizona State, and promptly led U-M to the national title. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN Pros From Michigan's 1989 National Champions Several from Michigan's 1989 national championship team went on to play in the NBA, some for a while and some for a few fleeting moments. Three of them went in the first round of the 1990 NBA Draft, all among the first 16 picks. Here's a look at their accomplishments: Glen Rice: He was projected as a mid-first-round pick before his record-setting scoring performance (184 points in six games) in the NCAA Tournament pushed him up to the Miami Heat at No. 4 in the 1989 NBA Draft. He played in the NBA from 1989-2004, becoming an elite player in Charlotte, and was a three-time All-Star. He averaged 26.8 points per game in the 1996-97 season, placing him third in the league in scoring while leading the league in three-point shooting (47.0 percent) and minutes played. His play earned him his second straight All-Star Game selection, and he scored 20 points in the third quarter and 24 points in the second half (both All-Star Game records) to finish with 26 points for the game en route to MVP honors. Rice averaged 18.3 points a game in his 15 seasons, and won a championship in 2000 with the Los Angeles Lakers. Terry Mills: He played with several NBA teams from 1990-2001, averaging 10.6 points and 5.4 rebounds in his career after being drafted 16th overall by Milwaukee in 1990. He recorded his best seasons in Detroit in the mid-1990s, including the 1993- 94 campaign in which he averaged 17.3 points per game. He still holds the NBA record for consecutive three-pointers made with 13, which he set with the Pistons in 1996. He now does color commentary for the Wolverines on its radio broadcasts. Rumeal Robinson: He went to the Atlanta Hawks with the No. 10 overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft and played in the league from 1990-97. He also played overseas in 1994-95 and after his NBA career ended. He played with six different teams, averaging 7.6 points and 3.5 assists in 336 career games, and he put up 13.0 points and 5.5 assists with the Hawks in his second season — his best in the NBA. Loy Vaught: He went 13th overall in 1990 to the Los Angeles Clippers and enjoyed a stellar NBA career, averaging double figures with the club in the four years from 1993-97. He registered 17.5 points and 9.7 rebounds in his best season (1994-95), and averaged double-doubles the following two campaigns. Vaught played 10 NBA seasons, including two back in his home state with the Detroit Pistons. Eric Riley: The seven-footer went in the second round of the 1993 NBA Draft and played five NBA seasons with a stint overseas in between (1996-97). He averaged 3.1 points and 2.6 rebounds in his NBA career, which included time with five different teams. Sean Higgins: He was the last player chosen in the 1990 NBA Draft, going to San Antonio. He spent parts of six seasons in the league, started 27 of 226 games played, and averaged 6.3 points and 1.8 rebounds per game. He also spent time overseas. Mark Hughes: He played for the Detroit Pistons in 1990-91. He then played profes- sional basketball overseas, spending four seasons in both Italy and France, before returning as captain of the CBA's Grand Rapids Hoops in 1995-96. He spent his final two seasons with the Hoops (1997-98) as a player/coach before assuming full-time duties as head coach. Hughes has been an NBA assistant and is now director of player personnel for the New York Knicks. Demetrius Calip: He spent many years overseas, but did play in seven games with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1991-92 and averaged 1.6 points and 1.7 assists per game. — Chris Balas