The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/122487
But we can't go back on that now. It was a foul. Louisville deserved it." They earned a national title with an outstanding offensive performance, making Michigan settle for second for the fifth time in six national title game appearances. "I've had a lot of really good teams over the years, some emotional locker rooms, but that one was the most emotional we've ever had," Beilein said. "The team unity that we had, the sacrifice we had from the five seniors that did not get to play very much, to these young guys just buying into the whole team concept [was incredible]." And won't soon be forgotten. Beilein said he'd insist on seeing smiles in the hours following the game given what his group had accomplished, and there were plenty. There were several a few weeks later in Ann Arbor, too, given the solid ground on which the program now stands. Michigan basketball is back, and with a vengeance. ❏ III and Mitch McGary were also keeping options open, with Hardaway projected as a second-round pick and the freshmen potential first-round selections. "I have no timeline other than I expect to get some reports shortly that will help guide us," head coach John Beilein said of contacting the NBA draft advisory board. "My staff has talked with some of the players. Trey and I will go to Oklahoma City [April 15] for the Oscar Robertson Trophy, so that will be another time I'll be away from my team." No rest for the weary, in other words, but no complaints from Beilein. "It's all good stuff," he said. Especially with a solid nucleus coming back, regardless. Fifth-year senior Jordan Morgan will return, as will redshirt junior center Jon Horford and redshirt sophomore Max Bielfeldt. Sophomore point guard Spike Albrecht proved he was more than serviceable, and sophomore wing Caris LeVert has ridiculous upside. Add an outstanding recruiting class in point guard Derrick Walton, wing Zak Irvin and big man Mark Donnal and the program is set to move forward in good hands no matter who stays or goes. Burke's production will be tough to replace, but his footprint will remain. "When these freshmen came in this year, and they were seeing how hard Trey and everyone worked, the coaches didn't have to tell them to work hard," Beilein said. "They saw it right in front of them. "The position is always a difficult one. We feel really good about Spike Albrecht and what he has done, and we will have Derrick Walton coming in as a freshman. A lot of guys will have to step up in many ways, and we have no doubt that they will. Big footsteps to fill, but we feel strongly that we have the guys to do it." — Chris Balas