The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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pionship and the brink of another the past two years. Add in a most memorable run to the NCAA championship game, and it's obvious the bar has been raised. "I've always said that too much is made of it when you're successful in the NCAA Tournament, and too much is made of it when you're not," the head coach observed. "When you get to the NCAA tourney anything can happen. It could come down to a 30-foot shot against Kansas after a missed foul shot that may be determining the perception of your success. Just think about it. "A few missed layups against Ohio University [a year earlier] determined our success. As I've said all along, compete for Big Ten championships, and then you will qualify for the NCAA Tournament and then any- thing can happen." The Wolverines got there, and something pretty special did happen. The residue of that run continues to soak in. "The Twitter numbers from Spike's championship game are fascinating," Beilein said with a smile. "I heard his followers went up 20,000 during that game alone. He now has 40,000 followers. That is quite a story! "I've found out there are an awful lot of people who will come up to me, that are not Michigan fans, who really liked watching this team play. They liked the young men, how they represent themselves in press conferences, how they played the game. "I've heard it 100 times: 'I'm a Spartan,' or 'I'm a Buckeye,' or 'I'm a Notre Dame fan, but I was rooting for you guys.' That's good stuff." ❏ Michigan Banner Item #1415 $18.99 plus $4 S&H (Reg. $24.99) Officially licensed banner designed to hang vertically from an outdoor pole or inside as wall decor. Durable polyester flag measures 27" x 37" with a 2.5" pole sleeve. Made in USA. Machine washable. (Poles and hardware not included.) 1-800-421-7751 • www.thewolverineondemand.com