The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/201975
wild card. Much was made of him playing small forward after his decision to return, and from all reports he's made strides in ball handling and other perimeter requisites. If Beilein wanted to really go big, a lineup of the 6-10 Horford, 6-10 McGary, 6-6 Robinson, 6-6 Nik Stauskas and 6-6 Caris LeVert could certainly stand tall. But Robinson's also available to play it like the Wolverines did down the stretch last year, the four to McGary's five. "Let's get this out now," Beilein offered. "Our two forwards do the exact same things. One is on the left side and one is on the right, but we can't call them both three men because it would be very confusing. It's like having two wide receivers. It's the same thing. Most people play with skilled wings and even the NBA with small forwards than big, bulky power guys. "But the things he's doing right now with his game are things he never even dreamed of doing last year. We'll continue to experiment with him." Meanwhile, Alexander loves what his group brings. Not only does it feature the most experience on the team, it factors heavily into the versatility Beilein can use to his advantage. "We have a Swiss army knife," Alexander said. "Some days you may need the bottle opener. Certain days, you may need the knife. Certain days, you may need the scissors. Each night is going to pose different challenges for us, where it's going to be a nextman-up mentality. "Go out, play as hard as you can as long as you, then pat your teammate on the butt. Our veteran players will be able to feed off the collective strengths of each other and allow us to have a presence at the post position for the first time in quite a while." ❏ Big Ten's Best Will Again Shine Brightly The Big Ten experienced a considerable talent drain after last season. Trey Burke, the consensus National Player of the Year in an all-NBA backcourt, hit the road along with Tim Hardaway Jr. Indiana lost stars Cody Zeller and Victor Oladipo, and so on. The cupboard is not bare, though, not even close. Here's a look at the top individuals and teams in the league for 2013-14. The Big Ten's Big Ten 1. Mitch McGary, 6-10, F, Michigan — The big man of the NCAA Tournament run has been hampered by a bad back, but when he gets back watch out. 2. Gary Harris, 6-4, G, Michigan State — Harris could have jumped to the NBA in the offseason. Instead, he should be a terror for a team some rank No. 1 in the nation. 3. Aaron Craft, 6-2, G, Ohio State — He's the peskiest defender in the league, and certainly among the best point guards. Craft represents OSU's glue.