The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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means, Beilein remains quick to point out. At the same time, he's figuring it out, game by game, possession by possession. "We give him as much as we think he can handle, and then some more," Beilein said. "As he will tell you, the game is slowing down for him. The information will continue to come in. "As long as you're playing point guard, as long as you're playing quarterback, the information will continue to come in. A catcher in baseball would be another [comparison]. You continually get more information, and he's got to absorb all of that. "He'll see trends. He'll recognize things earlier. Even though there might be a slight change, he'll say, 'Oh yeah. I remember that from the other game.' You try to be careful to not overload him, but in basketball right now, the game is so diverse, he's going to see a different type of defense almost every night." His adaptations to those will affect his numbers, which through 17 games weren't bad for a rookie: 8.1 points, 2.8 assists per game. Dome feel like Atlanta's asphalt in August. More than heat, though, Albrecht needed to bring a certain amount of cool to the Wolverines only six months later. He found himself both competing with and mentoring Walton, a task requiring humility and maturity. Along the way, Albrecht demonstrated winning intangibles. Albrecht helped put Michigan in position to knock off the No. 1 Wildcats at Crisler Center, going 3 of 4 from three-point range, scoring 10 points and handing out four assists. The Wolverines lost by a bucket ALBRECHT PROVIDES AN ENCORE WITH STEADY HAND Albrecht, meanwhile, didn't disappear following his magical first-half fireworks against Louisville in the national championship game. For anyone whose memory doesn't have that scintillating show seared onto it, here are the numbers: 17 first-half points, including four three-pointers. The then-freshman flashed a hand so blistering, he made the Georgia Albrecht, a sophomore, had dished out 40 assists compared to only eight turnovers this season though Jan. 18. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL