The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/402034
BASKETBALL14-15 national venue to explore in getting acquainted. Albrecht shot 77.8 percent at the free throw line and 43.8 percent on threes a year ago, while averaging 2.0 assists in less than 15 minutes a game. He knows he can assert him- self more in the days ahead. "The leadership right now of Caris and Spike has really been tremen- dous," Beilein said. "On the court, those two have shown as good of leadership as we've had to this point. We've got a long season ahead, but there is no question that they are in charge of this team right now." "I'm excited about Spike's offsea- son," Jordan added. "He had a tre- mendous offseason, the best since he's been with us. His body looks good; his confidence is high; he feels good. "He's shooting the ball really well, and he's invested. When you know your role will change a bit, you do that. We feel really good about where he is right now. He and Derrick are both going to have to look to score when they're in there. They're going to have to play together. "They're the most experienced guys in terms of minutes, and we can trust them. They trust each other, and they know what we're trying to get accomplished, when Coach is providing direction at certain points in the game." Meanwhile, LeVert might give the Wolverines their best shot at a third straight Big Ten Player of the Year performer. He averaged 12.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists a year ago. Minus the only two Wolverines carrying higher scoring averages last season (Nik Stauskas and Glenn Rob- inson III), LeVert should see even more opportunity. The 6-7 off guard suffered a set- back over the summer, fracturing a foot that kept him out for several weeks. But he returned for the Italy sojourn, averaging 14.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. LeVert looks taller for a third straight autumn, and Beilein noted he could play a number of positions. Jordan insisted the time away from the court might have actually been good for LeVert, giving him time to observe closely and work as another assistant coach. "He's a great leader by example," Jordan said. "Nobody was in the gym more, and nobody works harder. If you want an example to follow, just job shadow Caris LeVert. "But he's going to have to speak up more. He understands that. He was relegated, because of injuries, to relying on his voice. "He's so versatile, and he's willing to do anything for the team, which is outstanding. We can use our imagi- nation in terms of how to utilize him and see where he's most comfort- able." Jordan still expects LeVert to do the most damage at off guard. "That's where he's always flour- ished, and he knows that the best," Jordan noted. "But similar to a Tim Hardaway Jr., who knew the wing forward the best, as we added guys and roles changed, he was able to move to the guard spot and be really good there, and be able to do both.