The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/432566
MICHIGAN BASKETBALL Sitting Down With Men's Basketball Assistant Coach Bacari Alexander Michigan assistant Bacari Alexander handles the Wolverines' big men, a bigger task this year due to the lack of playing experience among them. That's the case team-wide, except for a "core four" of performers from last year's Elite Eight squad, and Alexander talked about helping mold this year's group. The Wolverine: Did the loss to New Jersey Institute of Technology shake this team in the long term, or is it teaching and growing as usual? Alexander: "With this particular team, I think it's critical that we use every night out as a learning opportunity. One of the things we're trying to embrace with this group is teaching about what a growth mindset is. "The whole idea behind a growth mindset is, what are we learning from each experience, in both victory and defeat? How do we use that to propel us into better results in the future? stormed through, led by Damon Lynn's 20 points, including three consecutive three-pointers down the stretch that any NBA performer would envy. Junior guard Caris LeVert's 32-point effort wasn't enough to save the Wolver- ines, who learned a misery-laden yet valuable early-season lesson. Breakout Performer — Caris LeVert: LeVert's showing in the loss to NJIT is just the tip of the iceberg for the U-M captain. He began the season with 15 as- sists and no turnovers in the opening two games, connected on 11-of-13 free throws to help the Wolverines beat Oregon, and has been the one called on to get it done more often than not. LeVert scored in double figures in every game but one through Michigan's opening stretch. He comes across as quiet and reserved, but he's fearless when the lights go on. Though Michigan's early going, he led the Wolverines in scoring, assists, steals, free throw percentage, three-point percentage, and even rebounding. He's clearly at the top for a group seeking standouts. Freshman Impact — Ricky Doyle: The big rookie got off to a slow start, largely due to an ankle injury, but he's been growing in confidence. In addition to his dozen points and six rebounds in Michigan's win over Syracuse, Doyle scored 15 versus Nicholls State, and came through with 10 in the win over Oregon in New York. He's still got plenty to learn, and he'll be the first to say so. But the early returns have been good for a developing big man. — John Borton