The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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24 THE WOLVERINE APRIL 2018 last.' Coach Beilein does that too, ev- ery day. They set the example. It's re- ally easy to do, if you follow that. "You're eventually able to look back with a big smile." The smile began spreading last sea- son, when Wagner moved into the starting lineup and became Michi- gan's third-leading scorer (12.1). The Wolverines took their place as a Big Ten Tournament champion. He experienced every gripping mo- ment of Michigan's tournament roller coaster. From the heart-stopping slide off a Willow Run Airport runway, to a four-day celebration at the league tournament in Washington, D.C., to the Sweet 16, Wagner waxed exultant. He experienced so much success, combined with unlimited potential, that he thought long and hard about that jump to the NBA. The feedback from the league argued against it. Four rebounds a game from some- one 6-11 wasn't going to cut it. Oh, and guard somebody. "Defensively, it sucks to be out there, knowing you're a defensive li- ability of your team, and teams will pick you out to score on you," he said. "There's pride in developing that in the offseason." Wagner developed in many ways, averaging more than seven rebounds a game this season. He says he hasn't arrived defensively, but he's been a key component in Michigan's best de- fense in the Beilein era and one of the better defensive crews in the nation. He's also MMLI (Michigan's Most Likely Irritator) on the court. Wagner's ability to get under the skin of oppo- nents sometimes gives him an extra edge. "He has a little bit of villain in him, and I think he embraces that," McCor- mick observed. "When you're in a big game, you want to walk into a tough arena with somebody like Wagner. He gives everybody confidence." Except for opposing player and fans, of course. He gives them indigestion. "Sometimes they really dislike me — not only the players, but the fans," Wagner noted, with a 'Who, me?' look. "It's something I've gotten used to. The villain role is something I em- brace. "It's cool with me, as long as it doesn't get too serious. It's all a game. For some reason, I always end up in these little scuffles, with trips or what- ever. It always ends up that way. I look very guilty sometimes, but I give that innocent look, and it's all good, I hope. "It's part of the game. It's what makes it fun and entertaining." All the world's a stage. DOUBLING DOWN ON A CHAMPIONSHIP Michigan certainly wasn't the favor- ite to repeat as Big Ten Tournament champion. The Wolverines lost twice in the regular season to Purdue and missed out on the double bye, having to play four straight days. Sure, they'd beaten Michigan State in East Lansing during the regular sea- son, but that just made the Spartans floor-slapping angry. Surely they'd rise up and bully the Wolverines off the court come tournament time. After dispensing with Iowa and Ne- braska the first two days of the tour- ney, Michigan had other ideas. They beat back the Spartans 75-64, once again clamping down defensively on MSU. When Tom Izzo's crew tried to intimidate, the Wolverines pushed back, or just laughed in the faces of the Spartans. While Michigan fans exulted, Wag- ner took it in stride. "It obviously makes me happy," he said. "I know it makes so many peo- ple happy in this state. So many fans are satisfied by that. It makes me very proud. "When you're in Madison Square Garden, and it's packed, and fans al- ternate between 'Go Green, Go White' and then 'Go Blue,' there's tension there. How are you supposed to play without emotion? "This group of people in this locker room is very, very emotional. There's a whole bunch of egos that come to- gether. We love to show that, but in a way that's not distracting. It's okay to step away sometimes and show you're tough, do your things your way, and you won't back down from anybody." Of course, Wagner then looked up Wagner has played his best when it's mattered most this season, including averaging 21.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in U-M's two victories over Michigan State. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN