Michigan Basketball Thursday: Wow!

Matt Slocum, AP

Not many blogs or even Michigan newspaper reporters were writing much about the National Championship rematch prior to last nights game.  Villanova who lost a ton of guys to the NBA were playing at home and ranked #8 in the country.   Michigan is ranked #18 but had two head scratching performances to start the year.   For example Holy Cross was beating the Wolverines at half-time after the Wolverines struggled to score 18 points.

Many had the expectation the Wolverines would struggle in this one and I was squarely in that camp.  Then I turned on the TV at 6:30 and was blown away by a Michigan team that played suffocating defense and was very efficient on offense.   Michigan started the game on a 10-2 run and never looked back to an easy 73-46 victory.  The Michigan Revenge Tour isn't just for football

Simpson is crazy good at the point.  He plays unbelievable defense and can beat anyone off the dribble.  If he adds a jumper, he will be a NBA player.   Matthews finally played the game we were expecting from him.   If he doesn't settle for 3's and keeps his jumper in the mid range, he will get 20 points a night.   Those efforts weren't a surprise, what I couldn't believe was the defense from Brazdeikis. The true freshman had to guard Villanova's fifth-year senior Eric Paschal all night and played some of the best defense I have ever seen a freshman play against a man that was much wider them him physically.  He made the 5th year forward look like the freshman on 3-14 shooting on the night.

Ignas not only played well on the defensive side of the court, he added 18 points to his final stat line.  The kid isn't scared and will be a future college basketball star.  

I know I have said this a million times, but how good does it feel having two of the best coaches in the country coaching Michigan Basketball and Football programs?  I can't think of a better combo of head coaches at any program in the country.   Things are getting back to normal around here and it feels pretty damn good.  

• Michigan BBall also had two recruits sign LOI's for the 2019 class yesterday:  

Jalen Wilson is a 4 star 6'8 strong forward out of Texas that is a gifted scorer.   He also looks like DJ Wilson!  :)

Cole Bajema is a 4 star 6'7 strong forward out of Washington.  Cole blew up this summer on the AAU circuit and he jumped at a Michigan offer.  He is shooter that needs more strength and weight before he will contribute at Michigan.   Huge upside for Cole.