Wolverine Wednesday: Needs Some Work

Michigan Basketball reminds me of a line from a old car salesman trying to sell you a car on the lot:  "She's a beauty but needs some work".    The Wolverines danced off the plane in Happy Valley and even did snow angels when they arrived on Monday night.  Tuesday night they left the floor after being beat by one of the worst teams in the Big Ten.   That's basketball for you, sometimes the ball just doesn't go through the hoop and when Michigan's offense is bad they're really bad.

That was the case on Tuesday night in an empty Penn State arena due to the weather.   Michigan looked like they left their game at the hotel and Penn State came out looking for a signature win on their way to the off season.   The refs and his team play made Coach B so angry he got thrown out of the game at half-time, when the refs missed a huge illegal screen on Simpson.  

Michigan got down so far, their on again off again offense couldn't bring them back.    Here are some of the issues this team has down the stretch:

• No Bench - Outside of Livers, Michigan has zero bench.  It's really going to be difficult to play 6 guys the rest of the way.    This is on Coach B for not bringing in more guys during the non-conference.   Finding a guard that can shoot it from 3 off the bench would have been nice.  

• No outside shooting - Poole is too streaky and just isn't ready to take the leadership role yet.  That pretty much only leaves Livers as an outside threat.   His shot looked terrible as Michigan was trying to comeback in the second half.  His 3 point air balls pretty much killed the comeback attempt. 

• Iggy looks to be hitting a wall - Many freshman hit a wall this time of year as they are not used to playing so many high stakes games week after week.  It's been a long season and I think we are starting to see it wear on Iggy a bit. 

• Tape on Teske - He surprised everyone early in the year, now there is plenty of tape on him.  He had his worst game of the year last night.

• Zavier's shooting - Love how tough he is, love his court vision, and his lock down defense.  He just can't shoot 4 three point shots in a half.   It's hard to make up those possessions. 

This team is starting to show the wear and tear the early season didn't.   Teams are getting better and Michigan is playing less and less guys.   There is plenty of work to be done between now and the Big Ten Tournament and this team is trending the wrong way, mostly on the road.