#19 Michigan vs #12 Villanova 11/25 10pm

On ESPN2.

This is likely going to be Michigan's 2nd toughest match-up this OOC season. Villanova had a rough start, but is every bit deserving of their #12 ranking. Last season, the Wildcats were a 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and returns 6 of their top 7 players.

I think it's key to remember that Michigan is still incredibly young. There is a lot of room to grow between now and March. While I'm hoping for a Michigan win, I won't be discouraged by a loss.

Growing every game. Nice that Doyle came up with some tough points.

They've had a good week of practice! (And it shows.)

The team is in good hands, as long as win enough to make sure we aren't sweating out the bubble in March, I'll be fine with watching us develop.

Going 11 deep is nice! If this team can stay together 1 more year we may have something special.

MgoBlue wrote:

Going 11 deep is nice!  If this team can stay together 1 more year we may have something special.

I think LeVert is as good as gone. He is NBA ready and he'll have the credentials to back it up this season. If only LeVert leaves, the team should still be very good next year, so let's hope Walton and Irvin don't get bit by the NBA bug yet.


Michigan has an outside chance (I'd say 10% ish) at landing wing Jaylen Brown for next season. He is a sure-fire 1-and-done and would be Michigan's biggest recruit since Webber. His game is a lot like Jabari Parker (but smaller and better on the perimeter) and should be every bit as impactful as Parker was last season.

In other words, he would be the perfect replacement for Caris LeVert. If Brown comes to Michigan, even if LeVert leaves, it could be the most talented Michigan team in two decades.

Villanova starts: Junior / Junior / Senior / Junior / Senior
Michigan starts: Sophomore / Junior / Sophomore / Freshman / Freshman

Experience is huge early on in the season. Between now and March, it's safe to expect a couple of our young guys to show considerable improvement. Playing this game in November benefits the Wildcats.

Combine that experience with Villanova being a legit Final 4 contender, and Michigan has their work cut out for them tonight. Still hoping for a win though.

That's the beauty of Beilein's system. He uses the three, lack of turnovers and fouls and keeps us in games we probably shouldn't be in. If we are hitting 3's we have a chance.

Win or lose I like where we are right now. Some adversity wouldn't be bad this early in the season.

Wow hail, that starting lineup sure emphasis the youth of this team. This will be a fun team to watch grow this season. Hopefully this old man can stay awake to watch tonight.

fishgoblue22 wrote:

Wow hail, that starting lineup sure emphasis the youth of this team.  This will be a fun team to watch grow this season.  Hopefully this old man can stay awake to watch tonight.

I can't believe how late this game is. It's not like it's being played in Maui or somewhere behind on the timezone. There is no reason for the consolation game to have the primetime slot (7pm) and the championship to be at 10pm. The games should be at 5pm and 8:30 or something. Just ridiculous.

Agree on the time! I've been trying to get up and be sometime in the morning to get a workout in before work. This is messing up my healthy lifestyle!