I have been to numerous Michigan v. Michigan State game, but none seemed bigger than this one. Following the game there was a little tussle between point guards Morris and Lucas. Here is Izzo’s reaction:
“I’ll straighten that (Lucas throwing the ball at Morris) out but at the same time, (Morris) going for a layup with 2 seconds left and talking a lot stuff all game, including at our place, maybe he (Morris) deserved it.” – Tom Izzo
I saw the entire thing and none of it was a surprise. Both guys are extremely competitive and going for a lay up, up by 5 points is not running up the score. Izzo later took back his comments and said “It was ridiculous and there was nothing to it. It was two guys jawing and that’s about all I really got out of it. ” Yeah, we all realized this, Mr. Vertically Challenged.
A Few Michigan player notes.
Tim Hardaway Jr. – simply magnificent against MSU once again. He hit a lot of timely shots and free throws going for 20 points all of which came during the second half. Hardaway Jr. has done this the entire year and he’s finding out how easy it is to flourish offensively under John Beilien. He has a excellent jump shot and can pull up from anywhere, which makes him difficult to defend. A bit of a surprise after his low high school ratings three star prospect, but nonetheless, he has all the potential to be a star for the Maize.
Jordan Morgan- Morgan had what I considered the biggest basket of the game, running a slip screen that he through down for a dunk (video). Jordan has exceeded all expectations this season and has been a huge surprise. The red-shirt freshman has been a dominating force on both of the courts and has shown a lot of offensive moves that I didn’t know he had. My only issue with Morgan is that he picks up unnecessary and avoidable fouls. With a rotation of Morgan and Smotryc, Michigan has two bigs that fit the mold for Beilien’s offense.
Matt Vogrich- Vogrich had a huge 3 pointer and multiple rebounds against MSU. I was impressed with his play for this game and the entire season. Although he doesn’t have much offense outside of his shot, Vogrich is a player. I don’t understand the people who dog his lack of driving ability and strength, because he flat out get’s it done when it counts. He will be a Junior next season and should lose even more playing time next year with two impact freshman guards coming in. However, look for Vogrich to find his way onto the court and hit timely shots when the team needs it most.
30 for 30 has a Fab 5 episode coming up on the 13th, following the selection show. I have had a man crush on this group dating back to my childhood. I use to watch the 1993 championship and marvel at this group’s talent. However, their lack of discipline cost them a title against Carolina when Webber called a time out that they didn’t have. It was at this point that I always stopped watching. A lot has been forgotten about this group and I’m happy their getting this publicity for themselves and the University. Although the Fab 5 is still a touchy subject for many Michigan fans, they changed the landscape of college basketball forever and are one of the most influential groups in sports history.
Pic via AnnArbornews.com
