Michigan finally landed a spot in the ESPN/USA Today coaches poll this week at #24. They also saw their AP ranking move up a spot to #23. This will be a huge week for Michigan with games against North Carolina Central, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Michigan will likely need to go 3-0 this week to not only stay in the top 25 but also get a good start for the conference season.
DeShawn Sims was awarded co-Big Ten Player of the Week honors, along with Trent Meachum, after his 20-20 performance last week against Florida Gulf Coast:
Michigan’s DeShawn Sims earns his second weekly laurel after leading the Wolverines over Florida Gulf Coast, 76-59, while posting a historic 20 rebounds and 20 points to garner his fourth double-double of the season. Sims became the first Wolverine to post a 20-point, 20-rebound performance in 31 years. The last Wolverine to accomplish the feat was Phil Hubbard, who had 22 points and 26 rebounds vs. Detroit (March, 1977). Sims’ 20 points gives him 11 straight games scoring in double figures this season, and marks his 37th career double-digit game and seventh 20-plus point game. En route to the career-best board mark, by halftime Sims had surpassed his previous high of 12, grabbing 13 total rebounds, including 10 on the defensive end, in the first half. Sims’ 20 rebounds marked the first 20-plus rebounding performance since Graham Brown (2003-06) had 21 at Indiana (January, 2006). Along the way, Sims posted a new career best with 15 defensive rebounds. With his 20 rebounds, Sims posted the most rebounds by a Big Ten Conference player this season. The previous best in the conference was by teammate Manny Harris, who had 15 against Norfolk State.
