John Beilein was available to talk about Michigan’s upcoming game against Ohio State. The video of what he had to say is below with notes and quote, per usual, after the jump.
- Last year with Evan Turner, Ohio State was a more perimeter-oriented team and the main thing you had to worry about in the post was offensive rebounding. Now, they do much more in the post with Jared Sullinger.
- “If you look at last year we played them six halves, I think we won four of the six halves but we lost two of the three games.” Lamented the poor end to the first half last year in Indianapolis, when Michigan held a lead with five minutes left but went into the locker room down by almost 10. Need to stay consistent.
- The reason for inconsistency: “We have a young team.”
- Said Sullinger’s presence in the post benefits Ohio State’s 3-point shooters, which in turns benefits Sullinger. Sullinger gets a lot of attention, takes pressure off the perimeter players.
- David Lighty “has improved every year.” He’s physical, he gets to the basket. Anticipating seeing him isolated against Michigan defenders and try to get to the line. Now, you have to guard his 3-point shot as well.
- “I think our kids should have confidence that they can compete against some very high-level teams, but to beat those teams you have to do almost everything well.” Said if he gets the best out of everyone, Michigan can play with “almost anyone” in the country.
- On why Michigan went man in overtime against Kansas: it’s almost impossible to get back into a zone after missing shots because you don’t have enough time before the ball gets to you. Since Michigan was having a hard time scoring in overtime, a lot of times there was no time to set up the zone. “If we didn’t score, we were going to be in man.”
- On Jordan Dumars: “Medical redshirt or no, it doesn’t really make a difference.” He “just doesn’t feel at 100 percent.” Thinks they have what you need for a medical redshirt.
- Defensively, “you fly by the seat of your pants a little bit.” A lot of it depends on what the other team is doing, what your foul situation is, etc. Will be working on all three packages (man, 2-3, 1-3-1).
- On Jordan Morgan being named one of the 25 best freshmen of the year by Basketball Prospectus: “He’s become such a very good rebounder and his defense is growing every day.” It’s important he stays in there, but he may not have the endurance to play 35 minutes yet, so have to have other options.
- “Really impressed with the IQ of this team.” They’ve learned quickly through repetition and have been able to translate what they do in practice to game. “I don’t think we’re a great defensive team, I think we’re improving.”
