Inside the Huddle with Max Bielfeldt – On how it is going to feel to finally take the court for the Maize and Blue after missing his freshman year … “It’s going to be nice. It was really nice to see how things go on and not have the pressure of going in. It was nice to have a year to watch and see how different things work, how different pressures and stressors happen during the season, and what to expect. It was a good introductory course to the real thing, but I am definitely looking forward to being on the court, and I feel like I know what to expect now.

Inside the Huddle with Blake McLimans – On his expectations for the upcoming season … “We work really hard. We know the disappointment of the NCAA Tournament, and everyone was really motivated after that loss. Everyone wanted to get right back at it and work really hard, so we have a good chemistry going on the team now. The freshmen came in and everyone is gelling really well. I’m excited for the season.”

How college stars fared at LeBron James Skills Academy – Brief mentions of Burke (“He’s not an explosive athlete and is undersized but he knows how to score from the point guard position.”) and Hardaway (“I wish his jump shot was more consistent, but he does everything else better than average.”)

3-point shot: NIT Season Tip-Off Update – Michigan’s schedule is held up by the NIT Season Tip Off. Confirmed dates can be found here. Here’s Katz on the delay: “3. The 16-team NIT Season Tip-Off still isn’t finalized despite a number of schools starting the fall semester. The NIT is still waiting for one more team to fill a pod. That means the four hosts — Kansas State, Virginia, Pitt and Michigan — still don’t know how the bracket would be set if they all advanced to New York for the Thanksgiving week tournament.”

NC State Wolfpack are positioned for a deep run in the NCAA tournament – Some early reading about Michigan’s Big Ten-ACC Challenge opponent

Arkansas Razorbacks men’s basketball coach Mike Anderson pleased with Powell, newcomers – A productive off-season trip to Italy for another opponent on Michigan’s ’13 schedule.

University of Michigan athletics launches new student loyalty program for 2012-13 season – Michigan is launching a student loyalty program to get students to games earlier. Brian Cook is not a fan.