1/13/02- AMAKER SETTING RIGHT TONE
If you're like many Wolverine sports fans you don't pay much attention to Michigan hoops. The program has been down for many years on and off the court. But there are positive things happening down at Crisler Arena lately.New Head Coach Tommy Amaker has the Wolverines playing better basketball. They have a long way to go before they compete for a Big Ten Championship but considering that Amaker is working with a team that was built (?) by former Coach Brian Ellerbe he deserves a season or two get players into the program who can play his style of basketball.So why the hope right now? I think that Amaker is making a point to current and future players about what his expectations are. The message he appears to be sending is that players will need to work hard in practice and play smart defense to get minutes in real games. Amaker has sat down players of superior skill and played other players with the right work ethic during the last few games.He may be losing some games in the short term but I think the benefits will be seen over time. Players will come to Michigan knowing that that their skill alone won't carry them. If Amaker is able to translate this philosophy into wins over the next few seasons we will truly have a team that we can be proud of again.Go Blue! |
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