A win over Wisky prerequisite for Michigan NCAA Tourney chances

Michigan’s opportunity to earn a bid to the 2015 NCAA Tournament I am afraid is going to boil down to Saturday night at Crisler against the Badgers. If they can knock off No. 6 Wisconsin with ESPN’s College GameDay in the backdrop with the day-long hype, well, then they are at least still in the hunt. A loss, and it’s over (NIT at best), because the schedule gets so difficult, and there is little margin for error with their less than spectacular overall record (12-7).

That being said, I am really impressed by the Wolverines’ gutty win at Rutgers Tuesday night. Granted, the Scarlet Knights are one of about 10-11 mediocre Bubble Teams the Big 10 features here this 2014-15 season, but when you consider the absence of “out for the season” Caris LaVert – your top player in virtually every category – that’s a decent accomplishment.

One thing all Michigan fans have to consider – in the mere span of two years – since that Monday night in April of 2013 when the Wolverines fell in a National Title game to the Louisville Cardinals – they have lost no less than 5 players to the NBA. And that is one heck of a void.

John Beilein is “da man” in my opinion…Love that guy – gets so much out of his players. Great developer of talent. And it’s those often quotable phrases he throws out at press conferences I like the most about this guy….quotes like: “You gotta go with the guys that you have”….”Just move forward”…”You gotta be optimistic”…”You gotta give people opportunities…”You can’t think we’re a victim”….”As they get better, their mistakes will dissipate.”

Love positive people with positive messaging. Keep it coming, John Beilein !!!