Michigan Basketball: Wolverines go from unwatchable to title contenders
By Brian Rosen
Contenders
Since February 7, Michigan has gone 12-2, with the only faults an overtime loss to a hot Minnesota team and a once-in-a-lifetime buzzer-beating ending to an inspired Northwestern team fighting for their tournament chances.
Derrick Walton Jr. looks like a man on a mission, not all too dissimilar from Kemba Walker six years ago. He has been incredible all year, but has probably been the best player in college basketball over the past two weeks. A double-double in a Purdue win, followed by 18 points and 16 assists against Nebraska earlier this month. He also scored 29 points against Minnesota and went 22-7-6 in the Big Ten title game with 8 steals in the past 5 games. He didn’t carry the load versus Louisville, but hit one of the most clutch shots in recent Michigan basketball history with his layup off the glass in the final minute. See below at the 1:37 mark.
His 26 points, 11 assists, and 5 rebounds against Oklahoma State were amazing. No one has touched those numbers since Dwayne Wade did it at Marquette over a decade ago.
He’s been fantastic.
Irvin has caught fire from the field, shooting 59% over the past 4 games and hitting double digits his last eight times out.
Wagner and Wilson are still inconsistent, but always find a way to contribute. Without Wilson, Michigan doesn’t keep itself in the game in the first half against Oklahoma State. Without Mo Wagner, Michigan doesn’t stand a chance against Louisville.
Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Duncan Robinson have both made plays when necessary as well.