10 Greatest Players to Play for Head Coach John Belein

Michigan Basketball: 10 Greatest Players to Play for Head Coach John Beilein

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Head coach John Beilein of the Michigan Wolverines reacts against the Villanova Wildcats in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 30: Nik Stauskas #11 of the Michigan Wolverines dunks the ball over Dominique Hawkins #25 of the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half during the midwest regional final of the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 30, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

3. Nik Stauskas – Michigan Wolverines (2013-2014)

Career stats: 14.1 ppg 2.9 rpg 2.3 apg

After a solid freshman season that helped get the Wolverines to the title game (had 22 points in the Elite Eight win over Florida), Stauskas has an unbelievable sophomore campaign. He averaged 17.5 ppg and had 14 games of at least 20 points to win the Big Ten Player of the Year. He was the leader in Michigan’s Elite Eight run the following season, including a game-high 24 points against the Kentucky Wildcats in his final college game.

2. Darrell Barley – Canisius Golden Griffins (1993-1996)

Career stats: 16.9 ppg 7.3 rpg 2.6 apg

His great freshman season was cut short, but Barley ultimately became one of the best players in program history, including leading Canisius to their only NCAA Tournament berth in the modern era. He averaged 20.3 ppg and 7.6 that season, good enough to win MAAC Player of the Year.

1. Trey Burke – Michigan Wolverines (2012-2013)

Career stats: 16.9 ppg 3.3 rpg 5.7 apg

He was the best player on the 2012 Michigan team, and continued to do so the following season, averaging 18.6 ppg and 6.7 apg. The difference was that he went from being one of the best in the Big Ten to the best in the country, winning AP Player of the Year, among top awards from other publications.

Next: Breaking down the five best class of 2018 recruits in the Big Ten

Burke was a leader on that 2013 Final Four team, with his 23 point, 10 assist game against Kansas being his signature performance. Of course his 24 in the title game versus Louisville was also an outstanding effort by him. His stock was as high as it possibly could, causing him to leave for the NBA. But Burke’s two years was some of the best basketball both the Wolverines – and Beilein has seen.

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