The first thing to understand about Spring Grove, Penn. is that it’s a small town’s small town. According to the 2010 Census, it houses a population of 2,167. It’s known for a paper mill, and the smell wafting from it. Spring Grove Area High School graduates roughly 200-250 kids a year and exceedingly few go on to play any type of sport at a higher level.
For much of last season, redshirt junior Charles Matthews cast a frustrating figure for the Michigan men’s basketball team.
Friday afternoon, John Beilein walked into Crisler Center’s media room and offered a warning.
The Michigan men's basketball team struggled against Holy Cross but ultimately pulled away for a 56-37 win.
Last year, Isaiah Livers took the tip-off as the starting power forward in the national championship game. The next game the sophomore forward played in — Tuesday’s opener against Norfolk State — he came off the bench.
Early-season non-conference games are often blowouts, and often purely due to physical ability. That came in the form of Jon Teske for the Michigan men’s basketball team against Norfolk State on Tuesday.
The first glimpse of the 2018-2019 Wolverines came last Friday against Division II Northwood. Michigan took just 11 3-pointers, scoring 56 of 90 points in the paint and 24 on the fast break. It didn’t make its first three until 19 minutes into the game.
Ahead of his 800th win, The Michigan Daily spoke to former players, assistants and opponents to learn about their experiences with Beilein.
This year’s team will look different from a traditional John Beilein team. With the Wolverines’ three top shooters departed, this version of Michigan will be focused more on defense and rim presence.
