Robinson keeps doing ‘everything’

Bernard Robinson — dubbed “Mr. Everything” by
his coach and teammates — has been the most versatile floor
presence for the Wolverines game in and game out.

And the 6-foot-6 senior has quietly been climbing the ladder as
a Big Ten leader in a number of statistical categories.

Robinson is 11th in the Big Ten in scoring, averaging 13.1
points per game. He is also 11th in rebounding (5.8 ) and 10th in
assists (3.61).

“He’s been outstanding,” Michigan coach Tommy
Amaker said. “(Bernard has been) our most consistent player,
our most valuable player.”

Robinson has also been prolific in some other statistical
categories which can easily go unnoticed: he has racked up 39
steals through 18 games (second in the conference) and is 12th in
the Big Ten with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.18.

While Robinson leads Michigan in all of the above stats,
it’s not the senior’s numbers or rankings that his
coach gives him the most credit for.

“He’s also drawn the toughest defensive assignments
for our ball club, in addition to the stats,” Amaker
said.

“He’s certainly established himself as one of the
top defensive players in this league.”

In the middle: Amaker said that one thing he would have
liked to see in Michigan’s 67-52 loss to Illinois last
weekend was more production from his big men.

Starters Graham Brown and Courtney Sims combined for just eight
points on seven total shots from the floor.

On the other hand, in Michigan’s 90-84 win over Iowa last
Wednesday, the two combined for 24 points and took 16 shots.

Illinois double-teamed Michigan’s post players for much of
Saturday’s game, and Michigan turned the ball over several
times while trying to force the ball back out from the block.

“We also try to teach our post players that something they
need to do, being young post players, is show some poise and
patience,” Amaker said. “Sometimes that’s very
hard to do when the ball goes into the post.”

Days of rest: Michigan has a bye week of sorts, as every
other Big Ten team played last night or is scheduled to play
tonight. The Wolverines return to action on Saturday against
Purdue.

Amaker said that he has been trying to mix up his routine in
practice, because he knows that doing the same drills each day for
a week can get old quickly.

He also said that he’d rather be playing a game during the
week, especially coming off the loss to Illinois on Saturday.

“I’d prefer to have a game this week so we could get
back at it and hopefully get a win,” Amaker said. “But,
obviously we’ve got to use this week the proper
way.”

Having the whole week off may be a blessing in disguise for
Michigan, as it gives the Wolverines a chance to rest and come out
at 100 percent against Purdue, both physically and mentally.

Sophomore Chris Hunter, who has missed three straight games, is
using the week off to see the doctor and try to gain medical
clearance to play. Hunter reaggravated a knee injury and several
days later had his nose accidentally broken by teammate J.C.
Mathis.

Amaker said that Hunter will be fitted for a face mask this
week, and he may be ready to play on Saturday.