Inside the Lane, U-M Hoops Blog

>> Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2007 -- This past summer, junior Zack Gibson took a nine-day overseas trip to Taipei, Taiwan (July 2-10) with Athletes In Action, to not only play in the 2007 Jones Cup but to also do charity work around the community. He helped the squad to a 5-4 overall mark, seeing action in all nine games and averaging 6.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in 15.1 minutes per contest.

For Gibson the trip was two important things: 1) to get back on the court and play again after sitting out for a year; 2) to take the opportunity to have a life changing experience and take advantage of this trip as much as he could.

He took a moment to talk about the trip and reflect on the impact it had on his life.

Gibson on his summer playing in Taiwan: "It was a great experience. I had never been overseas so it was a first time for me and I had a lot of fun doing it. It was good to play an official game with refs. It was tough to adjust because we had just met the guys five days before the tournament, so we were playing on a team with a bunch of different guys, but I think it was a good experience and it definitely helped with basketball."

Gibson on the plane trip overseas: "We had a couple connecting flights, but the longest one was 13 hours. That was a long time on a plane, but they had movies going and other stuff so I tried to get some sleep, watch a couple movies ... just try to pass the time. It was rough being cramped up on a plane for that long. On the way out there I had an exit row which was good, nobody was in front of me, but on the way back I was in normal economy plus, so it was kind of tight."

Gibson on comparing the different cultures: "I'll say it is different. We were in a city so it was kind of reminiscent of a big city like New York, but it was really crowded. Almost the whole city was driving mopeds, which is different. You don't see that here, there are less cars, but it was definitely crowded. They have night markets and off street things, which was a cool experience to go through. They just cook all their food outside. There was a bunch of different cultural stuff going on outside so it was a great experience to watch all the different things going on."

Gibson on trying new foods: "I ate some sushi out there, which was not my cup of tea. I liked the Kung Pao chicken and I tried the sausage from the night market which was really good, so there were a few things. They had McDonald's and Pizza Hut, where I went a couple times to get away."

Gibson on gains from the Taiwan trip: "I got a lot of new friendships, met a lot of new people which was good. I also got a lot of experience for playing after sitting out a year, which will help to actually play through games, get minutes, everything like that. The religious aspect was good too; I am fairly religious. I did some praying and did a lot of things out there."

Gibson on community service overseas: "We went out to an orphanage and saw a bunch of little kids that don't have a home and have to live there. We talked to them about religion and everything like that. So, that only added to the trip for me."

In addition to talking about his experiences in Taiwan, Gibson took a moment to talk about getting the chance to play again and his style of play.

Gibson on his on-court positioning: "I will be doing a little bit of both [playing inside and outside]. With (Coach John) Beilein's system, I can definitely play some outside and some inside as well, so I think it will fit me."

Gibson on putting athleticism to good use: "Athleticism will definitely help my game, be able to play outside, drive, shoot, rebound, everything. Athleticism definitely helps in the game of basketball."

Gibson on his personal playing style: "I lean a little more towards the outside, but I am not afraid to get in there either. So I will mix it up and do both things."

>> Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007 -- With all the festivities and excitement surrounding the Michigan and Notre Dame football game, the Wolverines used the weekend to also host its annual Michigan Basketball reunion. [ Photo Gallery from Reunion Tailgate ]

Nearly 225 former players, families and friends of the program showed up for the tailgate where old stories were shared and new tales were created. From the current team under U-M coach John Beilein, from players from the 2000s, the 90s, the 80s, the 70s and even Dave Strack and his 1964 and 1965 teams, the Maize and Blue helped create new Michigan moments on top of the Mortenson Plaza.

Prior to the start of the afternoon, Beilein took a moment from his recruiting tailgate to talk about his excitement of so many players coming back for the Michigan reunion.

Beilein on hosting the annual reunion: "It's important that we try as hard as it is with all the great classes to try and stay connected. Even if it is by a tread sometimes, we need to stay connected with anyone that has ever put on a Michigan uniform. I am going to walk up to guys that everyone at Michigan may know and I may be the last person to know them, but we got to get it started so we can emulate a lot of what football has done. I sense over the years football has done a great job nurturing relationships with their alumni. Tommy (Amaker) did a great job getting it started and now I have to continue that."

Beilein on atmosphere at his third Michigan football weekend: "I am still learning a lot. I love the environment that I see here every weekend. As I watch it I feel more and more confident I can use this environment to propel us into the basketball season."

>> For the last 40-plus years, former Wolverine George Pomey (1963-65) has taken the lead in bringing together his former coach, Dave Strack, and the rest of his teammates from one of U-M most successful eras -- the 1960s. This year they used the basketball reunion to once again get together and reminisce. He along with Strack and former U-M All-American and legend Cazzie Russell shared their thoughts about the special weekend.

Pomey on the alumni reunion with his former teammates: "We have been doing this ever since we got out of school. We started out every five years, but as we have gotten older we made it every two years, or at least tried too. The team was just so close when we played; it is always good when everyone makes a good effort to come back. We reminisce and just talk about the old day, which is always good entertainment."

Strack on his team getting together every couple of years: "We were a unique group of guys. They were great players and all got along together. I am very proud of them all."

Russell coming back for annual reunion of his teammates: "It's a great moment of nostalgia. You see all the guys that you played with; mine goes way back. So I enjoy coming back to see all the changes that have occurred. I think we have a unique situation. Our group -- the 1964-65-66 -- have been coming back since 1971, which really speaks volumes of our camaraderie and our togetherness when we were playing. It's great. This is where you started, this is where you went to school, this is where you created relationships and friendships. It is always nice to come back and find out what everyone is doing and hear some stories, even though I need to speak to some of my teammates to check the validity of some of them. But this is really a great event."

>> At a young 80-plus years, Dave Strack was one of Michigan's most successful basketball coaches. Some even claim he helped put the program on the map with the help of his teams in the 1960s. Traveling all the way Arizona, he took a few moments to talk about the current program.

Strack on the current program: "I have always kept a big interest in Michigan basketball. I always want to see them do well. They fell on some bad times for whatever reason, but I think they have recovered now and coach Beilein will do a great job."

Strack on if he has given Beilein any advice: "No, I haven't. He is an experienced coach who has a tremendous reputation. He doesn't need anything from me (laughing). He will be fine on his own."

>> Throughout the tailgate, several players spoke about what it means to come back and share in the Michigan basketball reunion.

Eric Turner (1982-84) on the alumni reunion: "It's always exciting to come back. We love Michigan. We look forward to this each year because a lot of guys don't get to see each other during the year. So, when we get together it is a good time."

Butch Wade (1983-86) on the alumni reunion: "It means a great deal. Coming from out east and then attending Michigan, I really consider Ann Arbor my home. From 1982 to 1986 we had some success, even won the last Big Ten championship in 1986, so I have had nothing by great experiences here. That just keeps me coming back. There are a lot of good people around here."

Gavin Groninger (2000-03) on the alumni reunion: "It means a lot to come back to these every year. It is always great to see former teammates, coaches and people who really made my time at Michigan special. It is even better when you can see all the other former players who helped make this program what it is today. To be able to be here with all of them, I can only feel honored. Sometimes I still can't believe I played at Michigan."

>> In addition to their thoughts on coming back to the reunion, several of the players spoke on the current state of the program and what Beilein brings to the Wolverines.

Pomey: "It will be interesting to see what happens. Coach Beilein, to me, is just a top notch guy. He comes here with a reputation as a very noted coach and his kids have improved as time goes by. He is so enthusiastic. He came to our reunion last night and took the time to speak to each former player individually. You can just tell in his voice and in his enthusiasm, that guys that don't even know anything about him or the program, he has them believing."

Turner: "Coach Amaker did a good job getting this program back on solid ground. He was just a great person and great coach. I know it didn't completely work out for him, but we are really excited about the direction of the program. We have a strong leader with coach Beilein. He has surrounded himself with some strong coaches and we are confident he will be able to get it done."

Wade: "I feel they made a wise choice. I have friends who are still in college coaching and everyone I have spoken to has had nothing but good things to stay about coach Beilein. They have said he is a great guy, a disciplinarian, the whole nine yards. I think the program is on its way up."

Groninger: "It's an exciting time in the Michigan program right now. I really feel coach Beilein is going to do some great things with the team, the community and this university. He is going to get the Wolverines back on top."

>> Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007 -- With U-M coach John Beilein headed out for a recruiting trip, assistant coach Mike Jackson flew back in from the road to run the latest individual workout for the Wolverines at Crisler Arena.

Before the start of the session, Jackson spoke about the team so far during these first few weeks and the changes in the program.

Jackson on the first couple weeks of workouts: "They have been great. Everybody has been really open-minded about what coach (Beilein) is doing and everybody has been a sponge right now just trying to learn the way coach wants stuff done and just a completely new way of doing stuff so it has been really good so far."

Jackson on learning new things himself: "I have been learning on the fly just like the guys. I just got briefed on today's workout right before I am about to do it so it will be interesting to see how things go today, but overall it has been good."

Jackson on the impressions of the team thus far: "So far I couldn't be happier. Kelvin (Grady) and Manny (Harris) are a little bit ahead of what I thought in terms of picking stuff up, their work ethics. Sometimes when you get high school guys in here, they really don't know what to expect, and I think those two have a pretty good work ethic so far. I expected the rest of the guys to come back ready because they are all trying to impress coach. So far, they have not proven me wrong. They are all continuing to work really hard. It isn't always easy for them with a new system, but they are doing just fine."

Jackson on the importance of the new track workouts: "A lot of it is mental toughness. When you have to fight through something you don't want to do or haven' done, it translates onto the floor when you think you are tired and have to go another minute or two before you can get a sub or you have to go on the road and do some things. I think that just builds a level of mental toughness every team needs."

Jackson on a more structured format for the players: "This time of year the structure is good for those guys. They had the summer, even the seven weeks they were here over the summer and it is limited on the things we can actually structure for them. This time of year they need the structure, the class, the workouts, the individual workouts and lifting; I think it is good for them."

>> After Patrick Beilein left to play professionally in Ireland, the Wolverines were looking to fill his administrative graduate assistant's role. The Maize and Blue wasted no time filling the position as Tyler Bluemling will take over for the younger Beilein.

Bluemling was a four-year letterwinner at Duquesne, where he played for current U-M assistant John Mahoney. Bluemling played in 98 career games starting five games as a senior. He finished his career tallying 283 points, 101 rebounds, 107 assists and 37 steals. Known as a long range shooter, 180 of his 234 career field goal attempts came from beyond the three-point arc. He was a three-time member of the Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll and was named to the 2003-04 Atlantic 10 All-Academic Team.

>> Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007 -- The Wolverine roster had some adjustments made to it as a few jersey numbers have been altered. Most notably, DeShawn Sims will switch to wear No. 34, his old high school number.

In addition, David Merritt will move to No. 11 and Eric Puls will move to No. 30. When asked about the changes, all three players said there were no particular reasons for the alterations, but Sims just said he wanted to switch back to his old number.

Sims: "I just really wanted to go back to my old number that I had in high school. It is a special number for me and I just asked the staff if I could switch back to it and they said it was okay. So, it's back to 34 for me."

>> With rain throughout the night and grey skies overshadowing most of the early afternoon, the sun came out and heated up the U-M track just before the Wolverines second team conditioning workout.

There was much discussion among the players prior to the sets of runs and strategies were built up by senior Ron Coleman, junior Jerret Smith and freshman Kelvin Grady. They all stressed working together and to make sure they did not make the same mistakes they made the first go around -- namely trying to sprint the entire workout of two 400s, two 200s and two 100s, which is repeated twice.

In addition, U-M men's track and cross country coach Ron Warhurst was on hand yet again to help give the Wolverines advice about running styles and helpful tips for running on a track. He also stayed for the workout encouraging each group throughout the set.

In the end, the Wolverines made their way through the workout before some headed back to Crisler Arena for their weight workouts.

>> As stated yesterday, the Wolverine lockerroom at Crisler Arena will undergo several changes prior to the start of October practice. Today, crews were in to start the demolition of the wall separating the lounge and the locker area. The new improved lounge area will have three student work stations for academic work, a new flat screen TV, a pool table and other amenities.

>> Monday, Sept. 10, 2007 -- After a successful first week of classes and individual work, the Wolverines begin their second with studies, training and workouts. It came as no surprise that excitement emanated throughout the offices and Crisler Arena as Coach John Beilein's preseason program launches.

In his office, Beilein was prepping for the second week of work and he took a minute to reflect on the first.

Beilein getting back to the court and work his players out: "It's been great. That whole week just flew by. There wasn't a lot of paperwork done that week. There were phone calls and recruiting, but most importantly, I spent the most valuable time in the gym with my players. If I have to choose any place to be, that is where I want to be."

Beilein on the expectations of the first week of work: "Any time you have been at a place for four or five years, the expectations are easier to control because you have upperclassmen who have been there and done that. Now, for us, because of the change in some of the philosophies, no has been there and done that. Everyone is basically a rookie to some extent. Given all that, I think the kids have responded beautifully."

In addition, sophomore Ekpe Udoh was hanging around the basketball offices and he shared his thoughts about the start to the season and some things he concentrated on this summer.

Udoh on the start of the school year and individual work: "It has been good. The schedule we have so far takes up most of our time which is good. It has been tough. It just hasn't been anything we have seen for a while with the summer break and all. So, getting back into it has been fun. We just have to be ready for anything."

Udoh on what he stressed most on during his summer workouts: "I really just concentrated this summer working on my skill set -- facing up more, dribbling the ball and working on my back to the basket moves. I really enjoyed that last year and I wanted to do whatever I could to improve."

Udoh on taking a bigger role this season: "I am looking forward to just winning. We had some difficult losses last year, some down to the wire games and games we just let slip out of our hands. So, we really just want to concentrate on getting some of those down-to-the-wire games to be in our favor; especially since I will have a bigger role on the team. It's critical that we cannot have those losses."

Udoh on if he is ready for an expanded role: "I am ready. I am ready to take on any role that I need to in order to get Michigan back to where it was, and should be."

>> Plenty of things have been happening with the program starting with the announcement of the non-conference schedule. At least 28 of the U-M's 30 games will be televised, and it is possible that the Wolverines' entire 2007-08 schedule will be available depending on their results at the Great Alaska Shootout. [ Schedule ]

>> Remodeling and construction has started on the Wolverine lockerroom at Crisler Arena. It is expected to be completed before practice begins in mid-October. The lockerroom will undergo minor changes, with the main lockerroom area opened up to be more player friendly with an improved lounge area, with three student work stations for academic work, a new flat screen TV, a pool table and other amenities.

>> The weight room at Crisler Arena also underwent remodeling this summer and is functioning fully with the start of the school year. Overall, the weight room has been scaled back to concentrate on specific areas, as well as addition of new free weight machines. The back half of the lockerroom has been upgraded with new treadmills, exercise bikes and elliptical riders. The area was remodeled with a new floor for agility, strength training and core work.

>> In addition to the workouts at Crisler Arena and on the U-M track, the Wolverines also spent their first week concentrating on their studies. With the aid of basketball advisor, Maher Salah, the Wolverines also began Study Hall sessions at the Stephen M. Ross Academic Center. Overall, four sessions were held last week.

In addition to talking about getting back out on the floor, coach Beilein talked about the importance for all of the Wolverines to get off to good starts in the classroom and the introduction of the new Study Hall sessions.

Beilein on the importance of study halls: "For us, our study hall is a mix. It not only helps our young men connect to tutors, mentors and advisors, but with other students. It is quality time to concentrate and get a lot of work completed. It is also a carrot that we hold out for them. If they can end up doing well in their classes their study hall time is diminished and they are not required to go as much as other student athletes."

Beilein philosophy of a student athlete: "We want to give all the support and help we can to each student athlete. We always want to be there for them. Basically, we want them to learn how to be challenged in life, except the challenges and go after them. We really want to empower them. Sometimes there is some coddling there, but we want them to turn out just like any other Michigan graduate ready to take on the world."

While in the office, Udoh also shared his thoughts about the new Study Hall sessions.

Udoh on the changes academically: "Study Halls have been more effective this year because we have cut down on a lot of the extra activities. So, that allows us to get in and get right back out. There are always distractions, but with what we are doing, it just really helps us do our work and get out before we lose focus."

Udoh on the importance of academics: "It is greatly important. We all need to strive to have high GPA. We don't need to slack so eligibility questions come into play. Coach Beilein is very structured and he just really wants us to be great students."

>> Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007 -- After a second day of individual workouts yesterday, the Wolverines gathered as a team for an organized team workout on U-M's outdoor track. In yet another new wrinkle to the new workout regime, the Wolverines had to run two 400s, two 200s and two 100s all with descending rest. The wrinkle ... there wasn't just one set, it was followed by a second set of the same cycle of runs.

But the Wolverines pushed through and senior Ron Coleman took a moment to talk about the first three days of individual workouts.

Coleman on the new style of individual workouts: "It has been very different. We have been doing a lot of skill work and developmental-type stuff, it has been helping. It is tiring, of course, it is the first time I've ever experienced something like this, but it has been very good and very helpful to us."

Coleman on new things to improve: "Basically focus on footwork and stuff. There is a lot more to footwork that you can do to be quicker or make something you thought wasn't there into something you have. It is interesting to see the new stuff he has been teaching us, because we haven't really been doing anything like that."

Coleman on the team's thoughts on the new workouts: "I think the team is doing well, I have been talking to everybody, they say they've really liked the workouts. They say everything is really helpful and they are excited to get ready to practice and I am right with them, Coach told us he is impressed with our IQ and how we pick up on things so I am really impressed with everything."

>> In a season cut short to just seven games after suffering a shoulder injury, redshirt-sophomore K'Len Morris has participated fully in all the individual workouts and could not be happier. Prior to Thursday's outdoor track workout, Morris took a moment to share his thoughts on getting back into swing of things.

Morris on returning from his injury: "It's been exciting. Not playing for almost a year, I didn't know what to do with myself, so I am finally starting to get myself back into the swing of things."

Morris on a new style of workouts: "There is definitely a lot of fundamental stuff; things that you think you would do back in the day, but you can tell none of us have done them in a while. We're all kind of confused and bobble with everything, but it is what we've needed the past few years."

Morris on getting back in the game: "It's kind of hard to explain because for a while it didn't feel normal because I had been out of it for so long. These last two days are the first real workouts I've had in 9-10 months, so they are new experiences I had never done before because I had been out of the loop for so long."

Morris on the new coaching staff: "Yeah, you can't go wrong. Coach Beilein knows his stuff, that's all you can ask for as a player."

Morris on new things he has to practice: "Shooting. I have to do a few things with my rotation and my follow-through and pivot stuff. I am learning something new every day so it is crazy."

>>Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007 -- With the first day of classes in full swing on the Michigan campus, the Wolverine basketball program began their preseason individual work. After five months of waiting to get back on the court with his players, U-M coach John Beilein got back to teaching and coaching basketball today. He stressed the first few weeks will be an evaluation period as well as an opportunity to implement his system with the players. With a full days schedule ahead of him, Beilein took a moment to talk about his first individual workout at Crisler Arena with C.J. Lee, Anthony Wright, Kelvin Grady and Manny Harris.

Beilein on getting on his first individual workout with the team: "This is an exciting time not only for me, but for the players as well. It is really the first opportunity to get together and get some work in together. I have had so much curiosity about the development of the players I've already seen. I am also curious about watching our incoming freshmen, and even K'Len Morris, who I haven't seen play because he was injured. The curiosity just killed me. So, I am just about to find out, slowly. I don't want to be too judgmental in the first few days. I just want to see what we have slowly. I want to know what we have before I make too many other plans in what we need to be successful."

>> Freshman Kelvin Grady and Manny Harris also began their "official" careers with their first individual workout. They shared their thoughts just before taking the court.

Grady: "Obviously it is exciting. I have looked forward to this moment ever since I started playing basketball. This is my dream to be able to come out and do this -- to play in a big arena, at a great school, with great coaches around me and with great players around me. So, I am excited more than anything. This is it. This is where it starts. I am just ready to get things going."

Harris: "I am excited. I am not exactly sure what to fully expect, but I know that I will be ready for whatever they throw at me. All I have to do is listen and really just follow what he wants us to do. There is no easier way to get better than that. I am just excited to get out there and get going."

>> In addition to their first workout, the freshmen duo also talked about what it will be like to start playing for the newly hired staff and Michigan and what the first week of school has been like.

Grady on working with Coach Beilein and the rest of the staff: "We are ready for whatever they throw at us. I cannot speak for everyone else, but I am not too worried about what they throw at us. It is just part of the process. We are just excited to get back out onto the court and start to get better as a team. I just want to do whatever I can to help this program."

Harris on what the first week of college: "So far it has been what I thought it as going to be. The first three days were fun, but now it kind of gets real. The hard work is coming, but you just have to stay at it and adjust. I know I will be able to do that."

>> After joining the Michigan staff and his father as the administrative graduate assistant, Patrick Beilein will be leaving the U-M basketball program to head to Dublin, Ireland to play professional basketball with UCD Marian.

Beilein on the decision to leave Michigan: "Playing with the Michigan guys over the summer, I just felt the urge to keep playing. I feel like I still have some basketball left in me. This Ireland opportunity came open for me and it works out well for me. I get to play and I will be required to coach at least 10 hours a week for the junior team. So, I get a little bit of both of what I wanted. I get to learn a different game of basketball, as far as the European style, as well as bring some of my knowledge over there."

Beilein on if he will still want to come back and coach: "Eventually, I want to be a Division I head coach. While I am young right now, I just feel like I should go a play a little bit. I don't ever want to say that I had that chance and never took it. So, I am taking it."

Beilein played in 128 career games primarily coming off the bench while playing under his father at West Virginia. He closed his career with 1,001 career points and ranks second all-time in career three-point field goals with 242, just the third player to surpass 200 in a career.