Michigan Wolverines: Evan Smotrycz
Smotrycz narrows choices, sets visits 
April, 13, 2012
Apr 13
3:00
PM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
Former Michigan forward Evan Smotrycz is getting closer to figuring out where he’ll continue his college basketball career.
After around 15 schools inquired following his decision to transfer from Michigan, he has narrowed it down to three: Maryland, Providence and Colorado.
“I like the way they play,” Smotrycz said. “They are all good schools, all have got great coaches, great guys. I felt really comfortable with the coaches in talking with them and getting with them and I think they have a good plan for me. Those are the three I can see myself at.”
After around 15 schools inquired following his decision to transfer from Michigan, he has narrowed it down to three: Maryland, Providence and Colorado.
“I like the way they play,” Smotrycz said. “They are all good schools, all have got great coaches, great guys. I felt really comfortable with the coaches in talking with them and getting with them and I think they have a good plan for me. Those are the three I can see myself at.”
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Colton Christian explains his transfer
April, 10, 2012
Apr 10
10:29
PM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Of the three players transferring from Michigan, only one showed up at Tuesday night’s Michigan basketball banquet -- forward Colton Christian.
After the banquet, he said he isn’t sure what his next stop is, but he has a working list of around 10 schools he did not want to disclose.
“Most are East Coast schools, a couple Midwest schools and down south because of where I played prep school,” Christian said. “Mostly high mid-major.”
Christian said there were no hard feelings between him and Michigan -- evidenced by his appearance at the banquet and that he was brought up on stage with the rest of his teammates. The other players to transfer, Carlton Brundidge and Evan Smotrycz, did not show, but Christian said they all were invited.
As for his reason to leave, he cited that he wasn’t playing much at Michigan.
“Just get more playing time,” Christian said. “Just go somewhere that I really can make an impact on the court. I felt I helped the team a lot here in practice and all that. Just take the next step and play somewhere else.”
Christian played 47 games in his two seasons at Michigan, averaging 4.3 minutes, 0.6 points and 1 rebound a game. After sitting out the 2012-13 season, he will have two years of eligibility remaining.
After the banquet, he said he isn’t sure what his next stop is, but he has a working list of around 10 schools he did not want to disclose.
“Most are East Coast schools, a couple Midwest schools and down south because of where I played prep school,” Christian said. “Mostly high mid-major.”
Christian said there were no hard feelings between him and Michigan -- evidenced by his appearance at the banquet and that he was brought up on stage with the rest of his teammates. The other players to transfer, Carlton Brundidge and Evan Smotrycz, did not show, but Christian said they all were invited.
As for his reason to leave, he cited that he wasn’t playing much at Michigan.
“Just get more playing time,” Christian said. “Just go somewhere that I really can make an impact on the court. I felt I helped the team a lot here in practice and all that. Just take the next step and play somewhere else.”
Christian played 47 games in his two seasons at Michigan, averaging 4.3 minutes, 0.6 points and 1 rebound a game. After sitting out the 2012-13 season, he will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Beilein calls transfers 'part of the game'
April, 9, 2012
Apr 9
6:04
PM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- As Evan Smotrycz, Colton Christian and Carlton Brundidge all search for new schools after deciding to transfer from Michigan, their former head coach, John Beilein, said he wasn’t surprised about their departures.
Then again, he said, he doesn’t get surprised by much.
“It’s like coaching a game,” Beilein said in his first public availability since the transfers. “That guy hit a buzzer shot, maybe you’re surprised. I don’t think so. You just know that’s part of the game and part of my job as a coach is to try and be ready for everything.
“It’s changing now more than ever.”
Beilein said at a meeting of coaches at the Final Four, it was discussed how many players at BCS conference schools either transfer or turn pro by the end of their sophomore years.
So it has taken a bit of continual planning, but nothing that is all that surprising to him anymore.
As for this year’s group -- when asked if he tried to convince any of them to stay, he didn’t say one way or the other.
“We meet with every player at the end of the year,” Beilein said. “We meet with them and if transfers are going to happen, we don’t want them to happen in June or July or August when we can’t get anyone in their place.
“We have heart-to-heart talks with them, want everyone to stay, but we expect everyone is going to leave for different reasons and that’s part of the game.”
Already, Michigan has worked on replacements. The Wolverines received a verbal commitment Friday from point guard Spike Albrecht (Crown Point, Ind./Northfield Mount Hermon) and are expected to have guard Amedeo Della Valle (Las Vegas/Findlay Prep) visit this weekend.
And of course, the Wolverines also retained their starting point guard, Trey Burke, who announced Monday he will come back to Michigan for his sophomore season.
Then again, he said, he doesn’t get surprised by much.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Carlos OsorioThe production of forward Evan Smotrycz will be missed.
AP Photo/Carlos OsorioThe production of forward Evan Smotrycz will be missed.“It’s changing now more than ever.”
Beilein said at a meeting of coaches at the Final Four, it was discussed how many players at BCS conference schools either transfer or turn pro by the end of their sophomore years.
So it has taken a bit of continual planning, but nothing that is all that surprising to him anymore.
As for this year’s group -- when asked if he tried to convince any of them to stay, he didn’t say one way or the other.
“We meet with every player at the end of the year,” Beilein said. “We meet with them and if transfers are going to happen, we don’t want them to happen in June or July or August when we can’t get anyone in their place.
“We have heart-to-heart talks with them, want everyone to stay, but we expect everyone is going to leave for different reasons and that’s part of the game.”
Already, Michigan has worked on replacements. The Wolverines received a verbal commitment Friday from point guard Spike Albrecht (Crown Point, Ind./Northfield Mount Hermon) and are expected to have guard Amedeo Della Valle (Las Vegas/Findlay Prep) visit this weekend.
And of course, the Wolverines also retained their starting point guard, Trey Burke, who announced Monday he will come back to Michigan for his sophomore season.
There hasn’t been a lot going on in Michigan sports. Basketball is done. Hockey is done. Spring football is underway, but we really won’t know what that looks like until the Spring Game on April 14.
So since very little is going on in Michigan sports, we can look at what’s going on in Ann Arbor. In recent news, it got kind of cold this week (well, not cold, just March-like), but I had Girl Scout cookies delivered to my house. I would consider that breaking even, though I believe Tom VanHaaren would consider it an automatic win (cookies trump weather for Tom). Mike doesn’t eat cookies, so he would be pretty disgruntled all around.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
The Michigan basketball roster had a major overhaul Wednesday afternoon when sophomores Evan Smotrycz and Colton Christian along with freshman Carlton Brundidge decided to transfer.
This is a big shift for a program that had been trending upward the past few seasons. It loses a former starter in Smotrycz and someone who was looked at as a likely backup point guard to Trey Burke in Brundidge.
It also leaves Michigan with more holes to fill than it had 24 hours ago. Here's the immediate aftermath:
This is a big shift for a program that had been trending upward the past few seasons. It loses a former starter in Smotrycz and someone who was looked at as a likely backup point guard to Trey Burke in Brundidge.
It also leaves Michigan with more holes to fill than it had 24 hours ago. Here's the immediate aftermath:
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
The Michigan basketball season ended in stunning fashion last week with an upset by Ohio. Michigan started its 133rd season of football when spring practice kicked off Saturday and already, there are questions about what will happen during the 2012-13 school year.
So that is where this week's Mailbag focuses, from Tim Hardaway Jr.'s future to that of Dennis Norfleet, wide receivers and Devin Gardner.
Remember, the Mailbag is only as good as the questions you ask. So get those to Chantel Jennings next week either on Twitter @chanteljennings or by email at jenningsespn@gmail.com or on The Den.
So that is where this week's Mailbag focuses, from Tim Hardaway Jr.'s future to that of Dennis Norfleet, wide receivers and Devin Gardner.
Remember, the Mailbag is only as good as the questions you ask. So get those to Chantel Jennings next week either on Twitter @chanteljennings or by email at jenningsespn@gmail.com or on The Den.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Michigan won a share of a Big Ten championship with a freshman point guard and a team of shooters that had gone through an entire season playing better than expected.
But the past two weeks, all of that caught up with them. Freshman guard Trey Burke played like a freshman. The 3-point shooting that had been there for most of the season went cold.
And like that, the fourth-seeded Wolverines saw their season end in the Round of 64 on Friday evening, losing to No. 13 Ohio, 65-60.
But the past two weeks, all of that caught up with them. Freshman guard Trey Burke played like a freshman. The 3-point shooting that had been there for most of the season went cold.
And like that, the fourth-seeded Wolverines saw their season end in the Round of 64 on Friday evening, losing to No. 13 Ohio, 65-60.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Quick hits: Michigan coach John Beilein
March, 13, 2012
Mar 13
7:19
PM ET
By
Chantel Jennings | ESPN.com
Michigan basketball coach John Beilein met with the media Tuesday to discuss the fourth-seeded Wolverines’ upcoming game against Ohio in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Here are some of the key points he touched on:
First off, the team leaves for Nashville Wednesday after practice and Beilein said it doesn’t make much difference whether the team plays Thursday or Friday.
First off, the team leaves for Nashville Wednesday after practice and Beilein said it doesn’t make much difference whether the team plays Thursday or Friday.
It was two co-Big Ten Champions going at it after a season in which they split games. But in Indianapolis on Saturday, as Ohio State dominated in a 77-55 win over Michigan, the Wolverines didn't look the part.
Unlike the night before when Michigan came out slow against Minnesota and trailed by as many as nine points before clawing its way back, there would be no semblance of a comeback for the Wolverines.
Besides ending the Wolverines back to Ann Arbor, the loss could affect Michigan's NCAA seeding. Before the game, ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi had the Wolverines sitting at a 3-seed, but the huge loss could drop the Wolverines to a 4-seed (or worse?) depending on how other conference tournaments shake out.
Unlike the night before when Michigan came out slow against Minnesota and trailed by as many as nine points before clawing its way back, there would be no semblance of a comeback for the Wolverines.
Besides ending the Wolverines back to Ann Arbor, the loss could affect Michigan's NCAA seeding. Before the game, ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi had the Wolverines sitting at a 3-seed, but the huge loss could drop the Wolverines to a 4-seed (or worse?) depending on how other conference tournaments shake out.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
3-pointers: Michigan 73, Minnesota 69
March, 9, 2012
Mar 9
10:39
PM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
They had done nothing for Michigan for 35 minutes Friday night. No points. A bundle of missed shots. Less than a handful of positive statistics across the board.
Yet when Michigan needed something from players other than star guards Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr., three of Michigan’s role players played a massive role in the second-seeded Wolverines’ come-from-behind 73-69 overtime win over No. 10 Minnesota.
Seniors Zack Novak and Stuart Douglass sparked a game-tying 11-2 run to close regulation for Michigan and then Douglass made a big 3-pointer early in overtime to give the Wolverines control for the first time all night.
Yet when Michigan needed something from players other than star guards Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr., three of Michigan’s role players played a massive role in the second-seeded Wolverines’ come-from-behind 73-69 overtime win over No. 10 Minnesota.
Seniors Zack Novak and Stuart Douglass sparked a game-tying 11-2 run to close regulation for Michigan and then Douglass made a big 3-pointer early in overtime to give the Wolverines control for the first time all night.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Jennings' picks in the Big Ten tournament
March, 6, 2012
Mar 6
1:09
PM ET
By
Chantel Jennings | ESPN.com
Michigan State enters the Big Ten Tournament with the top seed, despite a two-game losing skid to end its regular season schedule.
While the losses at the end of the season were surprising to say the least, it seemed to exemplify a conference in which on any given night any team (that's right, all you Wildcats and Boilermakers fans) could win.
But here are my predictions for how the Big Ten Tournament goes down in Indianapolis. But I will preface that with the fact that I'm terrible at predictions. With the exception of the 2008 NCAA Tournament, in which I picked all four No. 1 seeds to make it to the Final Four, I've never done well in bracket competitions. So, here goes…
While the losses at the end of the season were surprising to say the least, it seemed to exemplify a conference in which on any given night any team (that's right, all you Wildcats and Boilermakers fans) could win.
But here are my predictions for how the Big Ten Tournament goes down in Indianapolis. But I will preface that with the fact that I'm terrible at predictions. With the exception of the 2008 NCAA Tournament, in which I picked all four No. 1 seeds to make it to the Final Four, I've never done well in bracket competitions. So, here goes…
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Michigan couldn't make it easy. In securing its best finish in the Big Ten since 1993-94 and potentially its first Big Ten regular-season championship since 1986-87, the Wolverines had a chance to coast to an easy win.
Then, with 10 minutes left in Michigan's 71-65 win over Penn State on Sunday, the Nittany Lions started to make a run and the Wolverines could not stop them. At all.
What could have been an easy win turned into a stomach-turner for Michigan -- and something that could be a warning sign for the next few weeks as the Wolverines begin postseason play. That, though, is a concern for later.
Then, with 10 minutes left in Michigan's 71-65 win over Penn State on Sunday, the Nittany Lions started to make a run and the Wolverines could not stop them. At all.
What could have been an easy win turned into a stomach-turner for Michigan -- and something that could be a warning sign for the next few weeks as the Wolverines begin postseason play. That, though, is a concern for later.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Michigan basketball coach John Beilein spoke to the media on Friday to discuss all things Michigan basketball. Here are some of the key points he touched on:
- ON JORDAN MORGAN AND EVAN SMOTRYCZ'S INJURIES: Beilein said he wouldn't know too much more until after Saturday's practice. The practice was going to be a light one, and the coach noted that the two would be seeing trainers. Beilein said he hadn't heard that it was anything major or structural to the injuries.
- ON WHETHER HE COULD ROOT FOR OHIO STATE: If the Buckeyes beat Michigan State in East Lansing the Wolverines will earn a share of the Big Ten title. "I don't know if I will be rooting for anyone," Beilein said. "I will be watching the scoreboard. How about that? I'll be watching the scoreboard with great interest."
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Quick hits: Michigan coach John Beilein
March, 2, 2012
Mar 2
3:32
PM ET
By
Chantel Jennings | ESPN.com
Michigan basketball coach John Beilein spoke to the media on Friday to discuss all things Michigan basketball. Here are some of the key points he touched on:
Rapid Reaction: Michigan 72, Illinois 61
March, 1, 2012
Mar 1
9:38
PM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
With one of its legends calling the game, a senior night loss to Purdue from which to rebound and a chance to split the Big Ten title at stake, Michigan did exactly what it needed to.
It led the entire way against Illinois.
The No. 16 Wolverines beat the Illini 72-61 on Thursday, winning in Champaign for the first time since 1995 and putting themselves in position to share their first Big Ten title since 1986.
For that to happen, Michigan will need to win at Penn State on Sunday and then hope Ohio State defeats Michigan State in East Lansing, Mich.
Thursday's win also moved Michigan to 12-5 in the Big Ten and 22-8 overall. The 22 wins for Michigan are the most under coach John Beilein and equal the final two seasons under former coach Tommy Amaker. Its 12 Big Ten wins are the most since 1993-94, when the Wolverines went 24-8 overall and 13-5 in the Big Ten, finished second in the league, and made the Elite Eight.
So how did Michigan reach that point? Mostly due to another strong performance from Trey Burke and a rejuvenated Tim Hardaway Jr.
It led the entire way against Illinois.
The No. 16 Wolverines beat the Illini 72-61 on Thursday, winning in Champaign for the first time since 1995 and putting themselves in position to share their first Big Ten title since 1986.
For that to happen, Michigan will need to win at Penn State on Sunday and then hope Ohio State defeats Michigan State in East Lansing, Mich.
Thursday's win also moved Michigan to 12-5 in the Big Ten and 22-8 overall. The 22 wins for Michigan are the most under coach John Beilein and equal the final two seasons under former coach Tommy Amaker. Its 12 Big Ten wins are the most since 1993-94, when the Wolverines went 24-8 overall and 13-5 in the Big Ten, finished second in the league, and made the Elite Eight.
So how did Michigan reach that point? Mostly due to another strong performance from Trey Burke and a rejuvenated Tim Hardaway Jr.
ABOUT WOLVERINE NATION
Michael Rothstein
Michael Rothstein joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the University of Michigan for AnnArbor.com, Notre Dame for the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Journal Gazette and a host of colleges for the Daily News-Record (Harrisonburg, Va.). A Syracuse graduate and an East Meadow, N.Y. native, he lives in Ann Arbor, Mich. He can be reached at michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com.
Tom Van Haaren
Tom VanHaaren joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the University of Michigan for three years at MGoBlog.com. VanHaaren and his wife currently reside in Royal Oak, Mich. He can be reached at TomVHESPN@gmail.com.
Chantel Jennings
Chantel Jennings joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering University of Michigan athletics for three years at The Michigan Daily. Chantel graduated from the University of Michigan with degrees in English and Spanish and lives in Ann Arbor. She can be reached at jenningsespn@gmail.com.
Bob McClellan
Bob McClellan joined ESPN.com in 2011 after more than 20 years as a sports editor and sports writer at Rivals.com, The (Nashville) Tennessean and The Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville. He is a Northwestern University graduate. He resides in Franklin, Tenn. Email him at robert.x.mcclellan.-nd@espn.com.