Michigan Wolverines: John Beilein
We're now into the months where football and basketball recruiting take precedence (though that might be true for every month depending on who you are), but we'll be here all summer to keep answering your questions and prompting discussion, whether that be about recruiting, football, basketball or desserts.
We love hearing from our readers and next week Mike will handle the mailbag, so email your questions to him at michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com or tweet them to @mikerothstein.
But now, on to this week's questions…
We love hearing from our readers and next week Mike will handle the mailbag, so email your questions to him at michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com or tweet them to @mikerothstein.
But now, on to this week's questions…
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
While the spring signing period for the Class of 2012 is starting to come to a close, interest from Michigan in one prospect back on the board is starting to intensify.
Guard Caris LeVert (Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington Central) was initially committed to Ohio, but LeVert asked for a release from his Letter of Intent after the Bobcats had a coaching change from John Groce to Jim Christian. He received it, and now Michigan has shown interest.
“He wanted a different environment academically,” Pickerington Central coach Jerome Francis said. “We were very fortunate to win the state and as we moved along our state title run our program got a lot more publicity. As far as central Ohio is concerned, having Trey Burke on your team keeps big blue nation in central Ohio.”
Guard Caris LeVert (Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington Central) was initially committed to Ohio, but LeVert asked for a release from his Letter of Intent after the Bobcats had a coaching change from John Groce to Jim Christian. He received it, and now Michigan has shown interest.
“He wanted a different environment academically,” Pickerington Central coach Jerome Francis said. “We were very fortunate to win the state and as we moved along our state title run our program got a lot more publicity. As far as central Ohio is concerned, having Trey Burke on your team keeps big blue nation in central Ohio.”
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Summer is a time for student-athletes to recharge and prepare for their next season. But for fans, it's a solid few months where their questions pile up and turn to torment if they can’t be answered.
Well, good thing we're here with the Wednesday mailbag.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Loss Impact is where WolverineNation takes a look at how much the departure of a starter or major contributor will mean to Michigan.
Former guard Zack Novak was Michigan's blue-collar guy from day one it seemed. Google his name and you'll find images of him screaming at his team, or with blood on his face. And yes, that sort of sums him up. He would do anything for the team and ended his career as one of the most memorable Wolverines, despite coming in undersized and underrecruited. The lefty definitely left his mark on Michigan basketball. A recap of that, along with his thoughts on his career can be found here.
But what does his loss really mean for Michigan coach John Beilein and the rest of the Wolverines?
Former guard Zack Novak was Michigan's blue-collar guy from day one it seemed. Google his name and you'll find images of him screaming at his team, or with blood on his face. And yes, that sort of sums him up. He would do anything for the team and ended his career as one of the most memorable Wolverines, despite coming in undersized and underrecruited. The lefty definitely left his mark on Michigan basketball. A recap of that, along with his thoughts on his career can be found here.
But what does his loss really mean for Michigan coach John Beilein and the rest of the Wolverines?
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
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.
In a message on the Michigan official website Thursday afternoon, Michigan coach John Beilein called reports of Trey Burke's departure "premature" and said the freshman is working to finish his assignments for the winter semester.
"With only one full week of classes remaining, Trey and his teammates, like all students at Michigan, are working diligently to complete their assignments and prepare for final exams," Beilein wrote.
Beilein said he has met with Burke and Burke's parents, Benji and Ronda, often over the past few weeks to gather information for him to make a decision.
The NCAA deadline to make a decision and return to school is April 10, the same day as the Michigan basketball banquet. The NBA deadline for an early entry declaration is April 29.
"My coaching staff and I have met with Trey and his parents several times over the past two weeks," Beilein wrote. "Collectively, we have gathered and shared with each of them some necessary information that we feel will help Trey make the most informed decision for his future.
"The Burke family has been very receptive to our assistance and appreciates that we have encouraged Trey to take his time and look at all of his options between now and the April 10 deadline."
"With only one full week of classes remaining, Trey and his teammates, like all students at Michigan, are working diligently to complete their assignments and prepare for final exams," Beilein wrote.
Beilein said he has met with Burke and Burke's parents, Benji and Ronda, often over the past few weeks to gather information for him to make a decision.
The NCAA deadline to make a decision and return to school is April 10, the same day as the Michigan basketball banquet. The NBA deadline for an early entry declaration is April 29.
"My coaching staff and I have met with Trey and his parents several times over the past two weeks," Beilein wrote. "Collectively, we have gathered and shared with each of them some necessary information that we feel will help Trey make the most informed decision for his future.
"The Burke family has been very receptive to our assistance and appreciates that we have encouraged Trey to take his time and look at all of his options between now and the April 10 deadline."
With holes on their roster from recent defections, Michigan has already been looking around for players to add to the class of 2012.
The Wolverines will host a potential candidate this weekend, when point guard Spike Albrecht (Crown Point, Ind./Northfield Mount Hermon) visits the school Thursday through Saturday.
“I’m really looking forward to getting on campus, meeting with all the coaches face to face, the players, how they run things,” Albrecht said. “They got me set up with meetings with people in admissions so it’ll be good to see the academic side of things as well.
The Wolverines will host a potential candidate this weekend, when point guard Spike Albrecht (Crown Point, Ind./Northfield Mount Hermon) visits the school Thursday through Saturday.
“I’m really looking forward to getting on campus, meeting with all the coaches face to face, the players, how they run things,” Albrecht said. “They got me set up with meetings with people in admissions so it’ll be good to see the academic side of things as well.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Benji Burke, the father of Michigan point guard Trey Burke, says his son has not made a decision to leave for the NBA Draft.
Burke’s father told WolverineNation in a text message Wednesday that his son is “still at U-M.” When asked if his son had made a decision yet, Burke’s father replied, “No.”
Burke’s father also tweeted Wednesday: “Trey Burke has not declared for the NBA draft. He is still enrolled at the University of Michigan.”
The Big Ten co-Freshman of the Year has been mulling whether to enter the draft since Michigan’s season ended with a Round of 64 loss to Ohio in the NCAA tournament.
Burke led the Wolverines in scoring (14.8) and assists (4.6). If he ends up staying, he is the only point guard on the roster for the 2012-13 season for Michigan. If he leaves, Michigan would be without a point guard.
Michigan coach John Beilein has not addressed Burke’s situation publicly.
Michigan has had players leave early for the NBA the past two seasons: Darius Morris after last season and Manny Harris after the 2009-10 season.
Burke’s father told WolverineNation in a text message Wednesday that his son is “still at U-M.” When asked if his son had made a decision yet, Burke’s father replied, “No.”
Burke’s father also tweeted Wednesday: “Trey Burke has not declared for the NBA draft. He is still enrolled at the University of Michigan.”
The Big Ten co-Freshman of the Year has been mulling whether to enter the draft since Michigan’s season ended with a Round of 64 loss to Ohio in the NCAA tournament.
Burke led the Wolverines in scoring (14.8) and assists (4.6). If he ends up staying, he is the only point guard on the roster for the 2012-13 season for Michigan. If he leaves, Michigan would be without a point guard.
Michigan coach John Beilein has not addressed Burke’s situation publicly.
Michigan has had players leave early for the NBA the past two seasons: Darius Morris after last season and Manny Harris after the 2009-10 season.
On Thursday evening Michigan basketball coach John Beilein visited Nevada to see 2012 shooting guard Amedeo Della Valle (Henderson, Nev./Findlay College Prep) and watch one of his scrimmages.
With the recent transfers of three Michigan players, recruiting in the 2012 and 2013 classes has become even more important for Beilein and the rest of the coaching staff.
Beilein didn’t offer the shooting guard, but did say that he wanted Della Valle to visit campus and meet the players and rest of the coaching staff. Della Valle is hoping to visit in early April before making his final decision in late April.
With the recent transfers of three Michigan players, recruiting in the 2012 and 2013 classes has become even more important for Beilein and the rest of the coaching staff.
Beilein didn’t offer the shooting guard, but did say that he wanted Della Valle to visit campus and meet the players and rest of the coaching staff. Della Valle is hoping to visit in early April before making his final decision in late April.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Women's hoops charting better course 
March, 18, 2012
Mar 18
4:20
PM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- There was this feeling two weeks ago, even if Courtney Boylan couldn't figure it out.
This sense that this season would not end the same. That after two years of missing the NCAA tournament on the bubble, it wouldn't happen again.
It didn't.
This sense that this season would not end the same. That after two years of missing the NCAA tournament on the bubble, it wouldn't happen again.
It didn't.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Novak, Douglass can break records Friday
March, 16, 2012
Mar 16
2:53
PM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
Getty ImagesZack Novak and Stu Douglass can each achieve major milestones for their longevity.Eventually, it’ll happen. But so far, Douglass has been quiet about how barring injury, he’ll always have played more games at Michigan than Novak.
“He’s never said anything,” Novak said this week. “We like to mess with the younger guys more than with each other. I’m sure he’ll give me something after the season.”
Michigan basketball coach John Beilein spoke on his weekly radio show Monday night. Here are a few of the key notes he touched on:
- The team leaves for Nashville on Wednesday.
- This is the fourth team he has taken to the NCAA tournament, though it's the first time he has taken a school to the tournament three times.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Wolverines haven't lost 2 in row yet
March, 11, 2012
Mar 11
8:53
PM ET
By
Chantel Jennings | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- As the team bus left Indianapolis and started toward Ann Arbor, Michigan coach John Beilein was already clipping film from the Wolverines' embarrassing Big Ten tournament loss to Ohio State.
He was eager to see what had gone so wrong against the Buckeyes so the Wolverines could fix those mistakes and move on to preparing for their NCAA tournament berth.
"We've grown in defeat, and you grow in defeat quicker than you grow in victory," Beilein said. "I enjoy going into the classroom, into the practice court, the film room with [the team] because they've embraced this hard work."
He was eager to see what had gone so wrong against the Buckeyes so the Wolverines could fix those mistakes and move on to preparing for their NCAA tournament berth.
"We've grown in defeat, and you grow in defeat quicker than you grow in victory," Beilein said. "I enjoy going into the classroom, into the practice court, the film room with [the team] because they've embraced this hard work."
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
In the weekly roundtable discussion WolverineNation staff writers Tom VanHaaren, Michael Rothstein and Chantel Jennings examine three questions pertaining to Michigan football, basketball and recruiting.
1.) If you're in a touch football game, who's your first pick off this season's Michigan squad?
Tom Van Haaren: Denard Robinson. Who else would I need? He could run and I could eat and watch him score.
1.) If you're in a touch football game, who's your first pick off this season's Michigan squad?
Tom Van Haaren: Denard Robinson. Who else would I need? He could run and I could eat and watch him score.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Getty ImagesMichigan will miss the leadership of Zack Novak and Stu Douglass, but others should step up.Remember, too, the mailbag is only as good as your questions. Send those questions for next week to jenningsespn@gmail.com or Tweet at Chantel @chanteljennings.
Now, on to your questions:
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.