Michigan Wolverines: Stu Douglass
Every Thursday, your WolverineNation writers will discuss three pressing issues in Michigan sports. This week, Mike, Tom and Chantel look at changes in the Michigan football team, Trey Burke’s growth as a point guard, and recruits with NFL potential.
1. Which part of Michigan's game will look the most different this year, as opposed to last?
Michael Rothstein: Personnel-wise, it is the defensive line and that isn't close considering there are three new starters and four players at new positions. In scheme, though, it'll be how Michigan moves the ball on offense. Although much has been made of Michigan looking for wide receivers, it wouldn't be shocking to see Michigan move the ball with shorter throws to get guys such as Jeremy Gallon open in space.
1. Which part of Michigan's game will look the most different this year, as opposed to last?
Michael Rothstein: Personnel-wise, it is the defensive line and that isn't close considering there are three new starters and four players at new positions. In scheme, though, it'll be how Michigan moves the ball on offense. Although much has been made of Michigan looking for wide receivers, it wouldn't be shocking to see Michigan move the ball with shorter throws to get guys such as Jeremy Gallon open in space.
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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.
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Then there's the football team, which seems to be having a solid spring. With its 2012 recruiting class getting to campus in about two months, the countdown to Alabama is on. But our first look at that squad will be this weekend in the annual spring game.
That being said, there must be questions. We love hearing from readers. Next week, Mike will be taking care of the mailbag so send your questions to michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com or tweet them to @MikeRothstein.
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- After a season in which the Michigan basketball team won a share of the Big Ten title, the Wolverines' end-of-season banquet entitled a "celebration" seemed just that. It was jovial and lighthearted, jokes were made and shots were taken at teammates.
Even Michigan basketball coach John Beilein got in on the action.
While introducing each class he picked on juniors Matt Vogrich and Blake McLimans, telling the crowd both needed to get a hair cut. Later, he looked over at Vogrich and asked, "Have I really never started you? I must not know what I'm doing."
Even Michigan basketball coach John Beilein got in on the action.
While introducing each class he picked on juniors Matt Vogrich and Blake McLimans, telling the crowd both needed to get a hair cut. Later, he looked over at Vogrich and asked, "Have I really never started you? I must not know what I'm doing."
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In addition to the exit interview WolverineNation did with former Michigan guard Stuart Douglass and the loss impact for him, we also caught up with what his plans are for the future.
Here is what's next for Douglass:
WN: So, what’s next? What’s the plan?
Here is what's next for Douglass:
WN: So, what’s next? What’s the plan?
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Loss Impact is where WolverineNation takes a look at how much the departure of a starter or major contributor will mean to Michigan.
Former Michigan guard Stuart Douglass meandered his way through a four-year career with the Wolverines, ending up playing the most games in school history and with top 20 career marks in numerous statistics. A recap of that, along with his thoughts on his career and his future, can be found here.
But what will his loss mean to Michigan next season?
Former Michigan guard Stuart Douglass meandered his way through a four-year career with the Wolverines, ending up playing the most games in school history and with top 20 career marks in numerous statistics. A recap of that, along with his thoughts on his career and his future, can be found here.
But what will his loss mean to Michigan next season?
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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.
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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.
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Freshman point guard Trey Burke was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year by the media on Monday night. He was also named to the second team All-Big Ten by both coaches and media and the Big Ten Freshman Team.
"It's great,” Burke said of the honors. “But it's just great to be able to come in here and play with a great group of guys and have three great seniors in Zack [Novak], Stu [Douglass] and Corey [Person]. I definitely would not have been able to win this without my teammates hitting shots and making plays."
Earlier today when players met with the media, Burke said that it was a personal goal of his to be rookie of the year. He split the honor with Indiana freshman Cody Zeller (coaches), who was also named to the All-Freshman team.
Michigan sophomore Tim Hardaway Jr. was named to the third team All-Big Ten (coaches and media). Novak was honorable mention on the media All-Big Ten team while Douglass was given the Big Ten’s Sportsmanship Award for Michigan.
"It's great,” Burke said of the honors. “But it's just great to be able to come in here and play with a great group of guys and have three great seniors in Zack [Novak], Stu [Douglass] and Corey [Person]. I definitely would not have been able to win this without my teammates hitting shots and making plays."
Earlier today when players met with the media, Burke said that it was a personal goal of his to be rookie of the year. He split the honor with Indiana freshman Cody Zeller (coaches), who was also named to the All-Freshman team.
Michigan sophomore Tim Hardaway Jr. was named to the third team All-Big Ten (coaches and media). Novak was honorable mention on the media All-Big Ten team while Douglass was given the Big Ten’s Sportsmanship Award for Michigan.
Big Ten men's basketball postseason awards
March, 5, 2012
Mar 5
7:34
PM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
The Big Ten announced its postseason men's basketball awards Monday night. Here are the recipients:
Player of Year (coaches and media): Draymond Green, Michigan State
Freshman of Year: Trey Burke, Michigan (media); Cody Zeller, Indiana (coaches)
Coach of the Year (coaches and media): Tom Izzo, Michigan State
Defensive Player of the Year (only coaches vote): Aaron Craft, Ohio State
Sixth man of the Year (only coaches vote): D.J. Byrd, Purdue
All-Big Ten First team (Coaches): Draymond Green, Michigan State; John Shurna, Northwestern; Jared Sullinger, Ohio State; Robbie Hummel, Purdue; Jordan Taylor, Wisconsin.
All-Big Ten First team (Media): Green; Shurna; Sullinger; Hummel; Tim Frazier, Penn State
All-Big Ten Second team (Coaches): Cody Zeller, Indiana; Trey Burke, Michigan; William Buford, Ohio State; Deshaun Thomas, Ohio State; Frazier
All-Big Ten Second team (media): Zeller, Burke, Buford, Taylor; Matt Gatens, Iowa
All-Big Ten Third team (coaches): Brandon Paul, Illinois; Tim Hardaway Jr., Michigan; Keith Appling, Michigan State; Drew Crawford, Northwestern; Gatens
All-Big Ten Third team (media): Hardaway Jr.; Appling; Crawford; Deshaun Thomas; Aaron Craft, Ohio State
Honorable Mention (coaches): Meyers Leonard, Illinois; Christian Watford, Indiana; Craft; Lewis Jackson, Purdue; Jared Berggren, Wisconsin; Ryan Evans, Wisconsin
Honorable Mention (media): Leonard; Paul; Jordan Hulls, Indiana; Victor Oladipo, Indiana; Watford; Aaron White, Iowa; Zack Novak, Michigan; Branden Dawson, Michigan State; D.J. Byrd, Purdue; Lewis Jackson, Purdue; Berggren; Evans.
All-Freshman Team (coaches only): Cody Zeller, Indiana; Trey Burke, Michigan; Aaron White, Iowa; Branden Dawson, Michigan State; Dave Sobolewski, Northwestern
All-Defensive Team (coaches only): Victor Oladipo, Indiana; Draymond Green, Michigan State; Aaron Craft, Ohio State; Tim Frazier, Penn State; Josh Gasser, Wisconsin
Big Ten Sportsmanship Award: Stu Douglass, Michigan; Sam Maniscalco, Illinois; Jordan Hulls, Indiana; Matt Gatens, Iowa; Austin Thornton, Michigan State; Ralph Sampson III, Minnesota; Brandon Richardson, Nebraska; Nick Fruendt, Northwestern; Aaron Craft, Ohio State; Billy Oliver, Penn State; Robbie Hummel, Purdue; Rob Wilson, Wisconsin
Player of Year (coaches and media): Draymond Green, Michigan State
Freshman of Year: Trey Burke, Michigan (media); Cody Zeller, Indiana (coaches)
Coach of the Year (coaches and media): Tom Izzo, Michigan State
Defensive Player of the Year (only coaches vote): Aaron Craft, Ohio State
Sixth man of the Year (only coaches vote): D.J. Byrd, Purdue
All-Big Ten First team (Coaches): Draymond Green, Michigan State; John Shurna, Northwestern; Jared Sullinger, Ohio State; Robbie Hummel, Purdue; Jordan Taylor, Wisconsin.
All-Big Ten First team (Media): Green; Shurna; Sullinger; Hummel; Tim Frazier, Penn State
All-Big Ten Second team (Coaches): Cody Zeller, Indiana; Trey Burke, Michigan; William Buford, Ohio State; Deshaun Thomas, Ohio State; Frazier
All-Big Ten Second team (media): Zeller, Burke, Buford, Taylor; Matt Gatens, Iowa
All-Big Ten Third team (coaches): Brandon Paul, Illinois; Tim Hardaway Jr., Michigan; Keith Appling, Michigan State; Drew Crawford, Northwestern; Gatens
All-Big Ten Third team (media): Hardaway Jr.; Appling; Crawford; Deshaun Thomas; Aaron Craft, Ohio State
Honorable Mention (coaches): Meyers Leonard, Illinois; Christian Watford, Indiana; Craft; Lewis Jackson, Purdue; Jared Berggren, Wisconsin; Ryan Evans, Wisconsin
Honorable Mention (media): Leonard; Paul; Jordan Hulls, Indiana; Victor Oladipo, Indiana; Watford; Aaron White, Iowa; Zack Novak, Michigan; Branden Dawson, Michigan State; D.J. Byrd, Purdue; Lewis Jackson, Purdue; Berggren; Evans.
All-Freshman Team (coaches only): Cody Zeller, Indiana; Trey Burke, Michigan; Aaron White, Iowa; Branden Dawson, Michigan State; Dave Sobolewski, Northwestern
All-Defensive Team (coaches only): Victor Oladipo, Indiana; Draymond Green, Michigan State; Aaron Craft, Ohio State; Tim Frazier, Penn State; Josh Gasser, Wisconsin
Big Ten Sportsmanship Award: Stu Douglass, Michigan; Sam Maniscalco, Illinois; Jordan Hulls, Indiana; Matt Gatens, Iowa; Austin Thornton, Michigan State; Ralph Sampson III, Minnesota; Brandon Richardson, Nebraska; Nick Fruendt, Northwestern; Aaron Craft, Ohio State; Billy Oliver, Penn State; Robbie Hummel, Purdue; Rob Wilson, Wisconsin
Title didn't seem possible a week ago
March, 4, 2012
Mar 4
9:33
PM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Eight days ago they sulked in this building, tried to console themselves and put a positive spin on what had been a crushing loss.
Michigan had lost to Purdue on senior night and with it saw a chance at an undefeated home regular season disappear and they thought a shot at a Big Ten title as well.
So to be screaming and yelling and dancing all around the Michigan Player Development Center on early Sunday evening with a championship claimed -- it was unexpected at best.
Michigan had lost to Purdue on senior night and with it saw a chance at an undefeated home regular season disappear and they thought a shot at a Big Ten title as well.
So to be screaming and yelling and dancing all around the Michigan Player Development Center on early Sunday evening with a championship claimed -- it was unexpected at best.
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The Fab Five never did it. Neither did Tractor Traylor or Jamal Crawford. And over the past decade no one at Michigan has.
Zack Novak, Stu Douglass and the rest of this Michigan team, however, did.
With Ohio State beating Michigan State, 72-70, in East Lansing on Sunday afternoon -- Michigan was a very happy beneficiary. The Wolverines have won their first Big Ten title since 1985-86.
In reality, Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State all shared the title. The Spartans will be the No. 1 seed in this week’s Big Ten tournament, while the Wolverines will be No. 2.
The Wolverines ended every practice, every meeting and every workout session this season with the same phrase of "Big Ten Champs." In the Michigan locker room prior to the Wolverines’ 71-65 win at Penn State on Sunday, the same phrase was written on the boards as a reminder of what was on the line Sunday.
Michigan wins. It gets help. It gets to hang a banner for the first time in two decades. And by the time night fell in Ann Arbor on Sunday afternoon, it had happened.
When a refurbished Crisler Center opens next season, it will have something new hanging there -- a Big Ten championship banner.
Zack Novak, Stu Douglass and the rest of this Michigan team, however, did.
With Ohio State beating Michigan State, 72-70, in East Lansing on Sunday afternoon -- Michigan was a very happy beneficiary. The Wolverines have won their first Big Ten title since 1985-86.
In reality, Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State all shared the title. The Spartans will be the No. 1 seed in this week’s Big Ten tournament, while the Wolverines will be No. 2.
The Wolverines ended every practice, every meeting and every workout session this season with the same phrase of "Big Ten Champs." In the Michigan locker room prior to the Wolverines’ 71-65 win at Penn State on Sunday, the same phrase was written on the boards as a reminder of what was on the line Sunday.
Michigan wins. It gets help. It gets to hang a banner for the first time in two decades. And by the time night fell in Ann Arbor on Sunday afternoon, it had happened.
When a refurbished Crisler Center opens next season, it will have something new hanging there -- a Big Ten championship banner.
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.