Michigan Wolverines: Zack Novak
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.
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
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.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
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."
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
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
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
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
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
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.”
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
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
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
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
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.