Tuesday, January 29, 2013
More minutes for McGary?
By Matt Giles
We wrote earlier today that while Jordan Morgan did not break any bones in his foot against Illinois over the weekend, it was uncertain whether the big would suit up for Michigan's next Big Ten tilt (versus Northwestern). However, according to Nick Baumgardner of MLive.com, Morgan's ankle is heavily discolored, and it is becoming increasingly unlikely he will play against Northwestern.
If Morgan does not enter the game, it would be a sensible decision for John Beilein and his staff. A looming game this weekend versus Indiana will require as much frontcourt experience as possible for the Wolverines, and if Morgan can rest and recover for the IU contest, it might be better suited for Michigan. Plus, Morgan's absence means additional playing time for Mitch McGary and Jon Horford. In particular, UM has benefitted offensively when McGary is paired with the core lineup of Trey Burke, Tim Hardaway Jr., Nik Stauskas, and Glenn Robinson III; MGoBlog.com crunched the possession statistics, and a lineup with McGary scores 1.34 points per possession while yielding little on the defensive side of the ball.
