Stoney's Six Pack 3-14-11

1. Always try and teach my children and our interns that it is ok to make a mistake, but it is unforgivable not to admit it. So in that vein I hereby admit I was wrong about John Beilein and the Michigan basketball team. I told my nephew that they had absolutely no chance to make the NCAA tournament and would be fortunate not to finish last in the Big 10. Lo and behold, they showed a mental toughness throughout most of the season and actually proved physically tougher than I thought as well. The players bought in to the Beilein system and had a nice season. While Darius Morris, Zach Novak and Tim Hardaway Jr. get most of the press, this team would not be in the field of 68 without the play of Jordan Morgan. He really worked his butt of during his redshirt freshman season and became a more than capable big man. I have a hunch they will beat Tennessee but the season will end like it did in 1992 at the hands of Duke.

2. I can't understand why it's never overstated when a Tiger player struggles for a bit in Lakeland. Max Scherzer has had two subpar starts in a row, yet nobody is worried. I don't think its cause for alarm either, but when a pitcher has two good starts in a row, one would think that a Cy Young award is in the offing.

.3 actually received a complaint about Red Wings assistant coach Brad McCrimmon. The listener wanted to blame McCrimmon for all of the Wings defensive shortcomings the last few years. I may be wrong, but I tend to think if there was a problem with any of the assistant coaches, Mike Babcock would send the guy packing. I don't think assistant coaches in hockey deserve blame or plaudits the way coordinators in football do.

4. I can't believe these words are coming out of my keyboard right now, but Charles Barkley could not hold the jockstrap of Jay Bilas when it comes to being a college basketball studio guy. Barkley is great on the NBA and is a main reason why I tune in before the game and don't run to the fridge during halftime. His performance during the selection show on Sunday was to coin a Barkleyism "terr uh bull". Bilas on the other hand was glib, opinionated, informative, and yes actually funny. Bilas used to be the blandest guy on television, but now he is actually enjoyable to watch.

5. Having the NFL players association try and persuade the upcoming draft picks to boycott the draft is just wrong. I understand they are trying to get the young guys to join the cause, but please don't take the joy from these guys. Players love being called up to the podium and donning the cap of their new team. Please do not take away their moment for a cause, even if it's a just cause.

6. The Fab 5 documentary was very well done. Jalen Rose and Jimmy King in particular came off great in my opinion. I only wish Chris Webber would have had the kajones to actually grant an interview for the film. Is it too much to ask from a close friend. This film was produced by Rose and I hope he never lets Webber forget that he stiffed him. My only problem with the show was the lack of interviews with some of their opponents. I would have loved to hear from people like Bob Knight, Tom Izzo, John Chaney and some players who did not like the Fab 5.