Wolverines Report: Strategy And Personnel

GAME PREVIEW

--vs. Illinois, March 11, Big Ten tournament quarterfinals

KEY MATCHUPS
The Wolverines get a third look at the Illini and that means facing senior PG Demetri McCamey, one of the stronger, more physical backcourt players in the conference. Michigan sophomore PG Darius Morris gets McCamey most of the time, but needs to be cautious to avoid foul trouble since the Wolverines struggle without Morris running the show. The help Morris gets from the rest of the Wolverines will be critical in slowing McCamey.

FUTURES MARKET
The Wolverines made a big surge as the season came to a close and that had everything around the program trending in the right direction. But the best news might have been centered on the speculation over what the coming seasons might hold. Michigan's strong finish was ignited by freshman G Tim Hardaway Jr., sophomore PG Darius Morris, and freshman C/F Jordan Morgan. Michigan's investment in its young talent is paying dividends as 2010-11 moves toward its post-season chapter.

PLAYER NOTES

--Freshman G Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 20 points, all in the second half, to lead Michigan to a 70-63 victory over Michigan State in the final game of the regular season.

--Freshman F Evan Smotrycz came off the bench to score 14 points in Michigan's win over Michigan State, and it was his best production since a 14-point effort against Iowa more than a month ago.

--Sophomore PG Darius Morris scored 13 points in the win over Michigan State, giving him double-figures in 26 of Michigan's 31 games this season.

--Sophomore F Jordan Dumars sat out the first semester as a transfer from South Florida, then had surgery on his right knee. Dumars did not appear in any games this season for Michigan, and intends to apply for a medical redshirt that would give him three years of eligibility with the Wolverines.

==============

Copyright (C) 2011 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.