“Mike Rothstein of ESPN.com wrote an intriguing story on Michigan’s recruiting system on Monday. They way they do things is a bit odd. All of their assistants evaluate and recruit all of their targets. They have a scoring system that they refuse to divulge. They’d rather recruit players that aren’t ranked all that highly than the guys that every scouting service loves. They won’t offer a player a scholarship until they’ve taken an unofficial visit to the school, until head coach John Beilein has seen them play in person and until June 15th after their sophomore season.”

(via Michigan’s recruiting philosophy, and a fun Mitch McGary anecdote | CollegeBasketballTalk)

“The University of Michigan men’s basketball team has promoted Pete Kahler to director of basketball operations and C.J. Lee to director of program personnel.

Kahler, a 29-year-old Xavier graduate, spent the past three seasons as video analyst for the Wolverines, while Lee, 27, spent three seasons as administrative specialist. Lee played for ther Wolverines from 2006-09 and was co-captain his senior season.”

Manny Harris

April 9, 1993

Dear Chris,

I have been thinking of you a lot since I sat glued to the TV during the championship game.

I know that there may be nothing I or anyone else can say to ease the pain and disappointment of what happened.

Still, for whatever it’s worth, you, and your team, were terrific. And part of playing for high stakes under great pressure is the constant risk of mental error. I know. I have lost two political races and made countless mistakes over the last twenty years. What matters is the intensity, integrity, and courage you bring to the effort. That is certainly what you have done. You can always regret what occurred but don’t let it get you down or take away the satisfaction of what you have accomplished.

You have a great future. Hang in there.

Sincerely, 

Bill Clinton

(via Read The Letter Bill Clinton Wrote To Chris Webber After The Timeout Fiasco)

(via Title game loss shouldn’t cloud Trey Burke’s amazing college career | CollegeBasketballTalk)

Love the Wolverine hat.

(via After loss, Michigan appreciates past, relishes future)

“Four years later, in his final home game as a Wolverine, Bartelstein didn’t score one last basket. He didn’t get to check in, as the crowd cheered him on, for one final time. His name wasn’t even called over the PA system, except for when he and the four other seniors — none of whom received more than a handful of meaningful minutes this season — were honored at half court 10 minutes before tip-off in a game Michigan would eventually lose to Indiana, costing it the Big Ten Championship.”

(via Behind the Blog: Josh Bartelstein’s rise from walk-on to captain - The Michigan Daily)

@MTrible asks a great question: Why does everyone forget about ‘89 Michigan?

“Perhaps Michigan’s problem was the year before, when Manning and the Miracles, well, miraculously beat Oklahoma. The year after, Jerry Tarkanian’s Runnin’ Rebels put on an awe-inspiring show in a rout over Duke. It’s possible that the Wolverines get lost in a void between the years – like they were never there at all.”

(via Why Does Everyone Forget The 1989 Michigan Wolverines? - The Sports Fan Journal)

“No. 4 Michigan ranks among the best shooting teams in America, and when they’re on from the perimeter the Wolverines are a very tough team to beat. So how did John Beilein’s team beat No. 9 Michigan State 58-57 despite shooting 0-of-12 from beyond the arc?

Trey Burke.”

(via Trey Burke leads No. 4 Michigan past No. 9 Michigan State | CollegeBasketballTalk)