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Beilein Starts Small, but Has Big Plans for Michigan Hoops
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Much like his new coach, Harris served no apprenticeship during his first collegiate campaign. As a freshman last season, Harris averaged 33 minutes per game and led Michigan in scoring.
Harris continues to be the Wolverines' go-to scorer (22.3 points per game), though the play of junior forward DeShawn Sims (15.2 points per game) has helped ease the burden. The Wolverines' development was most evident on Nov. 20 when they upset then-No. 4 UCLA, 55-52, in the semifinals of the 2K Sports Classic at Madison Square Garden. Michigan did not shoot particularly well that night, but its defensive effort forced the Bruins into poor shots and 17 turnovers.
"No one really expects us to come together," sophomore guard Kelvin Grady said. "No one expects us to make the system work, and that's just one other thing on our shoulder that makes us push and work harder to do the things we need to do to be successful."
On Saturday, just nine days removed from their momentous victory, the Wolverines needed a last-second shot in overtime to defeat Savannah State. Michigan is nowhere near where Beilein would like, but he believes he can get there. And he knows just where to start.
Inside the miniature storage shack next to the miniature court in Beilein's office are 10 quarter-size chips -- five maize, five blue. Beilein and his staff plan out each practice and draw up each play on that board, then spin it around so that each coach can take a look from a different angle.
"All great teachers have a lab, no matter what subject," associate head coach Jerry Dunn said. "They all have a lab which they create in and they become innovative and they come up with new ways to teach. That's where it all starts with him."
Note: Former Maryland football standout Shawne Merriman will host his sixth annual Lights On Foundation coat drive at Comcast Center on Wednesday night. Merriman, along with current Terrapins student-athletes, will be accepting donations of gently used coats, hats, scarves and other warm clothing as soon as doors open at 6 p.m. Drop-off areas are located inside Gates A and E. The collection will continue through halftime. All donations benefit the Creative Community for Non-Violence shelter in Washington.
