Michigan Wolverines
February 27, 1999
2/27 Update: I could never imagine that the Badgers, even with their offensive liabilities could play so poorly. I don't care how well you play defense, an offensive performance such as this is completely inexcusable. 32% shooting and 2 for 6 from the line will NEVER win you a Big Ten game. To add insult to the game, the Badger defense was shaky at times as well. While the Michigan guards were relatively contained, they were able to generate consistent interior play despite not having anyone of any real talent inside. To top it off, Michigan outhustled the Badgers and took the play to them. The game was never in doubt.
Here are the game grades:
Andy Kowske: C
Once again, Kowske was forced to attempt to become a viable offensive option, which he simply isn't suited to do at this point other than garbage hoops. Thus, he ended up 3 for 8 from the field. He did grab 8 rebounds which was decent.
Charlie Wills: C
Wills was active early and provided a brief offensive spark with two jumpers when the team really needed them. His defensive play took away some of the easy inside looks Vignier was getting early. He was not a factor on the glass.
Sean Mason: F
Broken record: 3 of 13 shooting (and one was late when the game was in utter garbage time), 3 turnovers, 2 missed free throws. He did contribute 3 assists and 5 rebounds, but let's be frank here, he was bad. Either Mason and Calderwood turn things around, or the Badgers have 2 games left in their season.
Ty Calderwood: F-
0 points, 0 rebounds, 4 fouls, only 1 assist, and 2 turnovers. Pathetic.
Mike Kelley: B-
Did not draw the start so that Burkemper could get the nod. Did a very solid defensive job on Bullock, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 assists. He did have 2 turnovers which was rare, although one was simply an outstanding defensive play. Did not attempt a shot. This loss was certainly not his fault, as he had a typical Kelley game.
Jon Bryant: B-
Was the only player on the court to provide any threat offensively. However, like the rest of the team, when it was really needed, he went cold as well, finishing only 3 for 8. Also added 3 rebounds and an assist and was solid on defense.
Mark Vershaw: F
2 of 6 from the field, 0 free throw attempts, 0 rebounds, 2 fouls, 3 turnovers, and poor early interior defense. Just when it appeared he was really gaining confidence, his game has gone south along with the rest of the team. Did have 3 assists but overall, terrible.
Maurice Linton: D
Now seems to be back on the bench in his 10-15 mintue per game role. Once again, Linton was prone to hacking and was simply not physical enough when he did have the opportunity to make a play inside.
Duany Duany: C
Didn't add anything to the team during the "real" game, though displayed some energy in the final minute. When things were going poorly, it might have been an option to give him some more minutes and let him fire up 6 or 8 shots and see what happens.
David Burkemper: C
Got the start and didn't do a whole lot, though it was nice to see him get a bucket late. For the game, also had a rebound and a steal.
Travon Davis: INC
While I have not been overly impressed with Davis in the limited amount I have seen him, I wondered with about 7 minutes in the game, "Why not go with Travon and see what might happen with some dribble penetration?". Like the Duany option, might have been worth a shot.
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