Get ready for an exciting preseason, Michigan basketball fans! The Wolverines are embracing the challenge of facing top-tier opponents in exhibition games, a strategy that might just be the key to their success.
In a bold move, Michigan's head coach, Dusty May, has expressed his unique philosophy: "I like to get beat in exhibition games." But here's where it gets controversial... May believes that losing these games is an essential part of the team's growth and preparation for the regular season.
"I want to play teams that can beat us to expose our weaknesses," May explains. "Sometimes, you can't truly uncover your team's flaws in practice. We need to test ourselves in real game situations to recalibrate and improve."
And this is where the fun begins! Michigan will face two potential NCAA Tournament teams in the coming weeks: Cincinnati and St. John's. These matches will provide an excellent opportunity for the Wolverines to gauge their strengths and weaknesses against quality competition.
First up is Cincinnati, a team led by a talented group of transfers. Despite not making it to the NCAA Tournament under their previous coach, the Bearcats are expected to pose a legitimate challenge. Dusty May highlights Cincinnati's unique pieces, size, and defensive capabilities, making them the perfect opponent to expose Michigan's vulnerabilities.
"The night before a home football game, we'll create a buzz with our fans, give them an early look at our players, and, most importantly, identify our weaknesses," May adds.
A week later, Michigan travels to New York to take on St. John's, the defending Big East champions. With a roster expected to compete for a national title, St. John's will be a formidable opponent. Despite losing their Big East Player of the Year to the NBA Draft, they've bolstered their ranks with highly-rated transfers, including one of the best big men in the country, Zuby Ejiofor.
"This game will be an incredible learning experience for our players," May says. "St. John's has one of the most proven rosters in college basketball, so playing against them will give us an accurate gauge of where we stand. It's also a chance for our new guys to go up against seasoned athletes in a competitive environment."
So, Michigan fans, are you ready for this exciting preseason journey? Dusty May's bold strategy might just pay off, but only time will tell. What do you think? Will these exhibition games help the Wolverines reach new heights, or is it a risky move? Let's discuss in the comments!
