Michigan basketball drops second straight game in Europe, 90-60, to Charleroi
The Michigan basketball team knew it'd see a lot of former college stars during its four-game European tour through Belgium. It knew, too, that it would play some of the best teams in the Belgian League.
Included was Charleroi, perhaps the best team in Belgium. And the 2009-10 Belgian League champions dominated the younger Michigan team Monday, knocking off the Wolverines 90-60 in an exhibition.
Half of Charleroi's players were former college basketball standouts in the United States, including Michigan State's Chris Hill, Florida's Justin Hamilton and James Madison's Dwayne Broyles.
Michigan was led by freshman guard Tim Hardaway Jr., the only Wolverine to score in double figures with 12 points and six rebounds. He was 4-of-10 shooting, including 2-of-7 from the 3-point line.
In all, every Michigan player except for freshman Colton Christian, who is battling a hamstring injury, played for the Wolverines.
Michigan is off Tuesday before playing Oostande on Wednesday.
Complete game statistics are available on MGoBlue.com.
Michael Rothstein covers University of Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at (734) 623-2558, by e-mail at michaelrothstein@annarbor.com or follow along on Twitter @mikerothstein
Comments
AANative
Wed, Aug 25, 2010 : 7:08 a.m.
"In all, every Michigan player except for freshman Colton Christian, who is battling a hamstring injury, played for the Wolverines." The coach is doing the right thing in europe, getting early season experience on the court and team building off the court, what a great experience for these student athletes. Michigan has finally committed to the basketball program after years of neglect. When we can show recruits up-to-date facilities we can begin to compete for heavily recruited players.
Jaxon5
Tue, Aug 24, 2010 : 7:31 p.m.
I agree with "win" - this team may not win 10 games this year. And, fans may find it difficult to be patient enough to wait another 2 years before some positive results are realized. Beilein is starting his 4th year coaching this team. But then again, UM fans have already waited for 18 years. What's wrong with a few more years of waiting? UM fans must adjust expectations downward to match reality.
81wolverine
Tue, Aug 24, 2010 : 2:02 p.m.
This game is probably not a very good indicator of how good Michigan is, but I have to agree with @braggslaw. This is NOT going to be a very good Michigan team. There's just too many holes - Beilein system notwithstanding. EVERY team must have big, physical guys who can rebound as well as reliable ball handlers to move the ball up and down the court. I'm also not sure if there's any leadership on this team. That did Michigan in last year. We'll have to see though. But, so far, Beilein's recruiting has been definitely sub-par. We're simply not signing enough athletic players. Granted, Beilein had nothing to do with the malaise that occurred under the 2 previous coaches. But, he's facing an uphill battle trying to convince kids to come here who have never known Michigan to have a relevant basketball program since they can remember. Nor is he responsible for the neglect of the U-M basketball physical facilities over the last 15 years or so. Hopefully, he can climb the mountain and turn things around. But, I don't think it will happen for another couple years.
win
Tue, Aug 24, 2010 : 1:30 p.m.
Yes, i realize they are playing pro teams, i'm just being realistic about the immediate future. I'd love to see JB get two and even three years to run this program. Not sure if people will be patient though? This team is young and has no high level players on it. Most of these kids would be role players at best on the other big ten teams. I think they will compete, I just don't see a lot of wins.
Yelmonian
Tue, Aug 24, 2010 : 1:25 p.m.
You got it. Chris Hill rang up 10 points on your boys last night.
GoBlue2009
Tue, Aug 24, 2010 : 11:46 a.m.
You all realize that Michigan is playing against some of the top professional teams in Europe when you read the final score, right? These aren't college teams.
braggslaw
Tue, Aug 24, 2010 : 10:02 a.m.
win, I don't know if JB has two years. I think he can coach but his recruiting has been below average.
win
Tue, Aug 24, 2010 : 9:30 a.m.
tater, love your optimism..... this team wont win 10 games this year.braggslaw is right on the money. if people will be patient, this program will be better in two years. I can't believe we are actually saying that about Michigan teams. Sad era in UM sports!
braggslaw
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 9:15 p.m.
They are what they are. -no playmakers -a poor shooting team -no rebounding -depth issues -no ball handlers. In my years watching Michigan bb possibly the worst team ever. They might win 7 games this year.