This is easily the best Michigan basketball team in recent memory. They are going into Illinois tonight with a 13-3 record, and have defeated two top-10 teams. They are young, yes, and coming off a 22-loss season, so, obviously, they have their detractors. Second-year coach John Beilein would just like the team to stay hungry, but the players, instead, have developed quite the nice chip on their shoulder. What's driving the young Wolverines? You know, the ever-popular and creative, disrespect card, naturally.
"The chip is always going to be there," sophomore Kelvin Grady said. "There is always going to be the continual doubt about this team whether it's from our fans or other people's fans. People are going to wonder: 'Is Michigan really this good?' Is it a fluke, or is it just luck?' But we want to stick together and prove that we can be the best."Manny Harris, an emerging star in the Big Ten, shared similar sentiments.
Us against the world! Everyone else thinks we suck! Even our own fans!
I understand having a chip on your shoulder because of losing 22 games last season, but can't we just, for once, come across a team who just goes out and plays the game motivated because they want to win? Why does everyone in sports need extra fuel? Quit paying attention to how "everyone" views you and just play the game.
Either way, Michigan heads into Champaign tonight to face Bruce Weber's Fighting Illini, in what is sure to be a great contest. Illinois should be motivated by their recent loss to Michigan, while Michigan is using the cliched everyone hates us stance.
So, I guess they'll be equally motivated.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Looks like Illinois was a little MORE motivated last night.
Illini kicked butt. No mention on Illini win only on how Michigan was motivated. Interesting