On Thursday, John Beilein sat down in a roundtable discussion just a day before the Wolverines’ first exhibition game of the season. Here’s video of the interview, along with notes and quotes after the jump.
On Horford’s progression…
- He’s making progress. “He doesn’t do things that a senior would do yet, but he doesn’t do things that many freshmen would do.”
- He’s rebounding more because of his built-up strength.
On how many guys he’d like to see play on Friday…
- Like to see 10 guys play, “but I don’t know if we’ll get there.”
- It’s an exhibition, but at the same time you play to win the game.
- There’s 6 games scheduled before Thanksgiving, and you’d like to win each one. “This is the start to that.”
On what he’ll see tomorrow that he hasn’t been able to in practice…
- This’ll be similar to the team scrimmage.
- Says he’ll see what type of shape his team is in. “We’re using all 20 hours right now, and we’re light on film, heavy on lifting and practice.”
- Still don’t know exactly what type of shape you’re in until you play in a game with all the emotions and everything that goes into it. “You burn a lot of energy.”
- Will see defensively “how we are as a group, who picks up changes in the game.” Going to do different things and see who picks up on it.
On what he was most pleased about in the team scrimmage…
- Times when veterans looked like veterans, but there were also some “What were you thinking?” moments.
- Could tell there was a confidence that they’re comfortable playing with each other.
On being able to tell Michigan’s not buying into the preseason hype…
- Want to prove that Michigan is around to stay, but “it’s gonna be a battle.”
- Still not letting the hype get to them, but want to keep a healthy confidence as well.
On the new facilities…
- Really likes it, but “there wasn’t any time to take a tour.”
- Has been assured that they’re going to start painting the new court soon.
- Everybody is “really working hard on it.” Can’t wait for everybody else to see it.
- Not gonna be perfect for a while, but “we’re working at it.”
On Vogrich…
- He missed the scrimmage with a knee sprain, but “he’s back to 100 %.” Really just a precautionary thing.
- He’s shot the ball well, playing with a lot of confidence.
