Random Thoughts By Matt Dery 3-6-12
1. Nobody mentions this, but, how would Michigan have done this season if Darius Morris stayed in school? I think it was a blessing in disguise for the Wolverines that Trey Burke was able to start as a freshman and lead this team. His "team-first" approach really mixed in well with the seniors and now the Maize and Bluers are Big Ten Champs. Morris is in town tonight with the Lakers and has played a grand total of 1 minute the last five games.
2. Tom Izzo wins Big Ten Coach of the Year and I think it is deserved. But, I would have voted for John Beilein. Just look at the talent on the floor and the entire body of work and it is hard to argue. But, Izzo's team opened the season unranked and I get it.
3. Is it just a coincidence that I tuned in to the Tigers game yesterday and the first at-bat I heard was Brandon Inge's double-play?
4. I know that Pistons fans are clamoring for Kentucky's Anthony Davis in the upcoming June draft, but, if Detroit does not land the #1 pick, I really hope the team gets a shot at Thomas Robinson. The Kansas big man has really come into his own this season and may win National Player of the Year. He is more athletic than I thought he was when I first saw him, and he has an amazing motor. He would fit perfectly next to Greg Monroe. Davis is a shot-blocking machine, and the Pistons crave that type of athlete, but T-Rob is not a bad consolation prize.
5. The Lions are going to have to pay Cliff Avril 10.6 million dollars? Wow. I know the prices have gone up in the NFL and Avril is a good football player, but nearly 11 million for him? I guess you have to ante up if you want to compete. The team still has major holes at LB and I really liked what Stephen Tulloch brought to the table in 2011. Seems as though he is long gone now. Too bad because I do not have high regard for DeAndre Levy as a high-impact LB and the Lions need that.
