Michigan Basketball is building in more ways than one

The Michigan Wolverines will be moving on without the services of star point guard Darius Morris as he heads to the NBA. Meanwhile the foundation of the program has been poured over the last few years by John Beilein and a multi-faceted construction project is underway that includes; recruiting, brand-exposure through scheduling, player development, and facilities renovations.

With Morris gone, the biggest and most immediate question surrounding the 2011-12 team is who will run the point for John Beilein? The prevailing thought is that incoming frosh Trey Burke will have every opportunity to win the job. He is a natural point guard and a tremendous shooter. Stu Douglass will be ready to fill in if needed and Carlton Brundidge, another incoming freshman, could also see action at the point.

Schedule Info

The pairings for the 2011 Big Ten/ACC Challenge were recently released and Michigan drew a road trip to Virginia. The Wolverines were due for a home game this year after having trekked to Clemson as part of the 2010 Challenge. However, the addition of Nebraska to the Big Ten caused a reshuffling of the match ups. It also means all 12 Big Ten and ACC teams will compete in the Challenge every year.

U-M will also compete in a loaded 2011 Maui Classic. That field includes the perennial tournament host school Chaminade University of Honolulu, Duke, Georgetown, Kansas, Memphis, Tennessee and UCLA.

Recruiting

Rivals.com recently updated their Class of 2012 rankings and Michigan’s early commits, Glenn Robinson III and Nick Stauskus, both moved up the list. Robinson III checks in at # 50 and Stauskus at # 89.

Basketball Facilities

Michigan’s basketball player development center is scheduled to be completed later this year. Additionally the regents also approved the schematic design for a second phase of renovations to Crisler Arena. Those renovations will add approximately 63,000 gross square feet for new fan entrances, additional retail spaces and ticketing areas, as well as a private club space. These much needed upgrades will be a great recruiting tool and allow Michigan’s hardwood heroes to practice and train in state-of-the-art facilities.