Michigan

Michigan basketball’s Hunter Dickinson has one big individual goal

Published

3 years ago

April 28, 2022

Michigan basketball’s Hunter Dickinson has one big individual goal

Earlier this month, as faculty basketball gamers contemplated their futures forward of the NBA draft’s early entry deadline, Hunter Dickinson left Michigan to spend a while at dwelling.

The previous eight months have been a whirlwind for Dickinson, the Michigan basketball star whose mystique in Ann Arbor was amplified by an unmissable 7-foot-1 body, a gregarious temperament and the glut of sponsorship offers these traits attracted by profitable NIL (title, picture and likeness) alternatives. What had been a sterilized freshman season within the throes of the pandemic all of a sudden gave solution to an explosion of localized fame throughout his second yr on campus.

“I can’t even go all the way down to Chipotle or one thing like that with out two individuals making an attempt to ask for an image,” Dickinson mentioned earlier this week in an look on “Defend the Block,” a U-M athletic division podcast.

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However Dickinson’s journey to the East Coast — he was born in Alexandria, Virginia, and attended Dematha Catholic Excessive College in Maryland — ushered in a welcome wave of anonymity, or one thing nearer to it than what he experiences at U-M. He ventured out in public with out being stopped each few ft; he described it as an surroundings the place he may “be slightly bit extra regular.”

Then he boarded a flight to Detroit and his superstar standing shortly kicked into gear.

“As soon as I acquired off the aircraft,” Dickinson mentioned, “there have been a pair individuals making an attempt to take an image and it began again up once more. That’s once I first actually, actually found out what I’m to Michigan proper now.”

Dickinson’s determination to double again on his proclamation that the 2021-22 season can be his last yr with the Wolverines was based mostly on a confluence of things starting from his incomes energy as probably the most recognizable athlete on campus to shaping how he might be remembered in Michigan lore. And whereas Dickinson made no reference to his potential draft inventory as an influential issue — all indicators pointed towards him being a late second-round choose at finest — that was undoubtedly an essential a part of the equation.

Right here is how Dickinson defined his determination on the podcast:

Why is he coming again?

“I simply didn’t really feel like I used to be performed with faculty basketball but,” Dickinson mentioned. “I really feel like I nonetheless had extra on the market to show and extra nonetheless to work on. I really feel like once I go to the NBA ultimately — I really feel like I may have went final yr; I do know I may have went this yr — however I believe the most important factor for me was once I get there, I need to be as prepared as potential for the subsequent degree.”

How did falling wanting the Ultimate 4 the previous two years affect his alternative?

“Being so shut my freshman yr after which making that actually enjoyable run final yr undoubtedly simply provides to, , wanting to come back again and hopefully simply attempt to break by and at last get to that Ultimate 4 and nationwide championship sport,” Dickinson mentioned. “I really feel like we’re actually shut. Basketball is a sport of inches, particularly within the match, it’s much more emphasised. So for us, simply making an attempt to be sure that subsequent yr we’re as prepared as potential and we simply attempt to execute and be as strong as we will for 40 minutes every sport.”

Michigan center Hunter Dickinson defends against Villanova Wildcats guard Justin Moore during the second half of U-M's 63-55 loss to Villanova in the Sweet 16 on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio.

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Did the upcoming determination weigh on him throughout the season?

“It undoubtedly was going by my thoughts final season,” Dickinson mentioned. “I’m human. Clearly you need to take into consideration the longer term, and on this sport you solely have a finite period of time to play, so that you’ve acquired to reap the benefits of the chance. For me, having the ability to undergo it my freshman yr and having the ability to sort of study from the errors I made and sort of simply keep within the second was actually huge for me.

“I sort of had a sense the best way NIL was going — how I sort of nonetheless actually appreciated faculty — that the door was at all times open for me to come back again. If you happen to would have mentioned in the beginning of the yr and requested me if I used to be going to come back again for an additional yr, I might have instructed you, ‘No approach.’ However I believe with NIL, that door undoubtedly opened it up for me to come back again, and I’m actually pleased and excited to come back again for an additional yr below Coach Howard.”

With teammates Moussa Diabate and Caleb Houstan coming into the draft, did Dickinson think about doing the identical or give the 2 freshmen recommendation?

“I instructed them tales about what it’s like,” Dickinson mentioned. “It was a ton of enjoyable for me. I bear in mind final yr I had a bunch of enjoyable like flying out to NBA groups and figuring out with them, the G League mix, simply the grind of prepping for the NBA draft. It was tremendous enjoyable for me.

“The rationale why I didn’t do it (once more this yr) was, I felt like I knew I wished to come back again and provides it another shot. I felt like if I might have (gone by the NBA course of once more) I might have been doing it halfheartedly. And that’s what I instructed Juwan (Howard, U-M’s coach), I mentioned, ‘I simply need to deal with subsequent season and fear about getting higher and not likely deal with (the NBA),’ as a result of I knew my coronary heart wasn’t with that at this second. So for me, I didn’t need to do it. However I’m pleased for them to have the ability to expertise that and undergo that and see the place that takes them.”

Michigan center Hunter Dickinson arrives for the Sweet 16 game against Villanova on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio.

Which elements of his sport do Dickinson and the coaches imagine he wants to enhance earlier than turning professional?

“Perfecting my back-to-the-basket and down-low sport, fine-tuning it, making an attempt to get pretty much as good as I can,” Dickinson mentioned. “I can at all times enhance in that space. Looking for extra strikes so as to add to my arsenal that I can use for counters and issues like that. Clearly persevering with to shoot the three. I really feel like I shot it respectable (this yr). I bear in mind telling individuals, ‘Man, I do know on the minimal I can shoot 32% from 3.’ And I ended up taking pictures like 32.9% (sic), so I knew it. Subsequent yr I’ll attempt to get not less than above 35. I’m aiming towards 40, however above 35 for certain.

“After which one thing that I believe I’m actually engaged on is the mid-range bounce shot. I really feel like that’s one thing I’ve been watching the NBA and guys like (Joel) Embiid and (Nikola) Jokic, they’re in a position to get a number of simpler buckets and never have to take action a lot work with that mid-range bounce shot. Simply open up, jab a pair occasions and shoot. Having the ability to rating like that takes a number of put on and tear off your physique.

“Clearly, defensively, I’ve extra potential as a rim protector. That’s one thing I’m undoubtedly specializing in subsequent yr. The purpose for me is to attempt to have 2.5 blocks per sport not less than. I really feel like shot blocking is one thing that if I put my thoughts to it, I’ll be a lot improved in that space. I believe within the first half of the season, , I used to be extra passive when it got here to blocking pictures and as soon as I sort of modified my thoughts set slightly bit and went and have become extra aggressive, I really feel like my blocks went up. So for me, simply making an attempt to common like 2.5 blocks and be a presence affecting pictures and having the ability to be a greater defender for my crew and serving to my teammates extra is one thing I work on.”

Contact Michael Cohen at mcohen@freepress.com. Comply with him on Twitter @Michael_Cohen13.

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Michigan

Michigan State Spartans Insider Podcast: Who Has Impressed, Who Needs to Step Up For Spartan Hoops

Published

6 hours ago

December 29, 2024

Press Room

Michigan State Spartans Insider Podcast: Who Has Impressed, Who Needs to Step Up For Spartan Hoops

Michigan State men’s basketball is already 12 games into its season, and while it’s already more than a third of the way through, the true test is only about to start.

The Spartans have certainly been battle tested, and with a win over Western Michigan on Monday, they would set themselves up nicely going into the new year. In order for them to continue to excel when they resume Big Ten play next week, they will need to continue to do what’s gotten them to the No. 18 spot in the nation: excelling as a team.

Everyone seems to be playing well right now, and it’s that unselfish team play that has led to their strong start.

On this episode of the Michigan State Spartans Insider Podcast, our Aidan Champion tells host Bryan Anthony Davis who he thinks has impressed so far this season, as well as who still needs to step up.

You can watch the epsiode below:

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo addressed the media on Saturday as he and his team get ready for their home matchup with Western Michigan. Below is a partial transcript from his media availability:

Q: How do you keep the team in-sync right now?

Izzo: “Yeah, I’m normally not — I’m more of a pessimist than an optimist, but we came back, we had a great practice the 26th for like an hour and 15, and then, we went two-a-days yesterday, had two really good practices, and today was phenomenal. At the end, we got a little tired, which we should, and now we’re into one-a-days with some meetings. But really pleased by the way they’re kind of — strength in numbers is really helping us right now.”

Q: You don’t love these games against former assistants?

Izzo: “Yeah, I don’t. I don’t like them. I like them because I think it’s really good for them, from the standpoint they get to play here and make some money, but it’s not good for me. I mean, there’s a guy [Dwayne Stephens] that I coached and worked for me for a lot of years. And the funniest part is he’s got a good team, they just haven’t played together. He’s had three guys that have been out a lot, two guys that are really good players. His best player has only played in three games. So the scouting reports — they are a little different. The kid’s averaging 17 a game since he’s come back, and we don’t have a lot on him. Here’s a team that lost a 20-point lead and lost the last game that was a killer. But it’s also a team that was 10-up on Dayton; we thought Dayton was one of the best teams in Maui. So, they got a couple of guys that can really fill it up, they got size, they got big size, and I’d say DJ knows our system pretty good.”

Don’t forget to follow the official Spartan Nation Page on Facebook Spartan Nation WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be a part of our vibrant community group Go Green Go White as well WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

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Michigan

Michigan’s mission vs. Hilltoppers: Finish 2024 without a bad loss

Published

14 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Press Room

Michigan’s mission vs. Hilltoppers: Finish 2024 without a bad loss

Michigan closes out the nonconference portion of its schedule with a chance to do something it hasn’t done the past few years: Avoid a bad loss to end the year.

Michigan hosts Western Kentucky on Sunday (8 p.m. ET, BTN). The Wolverines are 9-3 overall, with each defeat coming by one possession against a high-major opponent. They’ve had no problems in the other games.

That wasn’t the case in recent seasons. Michigan lost to McNeese State in its final game of 2023 and to Central Michigan in the last game of 2022. Michigan fell to a middling UCF team, albeit on the road, to close out 2021.

Three times over the last two seasons, the Wolverines essentially paid an opponent to come to Crisler Center and beat them (McNeese, Central Michigan, and Long Beach State). The Hilltoppers will collect $85,000 for their appearance on Sunday. Michigan will try to make sure that’s all they leave with.

Michigan last played on Sunday, using hot shooting to demolish Purdue Fort Wayne 89-58. Michigan shot 63 percent from the field and made 10 3s. For the fourth time this season, at least five Wolverines reached double figures. Tre Donaldson led the way with 16 points.

Michigan coach Dusty May said he is “relatively happy” with his team’s record to date, despite the tough losses. Teams that are playing their best in December typically aren’t still playing in late March. May is seeking — and seeing — steady improvement.

The Wolverines fell out of the AP Top-25 this week but entered Saturday at No. 24 in the NET and No. 22 in the kenpom rankings. When they resume Big Ten play next week in Los Angeles, they’ll do so as the betting favorite to win the league.

That won’t change so long as they don’t overlook Western Kentucky, which will make the trip from Bowling Green. The Hilltoppers (119 in the NET, 110 at kenpom) are also 9-3, though they have just one top-100 win (Lipscomb at home). They play a fast, isolation-heavy offense. As a 15 seed in last year’s NCAA Tournament, they led Marquette by seven at halftime before losing. It earned Steve Lutz, who’d been there just one season, the job at Oklahoma State (replacing Mike Boynton Jr., now a Michigan assistant). Hank Plona, Lutz’s top assistant and a former junior college head coach, took over. Western Kentucky was picked second in the Conference USA preseason poll.

Don McHenry, a 6-foot-2 shooting guard, is averaging 18.5 points per game. He’s scored at least 28, while making four 3s, in each of the past three games. The most recent performance was last Saturday, so both teams may have to shake off some holiday rust.

That’s been an issue for Michigan in recent years, a pre-New Year’s sign of the struggles to come. This squad, in May’s first year on the job, looks different. Before the Wolverines enter the big, bad Big Ten for good, they’ll look to handle business and end 2024 strong.

BETTING: Check out our guide to the best Michigan sportsbooks, where our team of sports betting experts has reviewed the experience, payout speed, parlay options and quality of odds for multiple sportsbooks.

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Are restaurants open on New Year’s Day in Michigan? Where to find a meal on the holiday

Published

22 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Press Room

Are restaurants open on New Year’s Day in Michigan? Where to find a meal on the holiday

The new year is nearly upon us, and if you’re looking for dining options to ring in 2025, Michigan will offer plenty of choices.

Most restaurant chains will remain open for the New Year’s holiday, including some 24/7 dining options.

Here’s what to know.

When is New Year’s Eve?

New Year’s Eve is Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. New Year’s Day is Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.

Will Applebee’s be open on New Year’s?

Yes, but Applebee’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead for your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Biggby be open on New Year’s?

Some Biggby locations will be open on New Year’s. Check online for your nearest Michigan Biggby.

Will Big Boy be open on New Year’s?

Some Big Boy locations will be open for New Year’s. Check online or call ahead for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Bob Evans be open on New Year’s?

Bob Evans restaurants’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Call ahead or check online for your nearest Michigan restaurant before visiting.

Will Buffalo Wild Wings be open on New Year’s?

Many Buffalo Wild Wings will be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the company said. Hours will vary by location, so check online with your nearest Michigan Buffalo Wild Wings.

Will Burger King be open on New Year’s?

Burger King’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online with your nearest Michigan restaurant before visiting.

Will Carrabba’s be open on New Year’s?

Carrabba’s locations’ New Year’s hours may vary. Check online or call ahead for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Chick-fil-A be open on New Year’s?

Yes, Chick-fil-A locations will be open on New Year’s, according to the company. Hours may vary by location, so check online with your nearest Michigan location.

Will Chili’s be open on New Year’s?

Yes, Chili’s restaurants are open on New Year’s. Hours may vary by location, so check online for your nearest Michigan Chili’s.

Will Cracker Barrel be open on New Year’s?

Yes, Cracker Barrel locations are open on New Year’s. Check online for hours at your nearest Michigan location.

Will Denny’s be open on New Year’s?

Yes, Denny’s restaurants will be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day 24/7.

Will Domino’s be open on New Year’s?

Domino’s Pizza locations’ hours may vary on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Check online for your nearest Michigan Domino’s.

Will Dunkin’ be open on New Year’s?

Dunkin’ outlets’ hours may vary by location on New Year’s, so check the Dunkin’ store locator or the Dunkin’ Rewards app for your nearest Michigan location.

Will Hungry Howie’s be open on New Year’s?

Hungry Howie’s restaurants New Year’s hours may vary by location. Visit the Hungry Howie’s website to check with your nearest Michigan location.

Will IHOP be open on New Year’s?

IHOP hours may vary by location. Check online with your nearest Michigan location before visiting.

Will Jet’s be open on New Year’s?

Jet’s Pizza’s hours may vary by location. Check the Jet’s website for your nearest Michigan location.

Will Jimmy John’s be open on New Year’s?

Jimmy John’s hours may vary by location. Check online for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Leo’s Coney Island be open on New Year’s?

Leo’s Coney Island’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead with your nearest Michigan location before visiting.

Will Little Caesars be open on New Year’s?

Most Little Caesars locations will be open for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the company said. Check online with your nearest Michigan Little Caesars for specific hours.

Will McDonald’s be open on New Year’s?

Most McDonald’s sites will be open on New Year’s, the hours may vary by location, the company said. You can check the store locator for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Olga’s Kitchen be open on New Year’s?

Olga’s Kitchen restaurants’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online for your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Olive Garden be open on New Year’s?

Olive Garden’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online with your nearest Michigan restaurant for hours.

Will Panda Express be open on New Year’s?

Panda Express’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead for your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Panera be open on New Year’s?

Panera Bread’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead for your nearest Michigan cafe.

Will Papa Johns be open on New Year’s?

Papa Johns Pizza’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Call ahead or check online for hours at your nearest Michigan Papa Johns.

Will Pizza Hut be open on New Year’s?

Most Pizza Hut locations will be open for regular hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the company said. You can check online for hours at your nearest Michigan Pizza Hut.

Will QDOBA be open on New Year’s?

QDOBA restaurants will be open for normal store hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the company said. Check online with your nearest Michigan restaurant for specific hours.

Will Red Lobster be open on New Year’s?

Red Lobster restaurants’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Red Robin be open on New Year’s?

Yes, Red Robin burger restaurants will be open on New Year’s. You can visit the Red Robin website to check hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Starbucks be open on New Year’s?

Starbucks Coffee’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check the Starbucks store locator or Starbucks app to check hours for your nearest Michigan location.

Will Subway be open on New Year’s?

Subway restaurants’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online for your nearest Michigan location.

Will Taco Bell be open on New Year’s?

Taco Bell locations are open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. New Year’s Eve hours may vary by location, so check online with your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Texas Roadhouse be open on New Year’s?

Texas Roadhouse locations will be open on New Year’s, the company said. Locations will be open for normal hours or expanded hours, varying by location. Check online for your nearest Michigan restaurant.