Atlanta, GA. – At 8:49EST in the Georgia Dome the second game of the Final Four College Basketball Tournament will tip off. The anticipated matchup between the Syracuse Orangemen and the Michigan Wolverines will carry routing interests nation-wide based on conference – Big East and Big Ten, geography – East coast and mid-West and other factors. However, Michigan has a unique set of factors that families, dads and kids nation-wide could invest their rooting interests.
Though they have the NCAA Player of the Year in star point guard Trey Burke and gritty up and comer Mitch McGary, they have three very athletic sons of former NBA players who play major roles – Tim Hardaway Jr, Glenn Robinson III and Jon Horford. It is a blessing to see their dads in the stands rooting for their sons in cut aways.
First and most noted is shooting guard, Tim Hardaway Jr. the son of former point guard of the Golden State Warriors and NBA champion with the Miami Heat, Tim “Killer Crossover” Hardaway. Tim Jr. was the star of the team last year and his game, which is more suited for the NBA than college, differs from his father since they play different positions. He is far more athletic than his all star father was and will more than likely play well at the next level.
Next, Jon Horford is the least known and the Wolverine who has a father who used to play in the NBA and a brother who current plays in the League as well. Jon Horford is the son of former NBA journeyman Tito Horford and brother of Atlanta Hawk power forward Al Horford. Jon is a scrappy role player who provides a low post presence and fights for rebounds. He is maturing as a player though he comes off the bench.
Finally, ultra-athletic small forward Glenn Robinson III is the son of 1994 NCAA Player of the Year Award winner and Milwaukee Bucks All Star Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson. Glenn Robinson III has star potential, yet clearly and humbly accepts his role, hustles and makes timely plays and baskets. It iwill not be difficult to picture him as the Wolverines future best player after Trey Burke moves on.
Though Syracuse’s match-up zone will create a difficult obstacle for the sons of the Wolverines, their genes match the moment. Their dads and dads everywhere are rooting.
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