The Syracuse Orange get to meet former LeMoyne coach John Beilein and his Michigan Wolverines this Saturday in Atlanta as part of the Final Four, if they look closely, the may think they are looking in a mirror. The Wolverines have size, length, pedigree, speed, and a very similar record. Syracuse battled through the always tough Big East while Michigan battled in the toughest conference this season in the Big Ten.
Syracuse has a big 6’6 guard names Michael Carter-Williams; Michigan has a 6’6 guard named Tim Hardaway Jr. They have several guys in the 6’6 – 6’10 range as does Syracuse. Syracuse may have an advantage with some taller 6’4 guards and a trio of very different 6’8 forwards. The 2-3 zone grows in stature in the tournament and is something that shut down Michigan’s conference brother Indiana. A huge key will be a pair of senior guards; it may be THE key, Brandon Triche vs. Trey Burke. Burke is on everyone’s watch list, averaged 18.8 points on 46%, hit 72 3’s at a 38% clip, hit 81% of his free throws, gets 3 rebounds per game, had 253 assists to 81 turnovers, blocked 18 shots and had 59 steals. The guys a handful. Triche may befuddle us at times on offense but he plays mean ‘D’ and will get help in 6’4 Trevor Cooney off the bench.
They have four players averaging double figures, rebound well, share it, and can fast break off a turnover with the best of them. Syracuse will have its hands full with Michigan. The game may be decided in the paint and that will be a war worth watching. The perimeter needs to be covered as they have several outside shooters.
Go take a look at each teams stats and tell me they don’t see each other in that mirror.
Michigan season stats: http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/stats/season_stats.pdf
Syracuse season stats: http://www.suathletics.com/cumestats.aspx?path=mbasket&year=2012&
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