Tommy Amaker should be a doctor, not a basketball coach.
Michigan’s coach has been patient. When he arrived in 2001, he knew he would have to turn the troubled program around. He’s a confident man and never had doubts. Still, he knew it would take time.
More Top Picks Adhd Reading Comprehension Strategies That Work
It could have happened last season. But injuries derailed the Wolverines, who failed to return to the NCAA tournament.
The tournament remains the goal. And while no one is ready to throw Michigan a parade, its 6-0 record is the start of something–perhaps the season Amaker has been working for.
“We knew coming into this year that it was important for the program to make some strides,” Amaker said. “It was a tough year last season. Some things we could control, and others, injuries, we couldn’t.”
Guards Daniel Horton and Lester Abram return after major injuries halted their seasons. Horton was limited to 13 games because of knee problems and Abram to three because of a shoulder injury.
Amaker knows his team still has a way to go and must improve if it is serious about making it to the NCAA tournament.
“We are not a sensation,” he said. `But we’re getting better.”
If victories over Central Michigan, Boston University, Butler, Miami, Notre Dame and Delaware State don’t do it for you, just remember that last season Michigan lost to BU.
Good teams beat the teams they are supposed to. So far, Michigan has done that.
“We knew it would be important to get out of the blocks and have a decent start,” Amaker said. “That win at Notre Dame was significant.”
So was Amaker’s message for his team coming into the season. Amaker didn’t want them to look back and feel sorry for themselves. This season is about the power of positive thinking. Hence, Amaker gave the players three things to hold on to: hope to be healthy, happy and hungry.
“It’s something we want our players to embrace in basketball and life,” Amaker said. “If you have all those things working, you have to feel blessed. It’s not a bad way to live life.”
In 2002-03, the Wolverines started 0-6. The team could have quit. Instead, it won 13 straight, beat Michigan State and finished 18-12. This year?
Think NCAA tournament.