Big Ten Conference report

SportsLine.com Report
June 21, 2000

A glance at 2001

After a turbulent season, Michigan would love to see a winter free from controversy and visits from the NCAA next season. That might be asking too much, but the talent is in place for the Wolverines to make a run at their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1998.

Six of the top seven scorers return to a team that was rolling right along until freshman guard Jamal Crawford ran afoul of the NCAA. When he left the lineup, a potential NCAA Tournament team became one in turmoil. Allegations of improprieties cast a dark cloud over the program and led to some speculation that coach Brian Ellerbe was not long for Ann Arbor.

When the dust cleared, athletic director Tom Goss was out of a job, but Ellerbe was still standing and will have at least another year to get things rolling in the right direction for good.

Who'll be back

Crawford decided to put his name into the NBA draft, and he's not pulling it out. Crawford has reportedly retained the services of agents Aaron and Eric Goodwin -- who also represent Gary Payton -- and will not return to the Wolverines.

"I wish him the best as a person," said Michigan coach Brian Ellerbe, who still talks to Crawford daily. "Most people know him as just as a basketball player, but I know him as a kid."

Crawford is a gifted scorer and ball handler who averaged 16.6 points and 4.5 assists before having his season derailed by the NCAA.

The gem of last season's recruiting class, forward LaVell Blanchard lived up to his billing, averaging 14.4 points and 7.9 rebounds and providing an athletic presence inside for the Wolverines. He has the ability to be an all-conference selection for the next three seasons.

Also back are guards Kevin Gaines, Leon Jones and Gavin Groninger, as are forwards Josh Asselin, Brandon Smith, Chris Young.

If peace prevails, this team could conceivably make a run at a Big Ten title.

Who's gone

Crawford is the biggest loss, mainly because whenever Michigan needed a big shot, the ball was in his hands.

The loss of center Peter Vignier removes a body from the middle, but that's about it. He was in and out of Ellerbe's doghouse and was not suited for the push-it pace favored in Ann Arbor these days.

Key newcomers

While not as deep as last year's payload, this class fits in nicely with Ellerbe's plan. Both signees are quick and like to run the court. Both could be role players right away.

• Avery Queen, 5-4, PG, Moreno Valley, Calif.: Has spent the past two years at Maine Central Institute and Winchendon (Mass.) and caught eyes at the Adidas ABCD camp, where he was co-Most Valuable Player. He could add immediate depth to the Wolverines and is expected to become the full-time playmaker sooner than later.
• Bernard Robinson, 6-6, F, Washington, D.C.: Ellerbe likes Robinson's versatility as a player who can run the floor, score inside and out and hits the boards with relish. He was rated the No. 4 forward in the nation by Hoop Scoop.