Projecting the field of 68 — in 23 minutes

Life has been hectic lately, folks. 

Between three jobs, trying to do a little hiking, and being sick, I haven't written in this space since the Democrats had the Senate, no comet had been landed on, no World Cup had been played, no summer had been enjoyed ... and so on.

And now I have just 23 minutes until my man Crespo comes over for the American University (they'll be a 15 seed) opener. 

So with the season beginning, here is my rapid-fire, no-research annual Field of 68.

Automatic qualifiers (32)

America East: Stony Brook

American: Memphis

Atlantic 10: VCU

ACC: UNC

Atlantic Sun: FGCU

Big 12: Kansas

Big East: Villanova

Big Sky: Eastern Washington

Big South: High Point

Big Ten: Wisconsin

Big West: Cal State Northridge

Colonial: Delaware

Conference USA: UTEP

Horizon: Cleveland State

Ivy: Harvard

MAAC: Siena

MAC: Akron

MEAC: Hampton

Missouri Valley: Wichita State

Mountain West: San Diego State

Northeast: Robert Morris

Ohio Valley: Murray State

Pac-12: Arizona

Patriot: American

SEC: Kentucky

Southern: Wofford

Southland: Lamar

SWAC: Alabama State

Summit: Oral Roberts

Sun Belt: Georgia State

West Goast: Gonzaga

WAC: New Mexico State

At-large (36)

American: Connecticut, Cincinnati, SMU (3)

A-10: Dayton, GW, Richmond (3)

ACC: Duke, Louisville, Notre Dame, Pitt, Syracuse, Virginia (6)

Big 12: ISU, Oklahoma, Texas (3)

Big East: Georgetown, Providence, Xavier (3)

Big Ten: OSU, MSU, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska (6)

Missouri Valley: Northern Iowa (1)

Mountain West: Colorado State, New Mexico, Boise (3)

Pac-12: UCLA, Utah, Washington, Stanford (4)

SEC: Florida, Georgia, LSU (3)

West Coast: BYU (1)

And there you have it. Let's get this season started.

My NCAA Tournament bracket: Wichita State will go 40-0

Well, it's the evening before the beginning of my absolute favorite few weeks of the year — starting with the most exhausting and exhilarating four days of basketball watching a nut job like myself experiences annually (four days, about 48 hours of watching; my eyes will get a workout).

But before the games begin — Note: I'm sorry, folks, but no First Four picks this year; life got in the way the past two days — it's time for my picks. Note: Proceed with caution in copying any of them to your bracket. Just because I watch a ton of basketball in no way makes me an expert (you'd probably be better off going the mascots, colors, or state capitals route).

Before I dive in, a few notes on things I look for when picking games:
1) First off, there is no perfect formula for winning in March. Every year, some writer or magazine or ESPN talking head tries to say that there is, but the results prove that isn't the case.
2) Picking a team that relies on 3s is dangerous (but can also pay off!).
3) Generally a team with a guy who scores a large percentage of its points won't go far (exception: Kemba Walker, UConn, 2011).
4) Experience does matter. Even the Kentucky team that won in 2012 had contributing upperclassmen. This year's Wildcats team doesn't.
5) And finally, don't lose sleep over picking teams that are "hot" or not. The argument works both ways. A few years ago, Syracuse had a brilliant Big East tournament run and then was bounced in the first round of the Dance. Contrast that with Walker leading the Huskies to the Big East championship followed by six more wins in the Big Dance.

OK, enough of my diatribe. Without further ado, here are my round-by-round picks:

EAST
FIRST ROUND (sorry, NCAA, I'm not calling it second round)
(1) Virginia def. (16) Coastal Carolina: A 16 has never beaten a 1. Period.
(8) Memphis def. (9) George Washington: I just flipped a coin. Actually, I flipped a coin online. How cool is that? Heads = Memphis wins.
(4) Michigan State def. (13) Delaware: Blue Hens is one of the tournament's best names. I've heard the Spartans are one of the tournament's best teams.
(5) Cincinnati def. (12) Harvard: Fun fact — in six seasons at Michigan, Tommy Amaker failed to take the Wolverines to the Big Dance; this is his third straight appearance with the Crimson. It won't last as long as last year's.
(3) Iowa State def. (14) N.C. Central: The Eagles won 17 straight to close the regular season and are dancing in their third Division I season. That's awesome. Sadly, none of those 17 opponents were half as good as the Cyclones.
(6) North Carolina def. (11) Providence: This could be one of the most enjoyable head-to-head matchups as the Friars' Bryce Cotton (21.4pg) goes up against Marcus "Second Half" Paige. The difference? Well, it'll be made in the second half.
(10) St. Joseph's def. (7) Connecticut: Time to reference the notes: A) St. Joe's has a senior-heavy lineup; B) UConn relies too much on Shabazz Napier. He'll have an off game. Redhawks advance.
(2) Villanova def. (15) Milwaukee: There's no way 'Nova won't win to set up the 'Braggin' rights in Philly' second-round matchup.

SECOND ROUND
(1) Virginia def. (8) Memphis: Considering I only picked Memphis to this game via a coin flip, it would be idiotic to take them another round. Virginia slows the game down, stifles Memphis with its halfcourt defense, and rolls to the Sweet 16.
(4) Michigan State def. (5) Cincinnati: This will be a lot better game than people are realizing who are inking the Spartans in for the second week. Cincy plays great defense and Sean Kilpatrick is an All-American. But MSU is rolling (anyone mentioned that?) and, oh, at full strength, too!
(3) Iowa State def. (6) North Carolina: Best matchup of the second round. Period. Over-under for this game will be 180. In the end, the Cyclones' offensive weapons are more consistent and play both halves.
(2) Villanova def. (10) St. Joseph's: It's a rivalry game! Throw out the records!! Just let the kids go at it!!! Villanova wins a squeaker (bracket note: It's not smart to pick St. Joe's here because it could easily lose to UConn).

SWEET 16
(4) Michigan State def. (1) Virginia. I'm reluctantly hopping on the bandwagon. This game might not see 120 points, but it will see the Spartans' seniors Payne and Appling making the difference.
(3) Iowa State def. (2) Villanova: Iowa State either makes 3s or takes the ball to the rim. That's a recipe for success in my book, and enough to take down overachieving Villanova.

ELITE 8
(4) Michigan State def. (3) Iowa State: Man, this is a tough call for me. I really love the Cyclones. But after watching the 6-foot-10 Payne against Michigan in the Big Ten tournament title game, I have a hard time seeing the Cyclones' front line of no players taller than 6-7 being able to handle him without doubling. That will create issues for ISU. And MSU is a better defensive team.

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SOUTH
FIRST ROUND
(1) Florida def. (16) Albany: Phew ... I was going to pick Mount St. Mary's, but then they lost in the First Four game and didn't have ANY media visit their locker room. So freakin' sad and wrong.
(9) Pittsburgh def. (8) Colorado: Expert analysis — Buffs haven't been the same since losing leading scorer Spencer Dinwiddie to a torn ACL. Go Pitt, my friends.
(4) UCLA def. (13) Tulsa: According to The Washington Post (esteemed publication), the Danny Manning-led Golden Hurricane were just "5-9 in conconference play." Conconference? Whatever that means, 5-9 ain't too good. Meanwhile, UCLA just beat Arizona...
(5) VCU def. (12) Stephen F. Austin: Generally playing against Havoc for the first time is no fun (except for Michigan last year). I'm a fan of the Lumberjacks (31-2!!; undefeated in conference), but VCU is experienced, flying under the radar, and hungry.
(3) Syracuse def. (14) Western Michigan: Syracuse is the absolute most difficult team to predict in the Big Dance. Last year, they entered the tournament playing awful and, of course, made the Final Four. This year, they're also struggling after that 25-0 start. They'll at least get this one...
(6) Ohio State def. (11) Dayton: Nice one, Selection Committee! I'm sure it was unintentional putting the Ohio schools within an hour of each other head to head. Whatever. I'm over it. The Buckeyes are a tough tournament bunch who came very close to making the Final Four a year ago.
(7) New Mexico def. (10) Stanford: The Lobos won't falter in the first round like they did to Harvard a year ago. Expect seniors Cameron Bairstow and Kendall Williams to carry the load.
(2) Kansas def. (15) Eastern Kentucky: Mark my words — this will be a bit scary for KU fans. Sans Joel Embiid and with a backcourt that doesn't take great care of the ball against a team that's second in the nation in turnover margin (6.3) and in the top 10 in steals (8.8), this could be close for Kansas.

SECOND ROUND
(1) Florida def. (9) Pittsburgh: These Gators haven't lost since December and won't here against a good but limited Pitt team.
(4) UCLA def. (5) VCU: Kyle Anderson and Jordan Adams will make the Rams pay whenever they break the press, creating all kinds of easy buckets.
(3) Syracuse def. (6) Ohio State: The last time these teams met, the officials had a rough day as OSU advanced to the 2012 Final Four. This time, the result will be different because the Buckeyes are a poor 3-point shooting team and will have no answer for the 'Cuse 2-3 zone.
(2) Kansas def. (7) New Mexico: No, the Jayhawks won't have Embiid back, but they will have Andrew Wiggins. You might have hard of him. The Canadian sensation will take over. Steve Nash will be proud.

SWEET 16
(1) Florida def. (4) UCLA: The Bruins have two good players; the Gators have about seven, including four seniors in the starting lineup. Scottie Wilbekin will lead them to their fourth straight Elite Eight.
(2) Kansas def. (3) Syracuse: Unlike the Buckeyes, the Jayhawks shoot the ball really well — they're fifth nationally at a 49.7 percent clip. With Embiid likely back for defensive purposes, they'll make 'em over the zone to victory.

ELITE EIGHT
(1) Florida def. (2) Kansas: Finally, the Gators will break through. I was at their Elite Eight loss to Louisville in 2012 (a game they led for large portions). In 2011, they dropped a nailbiter to Butler. And then last year, Michigan couldn't miss against them. This time around, the Gators will use their array of offensive weapons and dominate the Jayhawks' sometimes inconsistent backcourt.

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WEST

FIRST ROUND

(1) Arizona def. (16) Weber State: I love Damian Lillard's alma mater. I don't love them to beat Arizona.

(9) Oklahoma State def. (8) Gonzaga: This is one of those picks that you know could backfire because EVERYBODY is taking the Cowboys, but they are playing really well and Smart. 

(4) San Diego State def. (13) New Mexico State: This game is worth mentioning for the simple fact that NMSU has a pair of big — understatement — brothers, Sim (7-5, 360) and Tanveer (7-3, 335) Bhullar. If they don't maul the Aztecs like the aliens in Space Jam, I think SDSU will escape. 

(12) North Dakota State def. (5) Oklahoma: I can't help myself. I'm going with the "sexy pick." The Bison are the best shooting team in the nation and will win a barnburner against the Sooners. 

(3) Creighton def. (14) Louisiana Lafayette: Forget what I said about not relying on one player. #FaithInMcDermott.

(11) Nebraska def. (6) Baylor: I just like Tim Miles too much and don't like Baylor enough — despite the incredible, all-over-the-court shooting of Brady Heslip — to not go with the Huskers. 

(7) Oregon def. (10) BYU: Injury alert! — The Cougars are playing their first game sans Kyle Collinsworth (torn ACL), who led them in assists. Not good. Ducks quack on.

(2) Wisconsin def. (15) American: I'm very partial to American — I attend all their games, and host the ONLY WEEKLY PODCAST ABOUT AMERICAN BASKETBALL!! — but the Badgers will be too much to handle in Milwaukee. Not convinced? Listen to the podcast. 

SECOND ROUND

(1) Arizona def. (9) Oklahoma State: I can't give you a really good reason why Arizona is clearly the better team other than they won a lot more games. I can say this: If you pick OSU to win in your bracket, there's a decent chance they won't even be in this game. That can't be said of the Wildcats.

(4) San Diego State def. (12) North Dakota State: Did you know it's been 25 years since Aztecs coach Steve Fisher took over my hometown Michigan Wolverines when Bill Frieder left the program and won the program's only national championship? He'll rekindle a little of that magic this March.

(3) Creighton def. (11) Nebraska: Nice one, Selection Committee. Let's take the two teams from Nebraska and not let them both get past the first weekend (ahem, TV ratings). Oh, the game? Two words: Doug McDermott. 

(2) Wisconsin def. (7) Oregon: I just googled "Wisconsin vs. Oregon" and the first thing that popped up was a recap of the 2012 Rose Bowl, when the Ducks won 45-38. Funny enough, 45 points might have been a Badgers (winning!) score a couple years ago in basketball, but this is not your typical Wisconsin outfit (73.5 ppg!!!) and they're playing in Milwaukee. 

SWEET 16

(1) Arizona def. (4) San Diego State: The Aztecs and their unruly fans might bring the noise, but Arizona will bring the D: The Wildcats gave up 39 points to Utah in a Pac-12 tournament quarterfinal. 

(2) Wisconsin def. (3) Creighton: Did you know — Creighton 3-point specialist Ethan Wragge has taken two — two! — shots from inside the arc this year. He's attempted 220 3-pointers! Wisconsin is very good at defending the arc, where teams attempt just 25 percent of their shots from against the Badgers.

ELITE EIGHT

(1) Arizona def. (2) Wisconsin: Arizona beat Michigan, which beat Wisconsin, so... OK, in really breaking down this matchup, the Wildcats' ballhawking defense won't give the Badgers any open looks and Frank Kaminsky will have a rough afternoon (or evening) against the combination of Kaleb Tarczewski and Aaron Gordon (big, strong fellas!)

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MIDWEST

FIRST ROUND

(1) Wichita State def. (16) Cal Poly: I just watched the Mustangs (14-19 now!) dispatch of Texas Southern, and I gotta say, their confidence is high! They'll soak it up until reality sets in...

(8) Kentucky def. (9) Kansas State: Has anyone been talking about Kentucky the past couple days? Heard anything? Somehow the young Wildcats will cast aside the distractions and win a game.

(4) Louisville def. (13) Manhattan: Quick quiz: Who's the best college basketball team in New York City? Yep, the Manhattan Jaspers. 

(12) North Carolina State def. (5) Saint Louis: Sorry, Billikens, but I'm going with the (it sometimes works) you're cold (four losses in five games), N.C. State is hot (beat Syracuse, won its First Four game) formula. 

(3) Duke def. (14) Mercer: Upset alert — No, I'm not man enough to pick it, but the Bears have won their league back-to-back years and have, gulp, an all-seniors lineup. Like, who does that? Of course, none of 'em can hoop like Jabari Parker (at least they can drink legally better). 

(11) Iowa/Tennessee def. (6) UMass: I'm watching the First Four game as I type this. Iowa is up at half 29-26. I might change this pick later. EDITING UPDATE: 57-52 Iowa, 4:35 left...

(7) Texas def. (10) Arizona State: Nitty gritty — the Longhorns ranked first in the Big 12 in rebounds; the Sun Devils were last in the Pac-12. For a team that's middle of the pack offensively, getting killed on the boards won't help.

(2) Michigan def. (15) Wofford: I don't know what to make of the fact that as a Michigan fan, I'm, like, not at all scared of the Terriers. They just don't move the needle. This probably portends bad things...

SECOND ROUND

(1) Wichita State def. (8) Kentucky: Oh, the Wildcats! Oh, the talent! Oh, oh, oh ... loss. Thankfully, it's a team game and talent doesn't win alone in March. The Shockers are the better team — by far.

(4) Louisville def. (12) N.C. State: T.J. Warren is amazing. If you don't know that, you haven't been watching basketball. However, the Wolfpack's guards will have a hard time even getting him the ball against the Cardinals' press. Advantage: L'ville.

(3) Duke def. (11) Iowa: How can I pick against Duke when I don't even know who they, might, be playing (UPDATE: 33-28 Iowa, early second half). Plus, game's in Raleigh. ... NEW UPDATE: five-point Iowa lead, 4 minutes left. 

(2) Michigan def. (7) Texas: Yes, the Wolverines will struggle against Texas' rebounding and Big 12-best (also) shot-blocking ability. Until, that is, they step outside the arc and start raining 3s. 

SWEET 16

(1) Wichita State def. (4) Louisville: Last year, the Shockers led Lousville 43-32 with 14:19 to play in the national semifinals. But the Cardinals, the best team in the land, got two 3s from Tim Henderson (whom 0.9 percent of fans outside of Kentucky knew was even on the team) and survived against a team that no one expected to be there. This year is different. The Shockers expect to win every game, have nearly everyone back from that game, and won't blow another lead. Different result.

(2) Michigan def. (3) Duke: You know what? I was going to take Duke, but so is nearly everyone. So I'm changing things up. Yes, the Blue Devils beat Michigan in December, but that's when Nik Stauskas shot his shoe better than the basketball. Expect a huge game from the sophomore playing with a chip on his shoulder. Wolverines advance in Indy. 

ELITE EIGHT

(1) Wichita State def. (2) Michigan: You know I love my Wolverines, but that means ABSOLUTELY NOTHING (sadly) and the Shockers are the more complete team. The big key will be at point guard, where Missouri Valley POY Fred VanVleet will hound Michigan's freshman/sophomore duo of Derrick Walton and Spike Albrecht and have no issues creating consistent offense for the incredibly balanced Shockers against the Big Ten's worst defense. 

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FINAL FOUR

(1) Florida def. (4) Michigan State: They're not as good, but this Gators team reminds me a little bit of the back-to-back champions of 2006-07. Everyone knows their role; it's senior-dominated; and the Gators can score in a variety of ways. That's a recipe for success in the Final Four, as the Gators get a little revenge for that national title game loss way back in 2000.

(1) Wichita State def. (1) Arizona: This will be a hard-fought, low-scoring game, but the Wildcat's Pac-12 worst free-throw shooting and lack of depth will hurt them and balanced Wichita State will work the matchups to avoid defensive stalwarts T.J. McConnell and 7-foot Kaleb Tarczewski. 

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CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Wichita State 71, Florida 68: Honestly, I could go back to the coin flip here. Instead, I'll go to the history books. The Shockers have a chance at, yes, the best season in the history of college basketball — 40-0. How incredible would that be? Enrollment would increase 700 percent at the Kansas school. I'm not saying this will mean anything on April 7 or negatively affect Florida, but all season long the Shockers have relished being undefeated and haven't shied away from the pressure. That will be no different on the biggest stage under the brightest lights. Fred VanVleet will battle Scottie Wilbekin to a draw, Cleanthony Early will impress NBA scouts with his array of inside moves, and Tekele Cotton will make a huge defense play late to seal the victory and silence every last doubter.

Am I picking with my heart? Just a tad. But remember — there's no true formula to winning in March. 

Enjoy the Madness!

Whatever happens next, 2013-14 has been special for the Michigan Wolverines

Photo by Dustin Johnston, UMhoops.com

“This season has been a great season. I hope this isn’t the last highlight. I hope we have more in front of us.” — John Beilein, March 9, 2014

I do, too. I hope that this Michigan basketball team will continue to grow, will build off this momentum, and will win the Big Ten Tournament and make a deep run into the NCAA Tournament. They're capable. They've proven that time and time again this season. They can win the whole dang thing!

But first, let's enjoy the moment.

Yes, a statement like that is sacrilege in today's fast-moving society. Next Sunday, the Big Ten Tournament champion will have all of half an hour — maybe — or less (after all, games are longer this year) to revel in its accomplishment before the NCAA Tournament bracket is released and coaches and players have to prepare for the next opponent.

Disgraceful.

So I'm going against the tide. Years from now, regardless of how Michigan's season finishes, I'll look back to this blog and smile. On March 4, 2014, the Wolverines won their first outright Big Ten title since 1986, when I was 2 and didn't know the difference between a basketball and a diaper. Four days later, they put an exclamation mark on a remarkable regular season with a victory at home over Indiana — a win Glenn Robinson III, an Indiana native, didn't hesitate to call sweet revenge after the Wolverines watched the Hoosiers stun them and celebrate on the same court a year earlier.

I will never forget this season.

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Neither will Michigan's seventh-year head coach John Beilein. He said that much on Tuesday, after the Wolverines put on an offensive clinic in their most complete game of the season, a 84-53 shellacking of Illinois in Champaign, Ill.

"It's something that I know I'm gonna cherish for a long time," Beilein said.

Just not right now. Beilein is too focused on creating more highlights for his players, on making them better. That is what makes the 61-year-old head coach special, among other things. That's also what makes him stand out so saliently compared to the Wolverines' previous coach Tommy Amaker, who failed to take Michigan to the NCAA Tournament in six tries.

That's also one of the biggest reasons why the Wolverines, 6-4 in mid-December, sans a quality win, and about to lose their preseason All-American Mitch McGary to back surgery, were able to win 17 of their last 20 games and clinch the Big Ten championship before Jordan's Morgan Senior Night.

Caris Lavert is the prime example of a player growing leaps and bounds in Beilein's system. As a freshman, the beanpole guard played 10.8 minutes per game, shot 31 percent, and didn't once score in double figures. In many programs, Lavert would have become lost, might have transferred or worst. At Michigan, he dedicated himself to hitting the weight room during the summer and working on his shot (not an easy combination of activities), added some 25 pounds, and is — arguably — the most improved player in the Big Ten (if not the nation).

Lavert's 2013-14 numbers in 34 minutes per game: 13.4ppg, 44% FG, 41% 3-point FG, 4.3 rpg. Lavert's intangibles: Whenever Michigan's offense breaks down with the shot clock waning, the ball goes to Lavert and he creates something; because of Lavert's active hands, length and reflexes, Michigan has been able to play the 1-3-1 effectively — in short spurts — for the first time in recent memory; oh, and Lavert made the pass of the season, overhand style, to Robinson for Michigan's improbable win at Purdue, the most memorable moment from a season featuring many of them.

A commentator mentioned on TV today that he thinks Nik Stauskas, Michigan's should-be Big Ten Player of the Year, is the league's most improved. That's hard to argue, except when you consider his fellow sophomore.

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After each loss this season, Beilein and his players talked about learning from their defeats. They weren't just preaching to the cameras. The final stretch of the season is evidence that the Wolverines truly do make changes and understand what they need to fix — not just X's and O's, either — from one game to the next.

The improvement that oozes from this team isn't just coming from individual players.

Take the loss to No. 1 Arizona in mid-December, which dropped the Wolverines to a humbling 6-4 and an afterthought on the national scene. In that game, Michigan blew an eight-point lead with under eight minutes to play, allowing the Wildcats to outmuscle them and outhustle them in the game's crucial moments. 

Since then Michigan has won every nailbiter it's been in. The Wolverines have come back in the final minutes several times (see: at Nebraska, at Michigan State, at Ohio State, vs. Michigan State, at Purdue). And they have closed games by making the hustle plays, as senior, do-it-all big man Morgan and backup point guard Spike Albrecht did with two huge rebounds followed by a Morgan layup to help seal Michigan's 66-56 win over Minnesota last Saturday (just one example).

That's what championship teams do. Michigan wasn't a closing team in losses to Iowa State, Charlotte and the Wildcats. They learned, thanks to the coaching of Beilein and his staff. They progressed. 

The ultimate sign of a great college program in this day and age is players buying in 100 percent to what their coaches tell them — and not having to be instructed twice, or six times. With so many outsiders telling players what they want to hear and that they should be getting more shots, it's a wonder when a staff is able to have such a talented group of players' commitment from game to game throughout the season. 

Improvement. Progression. 

Those two words sum up this Michigan season. 

Oh, and special.

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“I love playing with these guys, they’re some of the best teammates. It’s been an amazing year. So far (pause). So far.” — fifth-year senior Jordan Morgan

Sure, I'll remember that this team won the Big Ten championship. But what, specifically, will pop in my mind when thinking back on the 2013-14 Wolverines?

How about the fact that their glue guy is a fifth-year senior working on his master's degree in manufacturing engineering after an undergraduate industrial and operations engineering degree? That's Morgan, the forgotten man last season when a bad ankle sprain combined with McGary's emergence saddled him to the bench for the majority of the home stretch and the Wolverines' surreal NCAA Tournament run.

Not once did Morgan complain or say anything, publicly, to take away from his teammates' accomplishments. Inside, though, he was heartbroken over his layup that hung and rolled off the rim at the end of that Indiana loss. He wouldn't be able to completely put it in his past until Saturday night, when — after an emotional buildup to his final game, which including him weeping during an interview for the Big Ten Network's "The Journey" — Morgan played one of his best games, scoring six quick points en route to 15 of them and 10 rebounds against the Hoosiers.

The reason for Morgan's success? He learned from Michigan's 63-52 loss at Indiana on Feb. 2, when the Hoosiers switched a smaller player on him and he didn't pick the right angles to receive entry passes. This time around, Morgan worked in practice on those angles and in the game aggressively called for the ball on the switch and finished time after time in traffic around the rim.

Morgan used to receive all kinds of flack for his "butterfingers." Now, it's a surprise to everyone if he mishandles a pass.

Improvement. Progress. Oh, and a special night.

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But back to Morgan's quote. 

That sums up why it's incredibly enjoyable and rewarding, as a fan, to follow this team. They genuinely love playing with each other. 

Stauskas will definitely fulfill his NBA dreams after this season. So, likely, will best friends and roommates Robinson and McGary. On a team with so many NBA prospects (Lavert is on his way, too), it's easy for individual agendas to get in the way — even if not publicly. 

I can tell you with 100 percent certainly —just from watching each game on TV, not to mention what the players say about each other — that isn't an issue. The team loves to share the ball. No plays elicit bigger celebrations, fist bumps and smiles than the dozens of alley-oops Robinson has received, seemingly, from everyone on the roster. I was in Crisler Center when he made a midair adjustment to throw down a game-clinching 'oop from Stauskas against the Spartans on Feb. 23. The roof nearly came off the arena.

On such a talented team, minutes are hard to spread around. In some games, highly heralded freshman point guard Derrick Walton, Jr. has sat during the crucial portions while Albrecht runs the Wolverines. Not once has Walton made a deal out of it.

One of those games was the comeback, overtime win at Purdue. Albrecht played all the big minutes down the stretch, but when Robinson made the game-winning shot Walton was one of the first Wolverines to mob him. Watch the celebration. It's impossible to tell the game contributors versus the bench guys.

A master's degree engineer; three sophomores likely heading to the NBA; a four-star recruit point guard who doesn't pout when big-game minutes go to his backup; and a coach who talks about enjoying the process, cherishing each success, and, simply, getting better.

It all adds up to yet another special season for a Michigan team that I'll never forget, and a Wolverines program that you can't ignore, now, as one of the nation's best. 

The upcoming weeks might bring many more wins. But they'll likely also include a loss. From the outside, there will be questions and criticism. After all, people live in the moment. And as a championship program, bigger titles — including that national one — are expected. 

But Beilein, and Morgan, and the rest of this group, will always be able to look back at this year and cherish — coach's word — a special season full of...

Progress. Improvement. And an outright Big Ten championship. 

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"Whether you've got a paper due or practice, whatever -- finish it strong. We're going to finish things (here)." — John Beilein, March 9, 2014

A special afternoon at Crisler Center: My rivalry game experience from the student section

Today was awesome! I’m on a peaceful plane now, headed back to Baltimore — and, eventually, DC, where the real world is ready to welcome me back with District traffic, more winter, and hopefully not another flat tire for my bike.

However, for now, I prefer to think abut the confines of Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, where this afternoon I joined 12,000-plus rowdy Michigan fans for a 79-70 victory over in-state rival Michigan State.

I had never been to a Michigan State-Michigan game (at least as far as I can remember), and this past fall I decided I was going to do it this year. I knew it wouldn’t be cheap. But with both teams at the top of the Big Ten standings — at least I thought that would be the case when I bought the plane ticket — I figured this could be as good as it gets.

Michigan went through a tough stretch during the nonconference, fell out of the rankings, lost preseason All-American Mitch McGary, and people gave up on the team. I never lost hope. They bounced back in a big way, winning 10 straight games spanning late December and January — including three consecutive victories over top 10 teams (one at the Breslin Center against the Spartans).

Despite recent struggles, they were tied in the loss column with Michigan State entering Sunday. But first, back to the ticket purchase. I decided I was all in last week — the day before a big Michigan win at Ohio State, which surely pushed prices up. I bought a pair off Craigslist from a student for $125 each. Not cheap, by any means, but much more affordable than the average $269 regular tickets were going for on the secondary market the week leading up to the game.

(Side note: While students I’ve talked to have some issues with Michigan’s complicated ticket policy, one cool thing is that you can transfer student tickets to people like me without a fee — the student just transfers them online to you, and then you can print them.)

Here’s my game day journal (times are approximate):

9:43 — It’s time to go! I take a final sip of my morning coffee, say adios to the Dad and Pomeranian Charlie, and head out the door of my parents’ Spring Street house into the 20-degree weather. I’m bundled up — T-shirt, fleece, hoodie, Michigan basketball maize-colored long sleeve, and Bernard Robinson Jr. No. 21 blue jersey … all under my coat. I don’t want to be cold while waiting.

10:14 — I’m in line! The drive toward the Crisler Center was uneventful, as was parking in the dentist lot off Stadium Boulevard. There were no signs anywhere that a big game was imminent. This is a far cry from a football Saturday in Ann Arbor. Even as I crossed Main Street and walked toward the arena, there were but a few early scalpers out (who were asking for tickets rather than selling). But once I circled around the arena to its back parking lot, I started hearing noise and spotted the line. I kept walking, and walking, and walking … until I finally reach its end. I turned around and looked toward Crisler. It was a ways off. But so was tipoff.

10:44 — “You should run,” I tell Justen on the phone. My companion for the game had to work in the morning, so he couldn’t join me super early. And now my portion of the line — including the group of girls behind me that has grown during the past half hour and has kept me entertained with talk of their Saturday night adventures on campus — is walking up the steps toward the gated student entrance. If Justen doesn’t make it soon, we’ll have to back up in the line.

10:48 — Justen arrives, and we’re in! Our printed tickets are scanned, we’re handed new tickets for Section 232, and we’re ready for action. Just over an hour until tipoff! Upon arriving at the section and walking up the stairs, we’re informed that it’s first come, first served. We grab seats maybe 12 rows up. Not bad.

(Side note: The students who stand in the “Maize Rage” section that you see on TV have to get in line ridiculously early. Apparently, even some students who arrived at 5AM — whoa! — were turned away and told to retreat to the back of the line. After the “Made for TV” fans are seated, the next section is in the lower bowl but behind the basket. Then the rest of the 3,000 students with ticket fill up about four sections in the upper level behind the basket; that’s where we were. But as Justen remarked to me, and I agreed, there’s really not a bad seat in the house at Crisler. It’s not that huge.)

11:56 — Everyone’s standing. Everyone’s waving their yellow pompoms. Crisler is loud. Crisler is boisterous. I can’t spot an empty seat in the house. The national anthem is sung. Then it’s introductions. Now, finally, game time! I stand with Justen on my left, an older man on my right who must be the father of the student next to him, and hundreds of rabid Wolverines fans all around us. Green is hard to spot except behind the Spartans bench.

12:22 — Denzel freakin’ Valentine is killing us. The last guy you would expect to go off from 3-point land is doing just that for the Spartans, boosting them to a 22-11 lead. We’re still trying to bring the noise. We’re still standing for each possession. But it’s hard, at this point, to be too optimistic.

12:23 — Well, at least the scoreboard guy is trying to keep the Wolverines close. In a ridiculous, hilarious, and pretty excellent demonstration of sleeping at the job, the guy keeping score inside Crisler has made two early errors. First, he failed to count an Adreian Payne free throw, leaving the Spartans short a point. Then he counted a Caris Lavert made shot that was clearly a two — as indicated by the refs — a three. He didn’t correct either mistake for a good five minutes. He’s having about as rough of a day as the Wolverines…

12:36 — But not for long! Zak Irvin throws down a one-handed breakaway dunk, and Michigan is back in it. Despite getting thoroughly outplayed, we’ve got a two-point basketball game. I can’t remember the last time I was in such a loud environment. As we sit down during a Michigan State timeout, I marvel at the atmosphere. This is fun.

12:56 — Great way to end the half. After a Michigan State basket, the Wolverines quickly inbound, a pass is fired up the sideline to Lavert — who is in the corner directly below us and in front of the Michigan State bench — and the sophomore perfectly sets his feet and releases the shot. Before it’s even swished through the net, cutting the Wolverines’ halftime deficit to a very manageable 36-34 score, he’s running back down the court. That’s confidence, he is the main reason Michigan is in the game, and Crisler is rockin’.

1:04 — “I’m mesmerized, but…” the guy next to me says as he motions to be let out of his seat to the aisle. Yeah, the magician’s halftime show is OK, but my expectations haven’t been met. The woman-in-a-box trick just isn’t cutting it for me. Hopefully the best magic will come in the second half…

1:25 — Stauskas! Just when it looks like the Spartans are threatening to create a little separation, Michigan’s sharp-shooting sophomore — the guy who owned the team in green in East Lansing, blowing the fans a kiss as the Wolverines completed the 80-75 victory — is coming alive. We have a great vantage point from our seats behind the basket that you don’t get on TV. Every shot Stauskas takes is either just left of the top of the key or from dead-on. And every one looks good. They almost all fall. His 3 cuts MSU’s deficit to 48-46. Moments later, Michigan takes its first lead in forever at 50-48. Crisler is deafening!

1:38 — “Shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, EVERYBODY!” As my man Justen will recall later, the joint was never more hype. A run made up almost entirely of Stauskas and Lavert baskets has given the Wolverines a 64-52 lead on a Lavert two-handed slam. Timeout Tom Izzo and the Spartans. And we’re all singing “Shots, shots…” because Michigan’s hitting all of them. We’re engulfed by a sea of pompoms. I’m starting to lose my voice. This is what a big-time basketball game in February should feel like!

1:53 — “OHHHHHHH!!!” And that’s the exclamation point. Many free throws will follow, to officially seal the deal, but Glenn Robinson III, the much-maligned sophomore, has just thrown down an alley-oop pass from Stauskas that the disher will later admit was not his best. Robinson seemed to hang in the air for a full second and adjusted his body accordingly to throw down the dunk, which sent us all into delirium. Oh, what a moment. Michigan is up double figures and en route to sweeping the Spartans and taking control of first place, by itself, in the Big Ten.

2:02 — And that’s a wrap. Once more, we pump our fists, and/or pompoms to “Hail to the Victors,” and the friendly usher provides high fives as we walk down the steps of the section, adding, “You’ll be telling your kids about this one.” Michigan 79, Michigan State 70.

What will I remember most about this afternoon? The atmosphere. The emotion. Stauskas doing not one, but two huge fist pumps after a Michigan run in the second half. Beilein getting as animated as you’ll ever see the mostly calm Wolverines coach after a blocking foul on senior Jordan Morgan. The players continuously encouraging the fans to get loud throughout the game. Sweating through my many layers. And, of course, how it all started with the line.

Obviously, we live in the moment — now more than ever with social media. But when Beilein and many of the players Tweeted afterward about Crisler being about as loud as they’d ever experienced it, I believe them — or at least I like to. And I fondly think I was a part of something special.

That maybe, just maybe, will result in Michigan’s first outright Big Ten title since 1985-86 — when I was crawling on the floor in diapers and didn’t know the difference between a basketball and a pumpkin.