Zavier Simpson outplays Cassius Winston

Submitted by Rico on

Simpson: 16 pts, 5 assists, 0 turnovers (needs to work on FTs though!)

Winston: 11 pts, 2 assists, 4 turnovers

What a day for Zavier! This was an interesting matchup to watch, with Winston at one point looking like he would be a Wolverine and many fans not high on Simpson after his freshman year. Zavier certainly looked like the much more effective point guard today. Winston had the flashy numbers coming in but certainly did not look as good as they suggest. What a difference a year - and even a few weeks - can make, and a lot of that is a credit to Coach Beilein's talent identification and development. Yes it was just one game, but it is more evidence that Beilein's recruiting should not be questioned as much as it is.

Bb011

January 13th, 2018 at 2:45 PM ^

He played one hell of a game. He needs to work on his FT shooting because that may bite us at some point this season, but he played an amazing game overall.

jmblue

January 13th, 2018 at 2:51 PM ^

He's a fantastic finisher at the rim now.  I was worried about that part of his game a year ago - not anymore.  He has great body control on his drives and has learned to shield the ball.  Just needs to hit those FTs.

 

Bambi

January 13th, 2018 at 2:50 PM ^

I was a big critic of Simpson last year, but from the start of this year I've been a fan. He's so much better it's incredible. This team has such a high ceilein if Simpson and Livers play like they have been. Even more so if Duncan plays with the D and effort he did today.

old98blue

January 13th, 2018 at 3:10 PM ^

I was felt that way about LeVert after his freshman year but JB knew what he had and kept putting him out there. Its time everyone gets on the Beilein train he's been a great coach an ambassador for our school

mgodrew3223

January 13th, 2018 at 2:51 PM ^

One of my Sparty friends has always loved to bring up how Michigan made a big mistake between these two. I'll check in on Monday and see what he thinks now :)

old98blue

January 13th, 2018 at 2:51 PM ^

I remember a few years back a Sparty giving me shit about JB getting some low level player from Canada because he couldn't recruit talent to come to Michigan. Stauskas I think his name was don't know where he is today or remember  how that worked out for us. JB knows talent. 

 

Ajcoss

January 13th, 2018 at 3:01 PM ^

As Z gets better, shows potential of this team. The pros are That when Mo plays well, this team can beat anyone in the country. Now until April should be exciting. Cons, Gotta find a way to shoot FT's at end of game. Unfortunately our 2 best players at getting open (Mathews & Z) are in the 50's FT% in a 1 & done format, best teams don't always win. When ahead at end, gotta put it away. Those misses scare me for a late season run.

umumum

January 13th, 2018 at 3:03 PM ^

Based on the thread comments, there appears to be strong sentiment that Simpson should work on his free throws.  Beilein (and Simpson)  will be appreciative of the advice.

ppudge

January 13th, 2018 at 3:14 PM ^

Simpson has been great ever since Beilein made the move in Maui to have Simpson lose his starting spot. He worked to get it back and now has a stranglehold on the job.

Michifornia

January 13th, 2018 at 3:18 PM ^

RECRUITED SOME PRETTY COMPETITIVE DUDES.  Man, does X have some edge to him.  All these young guys play fearlessly.  Gonna be a fun ride the next few seasons, including this year.

GO BLUE!!

bringthewood

January 13th, 2018 at 3:21 PM ^

Scott Skiles once said to Michigan's Antoine Joubert "shoot it fat boy" in a M vs MSU game. Winston is looking mighty doughy these days, Z might have to break that out next time they play.

umchicago

January 13th, 2018 at 3:29 PM ^

drove the lane with ease today.  then to top it off, he drains a 25 foot 3 pointer in the first half like it was nothing.  the improvement in this kid is miraculous. but we should be used to it. it happens every year where someone makes a huge unexpected leap in their play.  JB is genius.

B-Nut-GoBlue

January 13th, 2018 at 3:40 PM ^

Izzo called it a 35 footer during the half time intervirew.  Such a jackass.  It was a nice step back from the arc but not near as far as he made it seem (as if it was a bullshit luck shot).