Australia covers for Israel in exhibition

Well at least they had a backup - again.

The Israeli 22-and-under national team, scheduled to play against Michigan tonight at Crisler Arena are the second foreign team in as many seasons to cancel.

The Israelis did not give a reason for the cancellation.

"These foreign teams, the Big Ten takes care of them," Michigan coach Brian Ellerbe said. "Sometimes one can't show up, and the Big Ten just puts another one in its place."

In this case, the other one is the North Melbourne Giants, who will take the hardwood against the Wolverines tonight at Crisler Arena at 7:30.

FILE PHOTO Michigan senior guard Louis Bullock and the Wolverines begin their season with an exhibition against the North Melbourne Giants tonight at Crisler Arena. Bullock and senior guard Robbie Reid make up one of the top backcourts in the nation.

The Australian-based team is making a Big Ten swing in place of the Israelis.

The Giants played Indiana on Sunday and Purdue on Monday, losing both games by an average of 37 points.

But they were nice enough to fit the Wolverines into their schedule

Ellerbe admitted that he doesn't even know anything about the Giants, but said it doesn't really matter whom the Wolverines play. The exhibitions are to see his team and to work out some kinks, regardless of the opponent.

"I'm anxious to see us play," Ellerbe said. "I want to see how we react under the lights and get our feet wet. We're going to experiment with some different things and use the game for what is - an exhibition."

The Giants are led by 5-foot-11 guard Antoine Howard, who averaged 18 points and four assists in the games against Indiana and Purdue. Ricky Daniels leads the Giants' inside game, grabbing 18 boards and scoring 16 points in the two games.

Most eyes will be on the Michigan frontcourt, which has some pretty big holes to fill.

With Michigan's Robert Traylor, Maceo Baston and Jerod Ward departed to greener pastures, the inexperienced Michigan frontcourt of Brandon Smith, Josh Asselin and Peter Vignier will get its first chance to silence its critics.

But chances are, it will be the Wolverines' backcourt that slays the Giants.

Guards Louis Bullock and Robbie Reid are Michigan's only two proven returning threats, and both have worked to improve their games during the offseason.

Ellerbe also hopes to give freshman Leon Jones significant playing time, to see how he reacts to the college game.

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