Young, Michigan to take Wake test

By Raphael Goodstein

Daily Sports Writer

Members of the Michigan basketball team knew that freshman Bernard Robinson could score. And many knew that sophomore LaVell Blanchard should score. But few thought junior Chris Young would score.

Yet three games into the season, the forward/center has become the all-important third scorer on the team, averaging 14 points per game to go along with his seven rebounds.

Since Young only averaged eight points and four rebounds last year, there is reason for optimism for Michigan post play, which has been the team's weak link in recent seasons.

"It's just aggressiveness," shooting guard Gavin Groninger said. "Last year, he would get the ball and immediately look to pass it back out. Now he's feeling the defense and making a move right away.

"That helps a lot. Eventually he'll start to draw a double team and open things up for (the shooters). It's going well right now but he'll be tested against Wake Forest."

Guards Robert O' Kelley and Craig Dawson lead the 12th-ranked Demon Deacons in scoring, averaging a combined 33 points per game.

But while O'Kelley and Dawson effectively man Wake Forest's perimeter, forwards Antwan Scott and Darius Songalia make Wake Forest dangerous. The duo averages 13 and 12 points per game, respectively. More importantly, the inside presence prevents opposing teams from guarding the perimeter.

This balance is what Michigan strives for. The Wolverines' interior was ineffective because of foul trouble against Oakland in the season opener. As a result, Michigan lost.

"It's much easier with guys like Josh Moore, Josh Asselin and Chris Young whom can pick up a lot of slack for us guys on the outside," Robinson said. Young "has developed a lot of confidence and he's playing excellent ball and it's definitely showing in the game. He's basically dominating right now."

The Wolverines will need Young to continue to dominate if they are to win any of their next four games: Wake Forest, No. 13 Maryland, either No. 19 St. John's or George Washington and then No. 1 Duke.

"The Big Ten/ACC Challenge gives Big Ten teams a chance to play teams we normally wouldn't play," Young said. "We play Duke just about every year but we never really get a chance to play any of the other teams.

"I think this is (a barometer of where Michigan is). If we come out and play flat, that will set the tone for how we play the next couple games. If we come out and do what we're supposed to do, that will help us in this week coming up."

If Young continues to play the way he's been playing, that too will help Michigan in this week coming up.

What a deal: Because of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, the Athletic Department has decided to sell student tickets for $3 today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no limit to how many tickets students can buy.

The latest: This year's Maize Rage t-shirts will begin to be passed out at 5:30, when Crisler opens its doors.

MARJORIE MARSHALL/Daily

Junior Chris Young has developed into an interior threat for Michigan this season. If the Wolverines hope to upset No. 12 Wake Forest today, he cannot disappear in the paint.