The story of the Michigan basketball team is well-documented.
Dirty dealings emerged in the summer of 1997, yet went unproven as the NCAA and a Kansas law firm sought the truth.
Coach Steve Fisher lost his job amidst rampant suspicion and the Michigan players rallied to his side.
Now, a year later, where does everyone stand?
Fisher sits home in Ann Arbor without a job. The damage to his reputation as a man of integrity who ran a clean program is forever tarnished. Big-time jobs have come and gone with Fisher out of the loop.
The program, despite its best season in three years, lost four of its top five players and the other - Louis Bullock - rarely ventures inside of 15 feet.
Two below-average recruits signed with Michigan, but neither is expected to revitalize what is expected to be a subpar season.
The defending Big Ten Tournament champion, Michigan will be lucky to compete for a bye in the this season's tournament - an honor bestowed upon the season's top five finishers.
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| Mark Snyder Mark |
But before negativity overcomes Michigan fans, present coach Ellerbe throws a wrench into the problem proposal, for his next move may be his most crucial.
Last season, he did everything he could to right a sinking ship. Instead of the program tearing apart at the seams as might be expected after the firing of a loyal coach, Ellerbe maintained a steady hand.
His ascension to the head position was uneasy and awkward, but he handled it with class.
His job remained in limbo on numerous occasions, but day-to-day activities remained consistent in the program.
In essence, Brian Ellerbe did everything right. Unfortunately for him, 'everything' goes better with an NBA-caliber front line and a playmaker willing to sacrifice life and limb for the team - both of which he had last season.
The names of last year - Traylor, Baston, Ward and Conlan - may be fresh in fans' minds, but at Michigan they make up the past.
Throughout his first campaign at Michigan, Ellerbe liked to talk about how critics of the program knew little about his team and the game they played.
Right or wrong, Ellerbe always has been sincere and honest.
After a loss, his excuses were minimal. After a victory, his emotions were tempered and optimistic.
That consistency should make Ellerbe a Michigan success story. But potential is a fleeting proposition - especially in Ann Arbor. Regardless, he'll get his chance to prove otherwise.
Despite a four-year contract, the guarantee of a long-term future remains fleeting in college sports - no matter the campus.
Ellerbe has the opportunity to do things his way. Starting from scratch, he has built a coaching staff of his people.
Administrative assistant Tom Sorboro assumes a role new to Michigan basketball. He will deal with most of the paperwork (i.e. travel plans), freeing the other assistants to concentrate on the floor game.
But ultimately, recruiting will determine the success of Ellerbe's tenure - and how long he lasts.
The shroud over the Michigan program for the past 15 months has left the cupboard nearly bare and the only proven player with All-Big Ten skills - Bullock - is a senior who thus far has been one-dimensional.
Talented recruits, afraid of possible penalties, committed elsewhere, leaving Michigan fans to wonder.
The motto among Michigan coaches of every sport is that Michigan sells itself.
The academics, the campus and the city all play major roles in corralling high school All-Americans.
Last season, by the end, Ellerbe had the title of coach.
This year, we'll really see if he can coach.
- Mark Snyder is a Daily Sports Editor. He can be reached via e-mail at msnyder@umich.edu.
09-08-98
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