The media disrespects women’s hoops, Draymond disrespects Jordan Poole, the butt plug chess grandmaster disrespects chess and more in today’s Blue’s News.
Happy Thursday, pals. I didn’t think I’d be using the phrase “butt plug” this early in the morning.
MICHIGAN HOOPS PRESEASON DISRESPECT?
The Big Ten women’s hoops preseason poll and honors dropped on Wednesday. In the coaches’ preseason poll, Michigan ranked fifth; in the media poll, Michigan didn’t make the top five in favor of Nebraska.
UmmmmmMmMMmMMMMMMm okay. Sure. Sure!
I understand that Naz Hillmon is one of the most gifted players to come from Michigan in any sport in quite some time. Losing Amy Dilk and Danielle Rauch doesn’t help, either. I know this, and I know the depth of talent in the Big Ten this season. It’s hard to dispute the top five and Michigan’s place within (or not within) the rankings.
I’m also allowed to be a homer and say Michigan is entering the season somewhat underrated. That’s within my editorial power! I know my poster’s rights to say I don’t understand how an Elite Eight appearance and the consistent, successful upward trajectory Kim Barnes Arico has the team on doesn’t count for something. I’m not arguing, but I’m not not arguing, you know?
My complaints will end there for now, because Leigha Brown did make both the coaches’ and media’s preseason All Big Ten teams. She’s surrounded by talent I simply cannot argue or dispute, including two-time preseason Player of the Year Caitlin Clark (Iowa).
FINALLY, I’M WRITING A NICE THING ABOUT MICHIGAN HOCKEY
It’s nice to write positive things about Michigan’s hockey culture, it turns out. Who knew?
Interim head hockey coach Brandon Naurato spoke to the media on his approach to leading the program both on and off the ice. Connor Earegood of The Michigan Daily – whose work I’ve cited frequently for its thoughtfulness on the Michigan hockey situation – wrote on his impressions of the Zoom call, with a far more hopeful tone about the program’s direction than we’re used to, collectively speaking.
While Naurato wasn’t particularly interested in answering questions about the havoc his predecessor left behind, he did seem to focus on where he sees his role in the program’s future. From Earegood:
So while it might be easy to view Naurato’s program with hesitancy, to question every move he makes with Michigan’s Pearson-damaged image in mind — don’t. Nothing Naurato has done deserves that level of scrutiny yet, and he can only be judged by his own actions.
Naurato was brought on as an assistant coach after the incidents detailed in the WilmerHale report took place. He now has the tenuous job of maintaining a quality program on the ice while rehabilitating it off the ice. Still, he’s passing the vibes check, and I’m excited to see where the Wolverines go with his guidance.
FROM THE MAIZE AND BLUE THINKING CHAIR
- I, for one, have always believed in Jordan Poole. Now everyone else does, too…
- …everyone, that is, except for Draymond Green!
- A while ago, I threw a quick blurb in here about the chess grandmaster who was rumored to cheat during matches with vibrating anal beads. I don’t know if that part is actually true, but he’s got a lot more to worry about than what’s up his butt. Also, no, this doesn’t have any discernible ties to Michigan. Don’t care!
- In case you live under a rock, Michigan alumnus Tom Brady chose football over being married. Of all the things I detest about Tom Brady, him somehow not being a wife guy is up there.
MICHIGAN-ADJACENT VIDEO OF THE DAY
Bear with me; these are two videos, not just one. Watch for the big guy with the good hair in royal blue, wearing No. 25.
Seems like that Owen Power kid might make it in the NHL.