Michigan Monday: Zavier Getting To Work on His Jumper

Detroit News

Since Michigan is now a basketball school (and there really isn't much going on the with the football program), I thought I would highlight this 24/7 article on Zavier Simpson and his father who is working on his shooting during the off season.   Zavier's father Quincy is an AAU coach:


"We're just working on the shot and that's really it," Simpson said. "I want him to get a more consistent shot. I think if he does that, he's going to have a lot of basketball in his life. We're going back to square one. Sitting in the chair in front of the rim, he's at home right now, and we're doing those things right now. I believe in the 21-day method, that's just me. I believe it takes 21 days for the muscle and the mind to work together. As soon as you don't make shots or as soon as something don't feel right, you always resort to the old ways. We're just going through muscle memory for 21 days and if we can get through that 21st day, I believe he will have a special career at Michigan."

•  Michigan 2019 OT commit Karsen Barnhart was at the UA Camp in Chicago this past weekend.

• Congratulations to the Michigan Softball Team on another Big Ten Championship!

• Ohio 2019 five-star DE Zach Harrison says Michigan is in his top 5.  All the insiders believe he is an OSU lock.

•  DE commit Stephen Herron was at the Nike Ohio Opening combine

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/05/michigan-monday-zavier-getting-to-work.html

Michigan Friday: France is Now Complete - Back To The Weight Room

The trip to France is now complete and it seemed the Wolverines got plenty of educational value out of the trip.   This bonding and educational trip was funded by Michigan alums Bobby Kotick and Don Graham at a cost estimated to be $800,000.   Bobby funded the Rome trip entirely and split it this year with Don.   Bobby has offered to fund the trip every year that Jimmy wants to do it.  


Next year proposed trips could be Greece, Spain, Cuba, and South Africa.  If Jimmy can start winning on the field more often, this trip will become a huge recruiting advantage. 




One of the most important hires this off season was S&C coach Ben Herbert from Arkansas.  It seemed that Ben and Jimmy hit it off during the first phone conversation:


"It was as natural and easy a conversation as I've ever had," Herbert said Wednesday. "Philosophically, how he views things, the things he takes pride in, the things he believes in, carry in line with the things that I do.  "The conversation was effortless."


Ben got to work right away contacting players and getting them back in the facility:


What followed was baseline testing, deep-tissue work and a full revamp of Michigan's offseason strength and conditioning program. Rather than narrow down specific objectives, Herbert says he prefers to take a comprehensive approach.


"It comes down to first making sure they understand the importance of fueling their body," Herbert said. "And most don't."


He's hammered home the importance of water and fluid, having frequent meals, pushed zinc in players' diets and stressed working on the lower body during workouts.


"The largest muscles in the body are in the legs," Herbert said. "Those are pulling movements. Their upper back, lower back, really the backside of your body in a lot of cases, are untapped when they come in. Either from high school or other institutions. 


"From a development standpoint, we start there."


The other side to all of this is creating a new, inviting environment in the weight room. Players say they can't wait to get in there and made reference this spring to new, unique workouts.
Herbert and his team -- he hired four assistant strength coaches, along with a full-time nutritionist -- have turned it into an environment "you like/love to be in."


As I know you have heard, Ben has been making a real impact on the team since he joined in January.   With his new approach and the new Schembechler weight room, it seems the team is enjoying working out and getting stronger and faster.   One of the things that happened last year, was the dominating defense got a tired in the  4th quarter as the offense was not moving the ball.  Hopefully we will see a huge impact with both units next season.

•  JT Barrett was signed as a free agent by the New Orleans Saints.  He is not expected to make the team as a QB.   I know JT had a great run in Columbus, but with the new OSU QB's and a new a pro offense focus, there will come a day where we will miss playing JT and his power running game.   I continue to be surprised that Don Brown couldn't stop a QB that didn't want to throw and would run anytime it was less then 3rd and 10 yards.

• Wichita State sophomore shooting guard Austin Reaves is considering transferring to Michigan.  He would of course have to sit out a transfer year.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/05/michigan-friday-france-is-now-complete.html

Local gift ideas for the Maryland mom

In the rush to prepare the backyard for grilling season and spring cleaning the house, Mother’s Day can sneak up and leave us scrambling for gift ideas and other ways to show how much we appreciate Mom.

Don’t let Sunday, May 13 take you by surprise this year. Whether it’s a much needed day at the spa or a box of handmade chocolates, there’s a gift and activity for every kind of mom in Maryland.

The Mom Who Needs Pampering
For the mom who wants perfectly smoothed and sculpted tresses for her special day look no further than Blo Blow Dry Bar, with locations in Annapolis and Gaithersburg. The stylists don’t do cuts or color because they’ve made it their sole job to expertly style hair for runway ready locks. Walk-ins are welcome and makeup services are also offered at the Annapolis location.

Help mom escape for an hour or the entire day at Spa on the Avenue in White Marsh. With services including Tahitian Coconut Body Polish, Sedona Mud Body Masque, Ayurvedic Spa Treatments, and Energy Balancing along with traditional salon services such as haircut and color, nail care, makeup, and waxing – you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your mom’s needs.

For one of the most unique spa experiences, visit The Salt Sanctuary in Elkridge. Salt Therapy is said to reduce inflammation, calm symptoms of chronic respiratory conditions, boost immunity, and relieve the symptoms of allergies. This unique, microclimate environment, provides and all-natural, drug-free, and non-invasive solution to enhance the body’s natural ability to balance and heal.

The Flower-Loving Mom
For an early Mother’s Day gift take mom to The Flowermart in Mount Vernon. This time honored tradition celebrates the start of spring with tons of beautiful flowers including annuals, hanging baskets, azaleas, rhododendrons, tulips, and more. Featuring delicious food, unique arts and crafts, fun contests, live music, and everyone’s favorite lemon peppermint sticks – the Flowermart is an all-day affair. Take mom to this free festival running from 11AM-8PM on both Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5.

Located in Lothian, Greenstreet Gardens offers a wealth of plants, flowers, landscape options, and gifts for every garden-loving mom. Open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day, Greenstreet is perfect for either picking up a gift or bringing mom out to enjoy the beautiful flowers and search for the next addition to her garden.

For 45 years, Sun Nurseries has provided high quality, locally grown plants in Howard County. Open seven days a week, this 20 acre-site hosts a vast plant display area, garden supply store, and hard goods loading area. With their huge selection of fruit plants, perennials, annuals, and pottery, you and mom are sure to get lost for the day in a sea of natural beauty.

For the Mom Who Wants Something to Unwrap
Based in Reisterstown, My Staycation Box offers the elements of a vacation to destinations like Jamaica, Key West, Australia, Greece and Ireland all in one affordable package. Simply choose a destination themed box, place your order, and in two to three days you’ll receive a box filled with amazing products that embody the spirit of that location. The company is constantly adding new destinations to their store meaning you’re bound to find one for the trip mom has always dreamed of or a place she’d like to return.

For apparel, home décor, jewelry, bags, and beauty products visit Punch in historic Federal Hill. Here you’ll find uniquely styled items unlike anything in generic department stores. The company also offers their merchandise for online purchase. Pick up a gift that perfectly meets mom’s style or make a day of it and enjoy the many restaurants and shops Federal Hill has to offer.

Located in charming downtown Berlin, HOUSE by Salvaged is a decorator’s dream. Filled with restored antique furniture and upcycled pieces, this hidden gem located behind Fins Ale House on Main Street is a perfect way to spend the day hunting for the next statement piece for mom’s home. If she loves all things Pinterest and Instagram, this will be her new favorite store.

Looking for more Mother’s Day suggestions? Click here.

The post Local gift ideas for the Maryland mom appeared first on MDBIZNews.

from https://mdbiznews.commerce.maryland.gov/2018/05/local-gift-ideas-for-the-maryland-mom/

Michigan Thursday: Jacks of All Trades - Master of None

Nick Baumgardner is now with the Free Press and wrote an article this week that Brian at Mgoblog wrote a post on it.   The key comment was from Grant Newsome:

The  offensive line? Players talked about how much new position coach Ed Warinner made simplifications this spring, mainly because he had no other choice. Grant Newsome told reporters Tuesday that Warinner stripped down the complex language and overall concept because it was overwhelming. 

"He said he was even confused by the amount of terminology and different plays we had in the playbook," Newsome said. 

On this blog, we have talked about "too many cooks in the kitchen" and this is a key example.  Jimmy had two offensive line coaches, coaching two different styles of blocking: Zone and Power.   What this did was confuse the offensive lineman and made sure they were not good at any expect of blocking.  

This is 100% on Jimmy and he should own it.   He had too many guys making too much money and not focusing on specific areas.   Tim Drevno was the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for power, Greg Frey was brought in to coach zone blocking and the TE's, and Pep Hamilton was in charge of the passing game. (Jay of course was the RB coach)  What a mess! 

This year is much different:

• Pep seems to be the unofficial OC
• Ed Warinner is the only coach coaching the offensive line
• Sherrone Moore is coaching the Tight End's
• Jim McEwain is coaching the WR's
• Jay Harbaugh still has the RB's

I thought there were two embarrassing losses last year where Michigan's lack of blocking was very clear and could not be covered up by the dominating defense: Michigan State and the Outback Bowl.    The entire team looked checked out during the Outback Bowl.

Jimmy had to make changes to try to turn this battleship.   The schedule is brutal next season, thanks to Warde Manuel signing the new ND contract with the first game in South Bend.   Michigan will also have to travel to East Lansing and Columbus.   I love the ND rivalry, but would have preferred to keep the Arkansas and schedule the Fighting Irish where it was a better fit for Michigan then ND.   How Warde looked at the schedule and thought it was ok, is very hard for me to understand.   He has been a good AD so far but that was a "Dave Brandon" type of mistake. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/05/michigan-thursday-jacks-of-all-trades.html

A very merry Maryland Mother’s Day

In the rush to prepare the backyard for grilling season and spring cleaning the house, Mother’s Day can sneak up and leave us scrambling for gift ideas and other ways to show how much we appreciate Mom.

Don’t let Sunday, May 13 take you by surprise this year. Whether it’s a much needed day at the spa or a box of handmade chocolates, there’s a gift and activity for every kind of mom in Maryland.

The Outdoorsy Mom
For 25 years, Schooner Woodwind has been welcoming passengers aboard their beautiful, 74-foot schooners in Annapolis. From two-hour public sailing cruises to specialty options featuring carefully crafted food and drink pairings, there’s an excursion for everyone. Help raise the sails and steer the boat, or simply sit back and enjoy the view of Maryland’s treasured Chesapeake Bay.

Just minutes from Deep Creek Lake in the mountains of Garrett County, Circle R Ranch is the perfect way to relax and connect with nature. This family-friendly guided trail ride will provide you with stunning views of natural streams, towering maple and oak trees, and more. With horses to suit both novice and experienced equestrians, Circle D Ranch can accommodate any outdoor lovers’ wish of experiencing nature in the saddle.

Make a weekend out of Mother’s Day by enjoying s’mores and campfire stories at the Brunswick Family Campground in Frederick County between the Potomac River and the C&O Canal. With more than a 100 scenic campsites available for reservation, this hidden gem offers breathtaking views of the Short Hill Mountain and activities like biking, hiking, and boating.

The Artsy Mom
Celebrate the 50-year legendary music career of Tom Jones one night only on Wednesday, May 9 at 8PM at Baltimore City’s Hippodrome. At 77 years young, Jones has received some of the best reviews of his career for his most recent albums, ‘Long Lost Suitcase’, ‘Spirit in the Room’, and ‘Praise & Blame.’ Featuring supporting act, ‘Into the Ark’.

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra has amazed audiences with its ‘Movie with Orchestra’ series featuring the scores of classic films, such as Jurassic Park and Harry Potter, performed live while the film unfolds on the big screen. Principal Pops Conductor, Jack Everly, will take the podium from Thursday May 10th to Sunday May 13th for Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. There will be shows at both the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore City and the Strathmore Performing Arts Center in Bethesda.

Glass fusion and paint your own pottery at Ellicott City’s Pottery Shop is the perfect outlet for the creative Mom. All ages and abilities are welcome to choose a pottery or glass piece to paint or create their own fused glass project while enjoying a latte or smoothie. The Pottery Shop is open seven days a week and walk-ins are welcome.

The Foodie Mom
Located in the Fells Point neighborhood of Baltimore City, Pierpoint Restaurant offers both adult and children’s cooking classes for a variety of skillsets. For more than 20 years, the restaurant has hosted hands-on classes that include food, drink, and recipes that participants can eat and take home. Classes include International Appetizers, Thai Cuisine, International Barbeque, Maryland Cooking, Modern Italian, Creative Vegetarian, and more. Classes are hosted on weekends from 1-4PM and are reserved by phone at 410-675-2080.

Learn how to bake delicious croissants, bagels, and pastries with Chef Steve Konopelski at Denton’s Turnbridge Point Bed & Breakfast. Classes range from group demonstration styles to private, hands-on instruction sessions. Enjoy Chef Steve’s famous cookies while taking in the striking beauty of this newly renovated Victorian-era home with views of the Choptank River. Turnbridge Point will also be hosting a Mother’s Day Sunday Brunch.

Take a trip to Southern Maryland to explore the over 75 indulgent recipes at Heritage Chocolates in Leonardtown’s Square. Established in 2015, these handmade chocolates and confections have boomed in popularity offering classics like caramels and toffees, to cream-filled chocolates, enrobed Oreos, and decorated graham crackers.

The post A very merry Maryland Mother’s Day appeared first on MDBIZNews.

from https://mdbiznews.commerce.maryland.gov/2018/05/a-very-merry-maryland-mothers-day/

Wolverine Wednesday: Mo and Charles Get Combine Invites

newsday

We know two Wolverines are trying the NBA on for size in the next few months.   Mo Wagner is officially gone and has signed with an agent.   Charles Matthews is looking to turn heads at the NBA combine because he is rated as a 2nd round or even a free agent player for the NBA right now.   Charles is not expected to sign with an agent which would keep the door open to returning to Michigan.   If that is the case, going through this process will give him a lot of information from NBA teams on what he needs to work on at Michigan next season. 


Both guys will be at the combine and get to show their stuff.   We all expected DJ Wilson to come back to Michigan last year and he preformed well at the Combine and became a 1st round draft pick.   He spent the year on Milwaukee's bench and in the G-League.  

• Speaking of Mo he signed with Roc Nation Sports as his agent.

• Joe Milton can throw the ball 85 yards.

• Gary is already showing up in Mock Drafts for next year in the top 10.  Consider this his senior year.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/05/wolverine-wednesday-mo-and-charles-get.html

Michigan Tuesday: Welcomes Another Instate Offensive Lineman

Maybe Jimmy should spend more time in France?  He arrives in Paris and finds out that Shea Patterson has gotten his NCAA Waiver and now he has landed an instate offensive line prospect from Paw Paw.   He also is getting daily hits on ESPN Sports Center with Marty Smith also on the trip.  If your wondering where Paw Paw is?  It's past Kalamazoo off of 94.   So his family and friends don't have far to go for Michigan games. 


Karsen Barnhart was about to pull the trigger on a commitment to Michigan a few weeks ago after a visit to Ann Arbor.  Someone from East Lansing got in his head and asked him to wait a few weeks.  He did and still committed to the Wolverines yesterday.


Barhhart is a high 3 star OT across the board to all the services.  He is 6'5 and 282 pounds and projects to tackle or guard in Jimmy's offense.   His offer list included MSU, IU, ASU, Iowa, Iowa State, UK, Minnesota, and Nebraska.  For video on KB check out his hudl page.


Insiders that have seen a game or reviewed his tape consider Karsen to be in the mold of 3rd round draft pick Mason Cole.   This is the 4th offensive lineman (Rumler, Smith, and Stewart) in the class and it seems many can bounce from guard to tackle as they develop.   With the light 2018 class, I expect the Wolverines will still take one or two more offensive linemen in this class. 


Michigan continues to have a nice top 10 ranked 2019 class with now 10 commitments.

• James "Biggie" Ross proposed to his girlfriend at the Palace of Versailles yesterday.  Well done, young man! She said, Yes!  As you know, his brother is on the team now and is expected to compete for starting LB role with the team next season.  Biggie is an analyst on Jimmy's staff.
• Michigan is in the top 5 for NJ 3 star defensive end Aeneas DiCosmo, also in the top 5 are ND, Stanford, Clemson, and Northwestern.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/05/michigan-tuesday-welcomes-another.html