Wolverines report: Getting inside
 

The Sports Xchange
 
 
Getting inside · Notes, quotes · Strategy and personnel
 

Michigan's first season with John Beilein in charge revealed a program that improved in fits and starts. Judging by the offseason roster movement in Ann Arbor, the second season could be more of the same.

In early May, sophomore Epke Udoh decided he needed to spend his final two years of eligibility elsewhere. That cost the Wolverines the Big Ten's top shotblocker.

Beilein tried to fill that gap in the post by signing 6-foot-10 Robin Benzing, a member of Germany's national youth team. Less than two months later, Beilein had to announce that Benzing couldn't hit the NCAA's initial-eligibility guidelines and won't play.

Where does that leave the Wolverines? Still looking for a few pieces to revolve around sophomore guard Manny Harris, a first-team all-Big Ten player waiting to happen, and junior forward DeShawn Sims.

Beilein's puzzle will become more clear shortly before Christmas when Arizona transfer Laval Lucas-Perry becomes eligible. Lucas-Perry averaged 9.8 points per game this summer while playing for Athletes in Action at the Jones Cup in Taiwan. His point guard skills will allow Harris to focus more on scoring.

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