LIKE FATHERS…
Michigan’s Hardaway, Robinson have winning ways ‘in their DNA’
Michigan men’s basketball standouts Tim Hardaway Jr. and Glenn Robinson III are best known for their famous fathers’ many oncourt accomplishments.
If the start to their season is any indication, however, the two sons one day may be viewed independently of their dads, both former NBAstars.
That was certainly the case on Wednesday as the No. 4 Wolverines rallied from behind to top Pittsburgh, 6762, in the Preseason NIT semifinals at the Garden. In a gamechanging 206 run late in the second half, the two completely took over, combining for 18 of the Wolverines’ 20 points.
“It was just a great job of our teammates finding us,” Hardaway Jr. said. “It was just looking at the defense and taking what the defense gave us.”
Robinson and Hardaway (an AllBig Ten third team selection last year) prefer to talk about their personal goals than namedrop about the many famous players aroundwhom they grewup.
Being the son of an NBA player has its positives and negatives, both said. There are challenges, such as the many comparisons from the time they started to take the sport seriously.
“Being a legacy child is not easy,” Michigan head coach John Beilein said. “Thus far both are handling itwell. I’m sure there will be other obstacles sometimes, but they realize that’s part of it.”
One of the more experienced players for the 40 Wolverines as a junior, the 6foot6 Hardaway hasworked to improve his allaround game past his marksmanship fromthe perimeter, his forte, and is averaging 17 points and nearly seven rebounds per game.
“I love Tim’s overall floor game,” Beilein said.
Robinson, a skilled 6foot6 freshman, is looking to find his niche as a combo forward able to score inside and out. He is scoring over 13 points per contest.
“The biggest thing is that they’re hard workers. Both of them learned that from their fathers,” Beilein said. “Their fatherswouldn’t have ascended to their levels without hardwork. Thatwas in theirDNA.”
Michigan isn’t overreliant on the two. Its best player is arguably senior lead guard Trey Burke, an AllBig Ten preseason first team selection. Robinson isn’t even the Wolverines’ highestrated freshman — forward Mitch McGary is— though Robinson seems to be their most talented newcomer.
After three relatively easy home games to start the year, Michiganwas tested by Pittsburgh. The Wolverines trailed for most of the first half before the big comeback, spurred on by Robinson and Hardaway. Up next is gritty and physical Kansas State, which got by underdog Delaware onWednesday.
It’s only November, but an early title is exactly how Michigan wants to start its season.
“If you want to win a championship one day, you need to start thinking about this one,” Beilein said.