Wolverine TV: Phil Martelli talks injuries, '1-0' mentality, previews Michigan vs. Rutgers
Michigan Wolverines basketball associate head coach Phil Martelli met with the media Wednesday morning, before his team practices and takes off to play Rutgers Thursday night in Piscataway. He discussed injuries, the team’s mentality with four games remaining in the regular season, what he’s seen from Rutgers on film (it’s his scout) and more.
Rutgers has lost three of its last four games but just won by one point at Wisconsin over the weekend. Martelli raved about the Scarlet Knights’ defense and the challenge Michigan will have to face in that respect.
“[Michigan head coach] Juwan [Howard] has had a saying about ‘junkyard dogs’ with our program, in a very complimentary way, and we have seen a lot of those types of teams,” Martelli said. “But this is top of the list. They’re tough as tough could be, 7 steals a game, they play at times undersized, they are built defensively first and they build off of the energy and the noise that is provided with their home court.
“You’re always looking at ebbs and flows in a season, and they had lost three straight [games], and really gutted out a win at Wisconsin. My thing has always been, in these kind of situations, you better lace your sneakers tight. And if you are, in any way, averse to being hit on the chin, then don’t make this trip, because that’s what this will be. This will be very physical. They play older.
“Without like a [former Rutgers standouts] Ron Harper and without a Geo Baker, their whole in greater than their parts, and that is a compliment to their entire team and their entire coaching staff.”
Martelli also shared the latest on Michigan freshman guard Jett Howard, who left Saturday’s game against MSU with a right foot injury with 14 minutes to play, and junior forward Terrance Williams II, who has missed the last two games with a knee contusion.
Those within the Michigan program know the Wolverines need to string together wins to make the NCAA Tournament, but Martelli provided some insight on how the team is focusing on one game at a time.
Watch the full Michigan basketball press conference below.
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