Michigan Basketball Faces a Defining Moment. Eli Brooks weighs in. Go Blue Hoops ep 39

[Hail Media Group presents Go Blue Hoops, where Michigan basketball’s past, present, and future all come together in one show. Hosted by former Wolverine great, 10-year NBA veteran, and longtime ESPN and NBC college basketball analyst Tim McCormick. Each episode goes beyond the box scores from championship memories and recruiting stories to sharp breakdowns of the season ahead. Insight, legacy, Michigan basketball. This is Go Blue Hoops.

Hey, welcome everybody. The Go Blue Hoops podcast is presented by the leaders and best at Michigan Medicine. There’s a difference between an answer and a Michigan answer. To find your Michigan answer, visit michiganers.org. I also want to welcome our second sponsor, OLIPOP, which is just a fantastic drink. Um, this is my favorite one right here. This is the strawberry vanilla. Very tasty.

And you’re going to find that that it’s also much healthier than traditional drinks, uh, soft drinks. It contains plant fiber, um, and it’s just darn good to drink. So, thank you to OLIPOP. Also, really, really fired up about our guest on the Michigan Man interview. Um, I’m going to give you a little quiz. See if you can figure out who it is.

Um, it sounds really, really impressive. I think it is. Uh, this guy played in four Sweet 16s. He leads Michigan all time in victories. He leads Michigan all time in games played and plenty, plenty more. Our Michigan man interview is going to be the great Eli Brooks. So, I want to welcome everybody to the Go Blue Hoops podcast, episode 39. We have some massively important topics to address, all based on the departure of Dusty May 6 days ago.

I think we’re all still disappointed and a little bit shocked. And the players are in kind of a a precarious strain situation as well. Remember, once the new head coach is announced, the players have 5 days to decide whether to enter the transfer portal. But I can promise you that the second that Dusty May said, “I’m leaving for Dallas,” that the phone started ringing.

Agents, assistant coaches, head coaches, all invading Michigan’s roster. It’s inevitable. And here’s the problem. If Moustapha Thiam and JP Estrella, two of Michigan’s big guys, uh, they transferred in, if those guys leave, Michigan is going to be painfully thin on the front line. I would be really concerned about that because I don’t see Michigan having options to be able to replace them if they end up in another school.

Uh, very positive news that Trey McKini said he’s coming back. He’s at the Chris Paul camp this week. He’s not in town. Elliot Cadeau pledged his loyalty to Michigan as well. He’s working out with the Swedish national team. Unbelievably good news for those two players. But there are three keys that that I want to address briefly. And the first one is this.

Who is the coach? Mike Boynton is the guy. Period. Only option. His strengths, there’s several of them. Familiarity with the program. He knows where everything is. He knows what worked last year. He sat at the right hand of Dusty May. A lot of carryover there. Mike Boynton was Michigan’s number two recruiter. Dusty was the star, but Mike Boynton was there. secondHe was there with Estrella.

He was there with Cham. He was there in all of the important recruiting jobs. He is the guy. He’s fantastic. He’s a great leader. He’s high character. Recruiting wise is definitely a strength. He has seven years of experience at Oklahoma State. Elite defensive coach. He knows the system and will add to it. I think that this is a big opportunity for Warde Manuel to step up and make Boynton the coach.

He is the one guy that can keep everybody together. The team and the players that are in town worked out at Crisler this morning. Mike Boynton is in a great position to send a message to audition for the players to show them, you know, how he is in charge. He’s come out and publicly said that he’s acting as the head coach right now.

I think that’s a smart move. I think he’ll do a great job, not as an interim coach, but as a head coach. Mike Boynton should be the guy. All right. The second key is for Michigan to retain their roster. Michigan’s players committed to be Maize and Blue for three reasons. Number one, to play for Dusty May. There’s no doubt that’s appealing. That’s not going to happen.

Number two, to attend the University of Michigan, one of the greatest institutions in the world. And number three, to compete for Big Ten Championships and Sweet 16 and beyond. Two of those three are still available to all of the transfers and the recruits. And it’s my sincere hope that those players all stay at Michigan. Remember, most teams have already filled their roster.

Most teams have already spent their allotted NIL dollars. That doesn’t mean that there’s not schools out there that will go ahead and attack Michigan’s roster. We can expect that. But it’s so important that Michigan keep especially their two big guys in the front line. Here’s the timeline once again. After they announce Mike Boynton as the head coach, Michigan’s players have five days to determine whether they want to enter the transfer portal.

And then after that, there’s a 15-day window in which all of the schools can t contact Michigan’s players. That is going to be a very important time to keep our eyes on Michigan’s roster. Okay. And last and maybe equally as important, Michigan must rebuild their coaching staff. The assistant coaches of Akeem Miskdeen, Kyle Church, Drew Williamson, KT Harrell, Brandon Gilbert. They were all a major part of Michigan’s success last year in winning a national championship.

They are in Ann Arbor. They’re in limbo right now. They’re working out with the players. They’re spending time with secondthem. And Dusty May, his first priority right now is building an NBA staff in Dallas with experienced coaches. As an example, the rumors are Willie Green, University of Detroit, former NBA head coach. Adrien Griffin, great resume. He’s been a head coach as well.

Those are the top priorities to find coaches that have great NBA experience. After that, I’m pretty confident that Dusty May will reach out to a couple of his Michigan assistants and bring them to Dallas. That hasn’t happened yet. And so, that’s good. They’re in Ann Arbor with the players. So, here’s a real brief synopsis. Everyone is still in shock. Okay. The recruiting process of Michigan players has started.

You can count on that. not officially, but their phones are ringing off the hook. And then the three keys, keep Boynton, retain players, and then address the coaching staff at an appropriate time. All right, I am so looking forward to our Michigan man interview with the great Eli Brooks. Hey, Michigan fans, we

will be right back, but first, a word from our sponsor.

When prenatal surgery is your baby’s best chance. When your sight is set on gene therapy for retinal disease. When a new airway is what you need to keep breathing. Only Michigan answers with specialized treatment options that aren’t available anywhere else in Michigan. We provide the nationally recognized care you need without having to travel out of state. Learn how University of Michigan Health answers the call at michiganers.org.

Hey everybody, our guest today on the Go Blue Hoops podcast is one of the all-time great guards in Michigan basketball history.

The resume is beyond impressive. Big Ten champs, Big Ten tournament champs, four Sweet 16s, and the winningest player in Michigan history with 124 victories. Welcome to Eli Brooks. How you doing, Eli?

I’m doing great. How are you? Good. Thanks so much for joining us, man. When I read that resume, you’ve got to even be a little bit impressed with yourself with all the things you accomplished. Yeah, I mean, looking back on it, it’s really it’s really a big accomplishment. And actually found my um two basketballs that I was given from Bob Bobby Bland um for my most most games in Michigan history and also my thousand points.

So, just finding that the other day like gave me a a big motivation for this upcoming season as well. and and now you’ve you’ve built a really impressive pro career in Europe. Can you bring us up to speed on where you’ve played and how you how you liked that experience so far?

Yeah, so I started off in the G League. Um went to training camp with the Pacers and had a really good experience there. Um then decided that to give the overseas because I knew that’s ultimately where I’d be going. Um, so I I went to Trieste um in Northern Italy and played for a coach that actually recruited me in college. Um, so it was like a good introduction of overseas basketball while also having an American coach to gradually lead me into that transition to becoming an overseas basketball player.

Do you have a do you have a favorite place that you’ve played? Uh, Trieste holds a special place in my heart. um we won a championship there and um we brought him back to the first league of of Italian basketball and bonded really close with all the guys because there’s a lot of guys from that area. Um so that was a special time.

Eli to become the the winningest player in Michigan basketball history is pretty remarkable, especially when you consider you were such an important piece of the program. You weren’t a five-star recruit. First of all, how did how did you end up at Michigan and with John Beilein?

Um, well, it started off I had a lot of interest from the Patriot level um teams, Patriot League levels. Um, and then also just kind of just kind of build my way up. Um, played ball in a lot of different tournaments in AAU and eventually people heard about me in these bigger schools and um, it came down to Villanova, Michigan. And um growing up, Villanova was just always my dream school.

I love the way they played basketball and the way that their program was built. And then when Michigan came along, I was like, “This is a whole new world I never really even thought about.” Um so, um that’s that’s kind of how I ended up in Michigan and just kind of got better each year and more and more eyes were on me.

What uh what would you say is the biggest lesson that that you learned from John Beilein, either as a future coach or as a player? I mean, I think the right fit is always the best best answer. Um if you have people that are willing to buy in your your plan, your goals, and ultimately sacrifice for the team. Um I mean he did a really good job of recruiting highlevel high charactered um people and I feel like you saw that um a lot of people that just got kept getting better and better over the years and people that were willing to stay and get better in those years when they didn’t see the minutes in the court and in practice.

We had a lot of people that were competing and ultimately shined two years down the line when most people would have would have left would have transferred and they just continue to work and get better. You really showed some great resilience in your career. Uh as a freshman and sophomore, you averaged two points per game or less. Uh then there were some injuries.

John Beilein left after your sophomore year. How did you become such an expert at adversity management? Because a lot of people would have quit and you know during that time did you think about maybe leaving Michigan?

Yeah, I mean after my sophomore year I didn’t have the best first two years. Um but ultimately it was a decision with me and my dad. Um we just sat down and talked and he just said if you go to somewhere else who’s to say it’s not going to be the same exact situation. You know you’re good enough so prove it. and he was like, “If you want minutes, you want to get on the court, you have to produce and you have to you have to be better.” Um, and that’s ultimately what the decision came down to.

And I thought I was good enough to play on the court and ultimately it ended up that way. You’ve been surrounded by some great leaders. You mentioned your dad, who is your high school coach, John Beilein, Juwan Howard. Uh, do you think that you’re going to be a coach someday?

And what have you learned so far about leading a team? um that I’m not sure of. There’s a lot of things that go into coaching that most people don’t see. Um the time away from family through recruiting and then just you’re in charge of a lot of people and uh you’re responsible for their future and how they become a man and how they develop.

Um but I think it’s I think it’s out of my cards right now just because of the traveling. Once I’m done with basketball, I just want to be with family. Um, but I think the biggest lesson is be true to who you are and people follow people that are genuine. Um, care about you and you build a connection outside of basketball and I think both my coaches at, uh, Michigan did a really good job of that.

Juwan was family and Beilein still stays in contact with me and we played in a golf outing. So, I think when you’re genuine, when you’re who you say you are, it goes a long way. One of my favorite Michigan teams, 2021, Elite 8. That’s Franz Wagner, Hunter Dickinson, Brandon Johns Jr., to name a few. What do you remember about that team?

What made it special to you? I mean, we worked really hard and we competed each day. I think the standard was pretty high that year. every day in practice competing and we like being around each other. A good group of guys that were also really talented. Do you keep in touch with any of them?

Yeah, Franz came to my wedding. Um, Juwan came to my wedding. So, yeah, there’s still contact between all the players. So, it’s nice to see and nice to hear from them. So, you were a captain, uh, averaged 13 points per game. You were on top of your game. And now you’ve been a pro for four years. Are you a better player today than you were back in 2021?

Yeah, I would say so. Just learning the game, learning the different styles. I mean, you only see so much in college basketball and professionals, it’s another step. Um, I think just the overall quality, especially playing in Spain this past year from top to bottom, you sub 10 guys in a game and they’re all at the same standard, same level. And I think the game’s so much faster. 24 second shot clock, bigger bodies, and um there’s people that played the game for a long time at a high level.

So, they know the little tricks and um defense has changed us a lot more. You’ve been a pro for four years, Italy, Germany, Spain. Would you say that the level is higher or lower than what you played in the Big Ten?

What’s a better brand of basketball? I mean, I think the overall quality in the Spanish League is better. Um, but I wouldn’t necessarily say all secondEuropean competition is. Um, I think Spain is the top of the top when it comes to domestic leagues. Um, I think it’s just the passing, the reads are quicker and the decision making is a lot quicker and just the quality of basketball.

I would say shot selection, how they manage the game. And I feel like that’s something that we did really well at Michigan, but not every single university college does. When you travel through Europe playing in the Euro Leagues, do you find that there are a lot of go Blues from the stands and and and Michigan fans over there that wanted to meet you and talk Michigan hoops?

So, we had a couple um it was kind of funny. We were I forget the city that we were in in Italy. It was a small a small city, but I looked up in the stands and there was a black M in there in the stands. He probably had no idea what it actually was, but uh I like to say that he knew that he wore for me.

But um yeah, there’s been like 10 10 different interactions about Michigan, so it definitely still holds a lot of value. A definite thrill this year watching Michigan’s team win a national championship. Were Were you able to see the games in Europe?

Were Were you texting any of your teammates during the during during the games in the season? Yeah. Um the games weren’t that fun to watch this year because they just blew everybody out. But that was that was that was nice to see. Um but yeah, I’ve been in contact with Franz and some of the managers just about the game, but honestly, it was it’s tough to watch the games.

The weekend games are easier to watch just because of the time difference, but it was really special to see a national championship come back to Michigan. As a point guard, Eli, you must appreciate Elliot Cadeau. Can you break down his game because there’s a lot of similarities. He actually plays a little bit like you. Point guard, leader, uh, combo guard skills. How do you break down Elliot’s game?

I mean, he shot the ball really well this year. U, so that helps a lot. That opens up his speed, um, his passing ability, and the way he can get to the rim. Um, and he’s just a very solid player. Um, and it was it was great to see the change of scenery really brought out the best of him and I mean he’s a top level player and we saw it this year.

I um I know you’re in Ann Arbor um stopping by Crisler later. I I was just thinking about the the challenge that you faced uh middle of your career John Beilein leaves and you have to decide whether to come back to Michigan or not. Uh same thing that a lot of the current Michigan players have to decide. They they like Dusty May.

He’s no longer here. Uh if you had a chance to talk to any players, what what would you say about uh their decision on what they should do, stay or go?

Um I mean this is Michigan, so at the end of the day, the university, the opportunities here are limitless. And then also like it’s also Michigan, so you’re you’re gonna get a great coach no matter what. Um I mean I know a lot of people came here for Dusty, but Dusty came here cuz it’s Michigan. Um and I feel like there’s going to be another great coach that comes along and um brings this program carry the torch.

So, um, yeah, I say just trust in the system and also it’s Michigan, so you have the great great opportunities, great, um, facilities, everything that you had before. Eli, you were coached very, very well. Um, Juwan Howard took over for John Beilein. Two different styles. Beilein, six different levels of basketball, high school, NAIA, all of them. And Juwan brought pro experience. How are they similar?

How are they different? I think they were similar on the standard. Um I mean the attention to detail u just the standard in practice and the competitiveness. I think the difference was um Beilein was more x’s and o’s um and we had a lot more sets and that made us really difficult to defend in the tournament. They couldn’t really scout for us.

Um, and then with Juwan, I think just the freedom offensively and that’s where the connectiveness and togetherness from the team really played a factor in that run that we had. Um, so I think the competitiveness in practice was always always there and that was the the main thing that made us great. Many Michigan fans have described you as someone that represented the program the right way.

What does the black M mean to you now that that you’re done with school and and you’re going through your life? I mean, everywhere I go now, it’s just like uh you played the Michigan like Michigan and it’s it’s cool to see how much value it holds still. I mean, it’s been 5 years, but I say still. Um, but I think just the impact it had on my life, my development as a man, um, all the people that I met, and then just the opportunities I had because I went to Michigan.

U, I think even my professional career wouldn’t be where it is if I didn’t have Michigan. I feel like it put me in a great spot and exactly where I needed to be to learn these lessons. Eli, you played with some fantastic talent while you were in Ann Arbor. um over your five years, if I asked you to create the best starting lineup of guys you played with, uh you can’t have yourself in the lineup.

I want to hear other people, but who are the five best players if you had to make up a lineup? Um point guard, I would go Zavier Simpson. I’d go Jordan Poole Um, Charles Matthews. At the four, I would put Franz. And then at the five, that one’s tough for me. I like Hunter and I like John, but I think Hunter brings a little more.

Um, I’d go Hunter. It’s a pretty darn good lineup. I I’m impressed. So, so you’re in the middle of your pro career right now. I think a lot of people wonder what what do pros do to improve their game to get in shape. Um, what is a typical workout for Eli Brooks?

So, it’s a nine nine month season, so you only have three months in the offseason. Um, unlike college basketball. Um, so the first two weeks, month is usually just time off of basketball cuz it’s a long time to be overseas and be away from family. Um, and then start start getting into pickup games. Um, skill work during the mornings and then play some pickup in the afternoon.

I’m lucky enough to have some guys I can play with. But yeah, I mean, it’s a long season, so you really have to uh be strategic on your off seasonason of how what you want to get better because it goes like that, you’re right back into the next season. So, I have as we close it out, uh some quick hitters, some fast break questions, kind of quick short responses.

Um, if not Michigan, what would be your second school that that you would have gone to? I probably would have went to Villanova. Most points you ever scored in a game at any level?

Uh, 46 in high school. Biggest basket of your Michigan career. Um, maybe the hook shot against Tennessee. Mhm. Uh, did you have a favorite hangout or a favorite restaurant in Ann Arbor?

Uh later on I found Blimpy Burger. Yeah, I know it well. Um what was the toughest venue and crowd that you had to face in the Big Ten? Uh freshman year against Nebraska. Really?

Why is that? Uh the crowd was really loud and they had a really good team that year. Um they had Glenn Watson, Palmer, uh really good team. Who’s the best player that you ever had to check?

Uh, I think in the moment it was Tremont Waters when we played him in Hawaii when he was at LSU. He really quick, really he could shoot the ball. Um, very hard to guard. Who’s your favorite teammate that you’ve ever played with at Michigan?

Luke Wilson. What? Why is that? I mean, his passion for Michigan, Michigan basketball, and uh the way he showed up every single day for practice, being a walk-on, and the way he carried himself in practice made everybody better. I love that answer. Good for Luke. Um, what about the biggest trash talker that that you played with at Michigan?

Zavier Simpson. I bet you guys had some battles. H I We didn’t have that many battles. What was your degree at Michigan? What do you think you’ll do when you’re done playing?

Sage general studies. I think I want to get into some type of mentorship. We work with a program right now that works with professional basketball players and helps them with their mindset. And I could see myself doing that. But if it wasn’t for the traveling, I think I would become a coach. But just being away from family after that many years, it’s a sacrifice and they’ve sacrificed for my professional career already.

Eli, who is the most underrated player that you played with at Michigan? I would say Charles Matthews. I think he was really solid and didn’t always get the credit that he deserved. I thought he was really, really good for us and he could do everything. his junior year. He led our team to a lot of wins. Final question, Eli. Looking back on your five years at Michigan, what is your number one most favorite memory?

I think winning the the regular season Big Ten championship um in Crisler um and just celebrating on our home court um after beating I think it was Michigan State, right?

It sounds right. Yeah. Yeah, after we beat Michigan State and you claimed outright Big Ten champs, regular season, um, that meant a lot. Fantastic. Eli, you’re a Michigan legend. Um, number one thing you can say, alltime winningest player. That that’s got to make you proud. We really appreciate you joining us. I know our podcast fans are going to really enjoy getting an update on you and and reminiscing about some great moments.

So, Eli, thanks so much. Yeah, thank you for having me. Yeah, go blue. Go blue. If you like this kind of content, please like, share, follow, and subscribe. And as always, go blue!]