We've got a lot of proving to do before we can be considered a great program. Some nights, we rely on defense. I'm not downgrading our talent, but I'm not sure anybody looks at us nationally and worries about us. Humility worked after early thumpings by Duke and Connecticut. It won't work forever.
Fine recruits come aboard next season.
The Final Four doesn't have to be a fantasy, not with few great teams outside of Duke. The Spartans aren't formidable, relying heavily on depth and effort, and Cleaves' big-game woes are a concern. They might not have the biggest pieces along the front line, but they do have pieces. If they stay relaxed as the competition tightens, they are fully and finally capable of creating a clamor. The Detroit News We welcome your comments .