He's picking patience for now, but maybe not for long. I want all of our sports to have a goal, at the minimum, to finish in the top third in the Big Ten. But look at what Brian's had to face, losing his two starting guards. I'm not trying to make excuses for him. Obviously, it's a concern.
Nobody likes to be embarrassed.
Martin is trying to be firm, but fair. He knows Ellerbe is not wholly responsible for U-M's mess. Crisler Arena is half-full on a good night. In many ways, Ellerbe is taking the bullet, enduring the punishment for others. That doesn't mean he deserves sympathy.