Blake McLimans Update

Photo Credit: Thomas Beindit

One of the interesting notes from the offseason was the transfer of Blake McLimans from Michigan to Miami (OH) as a graduate student.  This would mean that he could receive immediate playing time for the Red Hawks.  Since McLimans would be entering his fifth year, Beilein had the option of allow Blake to return or transfer.  We can't say whether it was Beilein's decision or mutual since nothing really leaked, but considering that McLimans would be fighting for playing time, it was probably more of a mutual decision to transfer.

McLimans has played in 4 games for Miami this season and has almost matched the minutes he played in during any season at Michigan in just those 4 games.  Unfortunately, due to a family illness, McLimans opted to leave the team and would not return for the season.  Something that seemed quite promising took a turn for the worst unfortunately.  He had been playing major minutes and appeared like he could have a real impact for Miami.  Best wishes to Blake and his family.

The Fit of Blake McLimans At Miami (OH)

Photo Credit: Getty Images

A few weeks ago, it was announced that senior Michigan basketball player Blake McLimans would be transferring to play for Miami (OH) for what would have been his redshirt senior year.  McLimans was a member of Michigan's 2009 recruiting class and was rated as a 3* recruit by Rivals.  He played during 3 seasons for the Wolverines in a total of 71 games.  He will be a graduate transfer next year, so he will not be required to sit out anytime before playing for the
Miami Redhawks.  This means that he will be available for next season.

As fans, we don't know what occurred behind the scenes in terms of McLimans' relationship to Michigan and its coaching staff, but there doesn't seem to be any indication this transfer was for anything except playing time.  There was decent hope for McLimans to play a factor for the Wolverines, but during his 3 seasons, his minutes have actually decreased every year and last season, he only played in 16 games (the lowest of his career).  This isn't necessarily an indication of his talent level, but just the improvement undergone by the Wolverines' roster.  Michigan now has an experienced and talented frontcourt that will be adding even more pieces for next year.  The odds were pretty low that McLimans was going to get much playing time and for his last year of eligibility, he decided he wanted a little more playing time, so he opted to go to Miami.  Nothing to question about that decision.

Bleeding Maize And Blue

I'm sure every fan has that moment in their lives when they became a Michigan fan. You might've grown up with your family having a history of Blue Bloods, or chosen to attend UofM out of high school. When it comes down to it, everyone has their own tale. So, for this article I'm going to give you a little background on mine, and hopefully some of you will share your stories below or via Twitter.

I grew up in Nashville, Michigan. Go ahead--look it up on Google Earth, and you'll see it does exist. That little village is in the prime area of Sparty country. It's located about 45 minutes SW of Lansing. Growing up I wasn't into any college sports, or sports at all for that matter. I remember kids being fans of the Tar Heels and Seminoles and Spartans but I didn't put much effort into caring. I do, however, remember watching Chris Webber during the national title game in 1993. I remember not so much of the time-out, but just the colors themselves. Keep in mind I was 13 at the time!

Fast forward to 2001, which is when I met my wife. I moved out to Howell in 2002 and got a job in a fireplace warehouse, and I met one of the staunchest Michigan fans out there. To this day, he is still my friend and fellow fantasy football player, but it is because of him that my passion has grown to what it is today.

In 2003, he took me to my first Michigan football game against Purdue. Walking in through the gates, and down into our seats; I knew I was hooked. I had chills going up my spine before the game even started. If you remember, this was the last year Navarre played and we lost in the Rose Bowl at the end. I've been to a few games since: the 3OT thriller against MSU, and Henne's first game as a starter against Miami of Ohio. A few games during the RichRod era (whom I loathed) and went to see the blowouts against Purdue and Nebraska's first game at the Big House. Through the ups and downs of the program, I have always remained steadfast in my support of Big Blue.

Now as I stated earlier, I grew up in MSU country. Went to school with a lot of their fans, and most I still consider friends to this day. Right now, I despise anything green. I hardly have any in my wardrobe and my own 5-yr old says "Yuck, I don't like green" (Yes, we've trained him well). I also don't own much red either but I guess since I grew up where I did, I dislike green a shade more than scarlet red. Not to say I have any kind feelings towards Ohio.

This is my story and why I bleed maize and blue.  So, tell us your story about when you started bleeding maize and blue.  Even fan has a story, let's hear yours!


Photo Credit: AnnArbor.com