There are no energy vampires on Michigans raucous, inspiring bench – MLive.com

ANN ARBOR -- Everybody on the Michigan bench was standing and cheering, watching in anticipation as the possession unfolded, the seconds ticking off the clock. When the buzzer sounded, they poured on to the court to celebrate.

There was no game-winning shot or high-flying dunk or deep 3-pointer. Michigan had gotten a defensive stop to end the first half.

Twenty minutes of basketball later, Michigan would improve to 11-0 with a 77-54 win over No. 9 Wisconsin on Tuesday. A key to the Wolverines success, they all agree, is their connectedness and positive energy.

These traits are important to any team in any year, but especially during this season of college basketball. COVID-19 protocols have led teams to essentially form bubbles. Given the minimal contact with those outside the program, it helps if teammates get along.

This really is the most connected, the tightest team that Ive been a part of, redshirt senior Austin Davis said after returning from injury against Wisconsin and playing 12 minutes off the bench.

Every single player, 1 through 17, wants every single other player to do their best. Everybody is very selfless. The entire culture of our program is just tremendous this year and I think every single person thats a part of it -- every player, every coach, every manager, everyone -- has really bought in.

That is evident during games. Some games have had no fans in the stands. Recently, Crisler Center has allowed some family members to attend. Mostly empty arenas have put more emphasis on the players to act as cheerleaders.

The Wolverines have gone above and beyond. Theyre chanting when Michigan is on defense (Lock up! Lock up!) and going bonkers after a big block or dunk. The TV broadcasts (not to mention social media) are not lacking for content from the Michigan bench.

I think it says a lot that you recognized that watching the game, starting forward Franz Wagner said. In this type of year where we dont really have fans, I think thats very important that you have energy coming from the bench. At least for me, it hypes me up a lot and gives me confidence when Im out there.

Freshman Jace Howard is particularly entertaining, though just like whats happening on the court for Michigan, its been a team effort.

They can be sitting on their hands, they can be sulking about minutes and shots, but we havent had that, head coach Juwan Howard said. Theyre inspired by watching their teammates compete out there on the floor.

Chaundee Browns reaction to his own dunk is no different than if his teammate had performed the action.

This is true for walk-ons as well as the starters when theyre subbed out of the game. Howard noted that even his typically reserved assistant, Howard Eisley, got on his feet on Tuesday.

This is the culture Howard, now in his second season at Michigan, has built. He said its a lesson he learned from his coach at Michigan, Steve Fisher. Compete out there, play hard, but have fun, enjoy it, Fisher said, according to Howard. And thats what I want my guys to do.

It surely helps that Howard, over his 19-year NBA playing career, was at different times his teams best player, last man off the bench, and every role in between.

While with the Miami Heat, Howard received Jon Gordons book The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy from Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra. The book references energy vampires, those who suck the life out of a team and worry about personal achievements. Howard has shared the term with his team.

We dont have a group like that, he said.

Senior forward Isaiah Livers said none of his teammates are thinking about how they might get their chance next season.

Everybodys worried about now, he said. I think thats why this team works. Everybodys unselfish, everybody wants to make that (extra) pass, everybody wants to cheer.

Related: Michigan basketball is chasing championships and, after dismantling Wisconsin, looks capable

Wisconsin, like Minnesota and Northwestern last week, looked stunned as Michigan went on a huge run to turn what figured to be a competitive game into a blowout.

Their bench was a little bit more energized and you could feel that energy, Wisconsin guard DMitrik Trice said.

Its not just noise. Wagner said the bench is communicating what the opponent is about to do. Wagner cited senior C.J. Baird, a walk-on and member of the scout team, as particularly helpful.

Michigan had a few players transfer out of the program in the spring. Those who stayed are clearly invested. The two incoming transfers, Brown and Mike Smith, have been ideal additions.

Its a brotherhood, Livers said, speaking to Howards vision for the program when he took the job. Everybody enjoys each others success.

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There are no energy vampires on Michigans raucous, inspiring bench - MLive.com

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