Jan. 20, 2011

Sophomore guard Josh Bartelstein will give an inside look all season at the 2010-11 version of the Wolverines.

One of the best feelings in college basketball is getting a road win. They don't come very often and when you can celebrate in the opponent's locker room after the game -- well, it just doesn't get any better.

That being said, a tough loss like the one we had the other night at Northwestern is as rough as it gets. You prepare so hard, spend hours upon hours meeting about the game plan, but in the end, it just ends with a loss. Then after the game you realize it is midnight already in Michigan and four hours later you close your eyes finally going to sleep at 4 a.m. It doesn't help having a quiz in movement science five hours later.

Northwestern is the type of team you can prepare for as much as you want, but you never get used to its style. The Princeton offense is special in that no one else runs anything like it, but it can be so effective. They do a great job of cutting hard every possession, and they surround the court with shooters. Our scout team spends extra time just trying to get their plays down because they are so different.

Another thing that sets Northwestern apart is its fans. The Big Ten has the best fans of anyone in the country. From the Maize Rage, to the Orange Crush, everywhere you go you know it will be loud. Well the Wildcat fans are the same but they throw in a little twist.

While I was warming up, about an hour before the tip, about half of their students had books and notebooks open. I had to rub my eyes to make sure I wasn't seeing things, but sure enough they were studying before the game. There is a reason they attend Northwestern.

Lastly, playing Northwestern means I get to play at home. It is amazing how many Michigan fans attend the game. It is awesome to see so many people wearing Maize and Blue and cheering for the Wolverines.

For Matt (Vogrich) and me, it is really special getting to play in front of all our family and friends. It is very humbling to think so many people want to come and see you. From our high school coaches to grandparents and friends, it is a feeling hard to explain.

With that, I hope to see many of you on Saturday against Minnesota. It feels like forever since we played at Crisler and I know we can't wait to see our fans.

Keep sending in your questions at askjbart20@gmail.com and next time I'll empty out the mailbag.

Until then, Go Blue!

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