Ypsilanti graduate Derrick Richardson shines for CMU in loss to No. 2 Michigan
Ypsilanti graduate Derrick Richardson, above, had 11 points in the second half for Central against Michigan.
Courtney Sacco | AnnArbor.com
Brooks, his entire coaching staff and five players hustled their way to the Crisler Center to see former player Derrick Richardson play for Central Michigan against the No. 2 Michigan Wolverines.
Though Central lost 88-73, Richardson, a freshman guard, did not disappoint.
Central Michigan's Derrick Richardson, above, scored 11 points and grabbed six rebounds on Saturday.
Courtney Sacco | AnnArbor.com
"Derrick is another young man that has an incredible upside for our team, you watch him and you'll see a play each and every day and you'll say 'wow, that was a big time play for a freshman to be able to make," said Central Michigan coach Keno Davis after the game.
Richardson didn't make all of his shots. He missed a free throw, but he grabbed the rebound and made a layup off of the miss.
The Big Ten conference is though by many to be the best in the country this year, but it seems to bring out the best in Richardson. Saturday was his second best scoring night on the year behind the 14 points he put up against Iowa in his first game as a collegian. The six rebounds was a season-high for Richardson.
"That's a sign of things to come. It's going to be a good thing for our program," Davis said. "He not only is an offensive threat, I think he has a chance in the future to be one of the best defensive players in our league.
"When you put an offensive threat together with one of the best defensive players then you have a truly special talent on your team."
Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at petercunningham@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.
Comments
A2Dave
Sun, Dec 30, 2012 : 6:30 p.m.
I would appreciate a response from Pete Cunningham and/or the Editorial Staff of AnnArbor.com regarding the really shameful lack of coverage given to UofM women's sports, particularly (but not limited to) the very successful BBall team. These are nationally recognized scholarship programs deserving of regular and comprehensive coverage. What's up, Chief?
Pete Cunningham
Mon, Dec 31, 2012 : 4:56 a.m.
Thanks for the feedback.
a2roots
Sun, Dec 30, 2012 : 9:05 p.m.
Good luck A2Dave. Sports coverage is woeful. For a time they were enamored with Tate Forcier while neglecting the fine student athletes still here.
notta
Sun, Dec 30, 2012 : 4:53 p.m.
I guess EMU overlooked this young man. a ypsilanti native going to another MAC school. im guessing CMU and richardson is going to put a hurting on the eagles come conference play.
Pete Cunningham
Mon, Dec 31, 2012 : 5:04 a.m.
To be honest, I always thought Derrick was a great high school player, especially on defense, but as Keno Davis told me earlier in the week, I'm paraphrasing here, sometimes the difference between a kid a getting an offer and not is very slim. He has to be the right fit and you have to have the right spots available. I don't necessarily think EMU "overlooked" Derrick, but CMU found him at the right time and he fit what they were trying to do. And remember, there are only 15 spots on a basketball roster, give or take. Plus, who knows, and I'm not speaking for Derrick here just voicing my opinion, but not every kid want to go to college a mile from where they grew up. I know I wouldn't.
A2Dave
Sun, Dec 30, 2012 : 1:20 p.m.
From MGoBlue.com: "ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Senior guard Kate Thompson (Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata) paced the University of Michigan women's basketball team with 21 points on the strength of five three-pointers as the Wolverines eclipsed their season high in points scored and field goal percentage (60.7 percent) in an 82-44 win over Niagara on Saturday (Dec. 29) inside Crisler Center. The Wolverines close the regular-season non-conference slate with an 11-2 record and wrap up a perfect 6-0 mark in December." Somehow, you would think this story, and many others about UofM women's games could find at least 8 pt. mention in AnnArbor.com. Apparently not. Mr. Cunningham should title this section "Michigan Men's Sports".
Pete Cunningham
Mon, Dec 31, 2012 : 5:52 a.m.
Sorry we missed the game. I was at a meeting. Here's a clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBIC8JTQMMQ We don't hate women's sports at AnnArbor.com, we simply can't be everywhere at once is all. There are plenty of great men's sports that don't always get covered as well. Not every sport is as popular as football and basketball and our coverage is reflective of that, but that doesn't mean we ignore the other sports. We've written about the women's basketball team in the past and will continue to do so in the future, especially if Kate Thompson keeps making it rain. But to expect coverage to be as comprehensive as that of the football team and No. 2 ranked men's basketball team is unrealistic.
Al
Sun, Dec 30, 2012 : 6:22 a.m.
This Michigan team is possible the best we have had since the fab 5. The shoot, they defend, the clean the glass better then windex. Watch out March!