Back to the Michigan Wolverines Newsfeed

John Beilein 'put Michigan basketball back on the map,' former player says

Travel through time through the John Beilein era for Michigan basketball. Wochit, Wochit

They heard the news Monday morning, much like the rest of the world.

John Beilein's former players were perhaps surprised by the timing of the coach's decision to leave Michigan basketball for the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers.

But they weren't shocked by the decision itself.

"I knew it was a challenge that he’d looked at and wanted to pursue in the past," said Zack Novak, who played at U-M from 2008-12. "It wasn’t all that surprising that an opportunity came up and he took it, but at the same time, I’d definitely be lying if I said I had any idea to be waking up to that news this morning.