This was Michigan basketball without John Beilein

Saddi Washington has spent his entire coaching career sitting during games.

That's what assistant coaches do.

So for 10 seasons at Oakland and the last two at Michigan, Washington has had a front row seat to watch another man stalk the sidelines.

Last month in Spain, Washington stood. Instead of suggesting strategy, he made decisions. Instead of silently protesting calls, he argued with officials. It was a new experience, and so perhaps it's not surprising that Washington compared it to something familiar.

"I liken it to riding a bike (for the first time)," he said. "You're going to wobble a little bit, you might make some mistakes. But you find your balance."

Michigan won once and lost twice…