Period of adjustment for Michigan

Every so often John Beilein sees his Michigan players begin to latch on, but promising moments usually are followed with humbling ones.

"There were several times where we were dummying by ourselves, and someone went backdoor," Beilein explained, referring to a key trait of his offense. "There was no defense. And we threw the ball 10 feet from the guy who was open."

Such scenes could be common this season for Michigan, which must replace four starters and adjust to dramatically different systems employed by its new head coach.

Beilein's offense demands five shooters, adept ballhandlers, precision passers and superbly conditioned players. He runs a 1-3-1 zone defense that forces opponents to the perimeter.

The days of free-form schemes are over at Michigan.

Can the glory days return?

"We were first in the Big East in 3-point shooting, first in assist-to-turnover ratio, last in rebounding," Beilein said of his West Virginia squad. "Michigan last year: (2nd) in rebounding, (10th) in assist-to-turnover, (10th) in 3-point shooting.

"So there's a huge contrast in styles."

The transition isn't easy, especially the conditioning element. But players are adapting.

"Obviously, it's worked in the past," said junior point guard Jerret Smith. "We're trying to go to places he's been before. It can get frustrating trying to learn the new plays and the new system, but we're trying to get somewhere.

"If this is the way we've got to get there, we're going to do it."

Michigan's specific destination is the NCAA Tournament, which it last reached in 1998. Beilein has reached the NCAAs five times in his 10 seasons in Division I, taking West Virginia to the Elite Eight in 2005 and the Sweet Sixteen in 2006.

But busting the bracket this season won't be easy. Michigan loses its top four scorers and top two rebounders.

"We're playing against ourselves," Beilein said. "We'll do great scouting reports the day before a game, but we are not saying, 'Well, this is how Wisconsin guards you, this is how Minnesota will play you.' We're saying, 'This is how you pass and catch the ball.' "

Career backstager Ron Coleman takes on a spotlighted role as the team's only returning starter. Coleman's scoring average and shot attempts have dipped since his freshman year, but his shooting percentage has increased.

Michigan will rely on Coleman and Smith, who started the final nine games last season, to guide the offense. Imposing forward Ekpe Udoh (67 blocks last year) and former Parade All-American DeShawn Sims shore up the post.

Expect incoming freshmen guards Manny Harris and Kelvin Grady to contribute immediately. Harris likely will start.

"I'm a leader, so is Ron, so is Manny, so are the freshmen, so are the sophomores," Smith said. "Everybody's a leader on this team in some way."

Michigan at a glance

Coach: John Beilein (0-0, first year at UM; 293-175, 16th year overall)

2006-07 record: 22-13 (8-8 Big Ten, T-7th)

Starters returning/lost: 1/4

Projected starters

• G/F Ron Coleman 6-6 210 Sr. Lone returning starter will no longer be squeezed for shot opportunities.

• F DeShawn Sims 6-8 225 So. Decent finish to freshman year should help skilled big man.

• F Ekpe Udoh 6-10 240 So. Could quickly become one of the league's top shot blockers.

• G Jerret Smith 6-3 195 Jr. Takes on critical leadership role for transitioning team.

• G Manny Harris 6-5 170 Fr. Mr. Basketball winner in Michigan will contribute right away.

* denotes returning starter

Toughest nonconference games: Nov. 15 at Georgetown; Nov. 28 vs. Boston College; Dec. 22 at UCLA

Big Ten single games: vs. Indiana; at Michigan State