Softball vs. Northwestern Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. (DH) Varsity Diamond SPORTS Baseball vs. Toledo Today, 3 p.m. Fisher Stadium The Michigan Daily Wednesday, April 1, 1992 Page 9 I The new Fisher King: Success brings acclaim by John Niyo Daily Basketball Writer "Who does the credit go to?" Steve Fisher was asked in a postgame press conference at the end of the regular season, in regards to the team's 20-vic- *ory campaign. "The players," Fisher very quickly replied. And now, with Michigan headed to the Final Four this weekend, that same question is being bantered about by the media nationwide. All the talk during the season and continuing up until the Sweet 16 centered around the Wolverines' talented youth. Nothing about their talented coach. But with one NCAA crown already in tow and an 11-1 record in tour- nament play as a head coach, Fisher may become a household name along with the Fab Five when all is said and done. "He gets a lot of criticism - 'he can't coach,' 'what's he gonna do with all this talent,"' center Juwan Howard said. "But I think he should be up there with all the other top coaches." Two national championships in four years would earn him that spot among college's coaching elite, although if you ask him he would tell you it doesn't really matter. That attitude explains a great deal about what lies behind all the success. Fisher's laid-back recruiting effort was largely responsible for the five first- year players deciding on Michigan. Now, it seems, that calm, even-keel approach deserves some of the credit for channeling the new talent into a 24-8 record and a Final Four berth. Fisher was criticized at times during the season for Michigan's erratic half-court offense. But since losing to Ohio State in February, the Wolver- ine's have executed well in slow-tempo situations, while still capitalizing on fast-break opportunities when they arise. "He lets you play, but you play his style - the way he wants you to play, the way you're supposed to play," Howard said. "He doesn't just let you run wild on the floor." But he does give them their freedom, something that has helped this group flourish. Five times one. That equation - a motto this season for the frosh - doesn't call for a coach. So does Fisher ever feel unappreciated? "Sometimes by my son, Mark, when I won't continue rebounding for him.," Fisher laughed. "But nobody else. 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The Indiana legend has been un- der fire recently for his well-docu- mented "whipping" of star forward Calbert Cheaney in front of the me- dia last weekend at the West Re- gional in Albuquerque, N.M. - "We deliberated long and hard about this situation," Hoosier athletic director Clarence Doninger said. "The consensus was that we've just had it up to here with Knight and his antics. As far as the integrity of Indiana University is concerned, let- ting go of Coach Knight was our only option." In a emotional press conference last night, with son Pat at his side, Knight denied any wrongdoing. "The alleged whipping was all in fun. You can ask Calbert or any of my players," Knight said, obviously fighting back tears. "Damnit, those guys knew I was just joking around. The athletic department has blown this way out of proportion." Knight's firing sent shock waves through the state. The controversial coach has been a popular figure in Indiana, having led the Hoosiers to three national titles in his 20 years in Bloomington. Knight is also the Big Ten's all-time winningest coach with 486 victories. But for Knight, the bullwhip stunt - which drew the ire of many in the Black community - this is apparently the last incident in a series of unprofessional actions. "We just decided that pulling a stunt like that was a little too crazy," Doninger said. "We turned our heads when he threw that chair. We repri- manded him for leaving the court against the Soviets, and for the taste- less comments about rape. But this, this really was the last straw. After See KNIGHT, Page 10 Indiana coach Bobby Knight gives instructions to guard Chris Reynolds in his last game as the school's head coach. Knight was fired yesterday aftemoon. Red shuffles 'M' defense by Josh Dubow Daily Hockey Writer Yesterday, the Michigan hockey team left Ann Arbor for Albany, N.Y., and the NCAA Hockey Final Four where they will square off against Wisconsin tomorrow night. Coach Red Berenson' s squad will have to overcome the loss of senior defenseman Doug Evans in this weekend's contests. In last Sunday's quarterfinal matchup against Northern Michigan, Evans suffered lig- ament damage to his right knee late in the sec- ond period. That forced Michigan into playing only four defensemen. While rookie Al Sin- clair dressed for the contest, Berenson chose not to play him. This weekend, another frosh, Tim Hogan, will replace Evans in the lineup. "This is going to give our freshmen a big challenge," Berenson said. "This will give someone the chance to step in and fill the gap. "It's tough to replace a senior like Evans. The other four defensemen played outstanding in the third period Sunday. They'll need to step their play up as well. We can go down to four (defensemen) if we need to." When Michigan plays all six defensemen, Hogan will team with David Harlock, Sinclair with Patrick Neaton, and Chris Tamer with Aaron Ward. Neaton and Harlock, who teamed together last season, will reunite when Beren- son drops to four defensemen. Sinclair and Hogan are excited for the chal- lenge of playing in such an important game. "I'll need to concentrate more," Sinclair said. "I need to contribute as much as I usually do." "I'm nervous," Hogan said. "I've got but- terflies in my stomach. Everybody was jump- ing out there. I'm ready. I'm really ready. I3 can't wait to get out there." Even when Sinclair and Hlogan do play, they will spend most of their time playing even strength. However, Hogan might see limited action on the power play. TV TIME: Tomorrow's semifinals will be broadcast live on PASS. The Lake Superior State-Michigan State game starts at 2 p.m. and the Michigan-Wisconsin contest begins at 7 p.m. Saturday's final will be televised on ESPN at 8 p.m. The Michigan hockey team faces Wisconsin tomorrow. .," - ., , i . ! " a - FINAL FOUR TICKETS WANTED (800) 621-7866 local representative K U U M B A Office ofth LSA STUDENT GOVERNMENT Dept. of Communications NJO VIEWPOINT LECTURES he Vice President Panhellenic Council tHE Black Student Union I RIRP~' W r .A..JRphes 4.742 Amazin' Blue- A co-ed a capella singing ensemble. Comedy Company- A student- directed and written comedy troupe that performs once a term and has travelled to other Big 10 schools. Impact Dance - For non-dance majors who have extensive training in all areas of dance. M-Ficks - The largest film group on campus. Soph Show - A musical whose cast consists of first and second year students. MUSKET - The largest musical theatre group on campus. Entertainment Lauahtrack - Featurina student perform weekly. Special Events - Brings exciting activities to the U of M such as Mademoiselle, Girbaud Fashion show...anything you dream up. Starbound - A campus-wide talent competition that gives students the opportunity to perform win prizes, and gain experience and recognition. Traditions Homecoming - As official University coordinators of Homecoming, UAC plans the parade, float contest, pep rally, and many other campus-wide activities. Michigras - Brings the festive atmosphere of Mardi-Gras to U of M. North Campus Enrichment champions travel to contest during the winter term. Mini-Courses - Each term, over 30 noncredit course are offered, ranging from aerobic dance to sign language. Northern Lights - Brings current UAC events to North Campus and creates its own programs specially suited for the North Campus community. Viewpoint - Sponsors a variety of lectures and forums for discussion, including Student Soapbox. Organization Tech Crew - Supplies and monitors the necessary sound and lighting equipment for all the events UAC sponsors. "Jungle Fever" "Mo' Better Blues" "Do the Right Thing" "School Daze" "She's Gotta Have It" NON-STUDENTS: $8.50 in advance $10.00 at door STUDENTS: $6.50 in advance $8.50 at door I n ufAfl i ,' 2~7~.7'r' .4 EU FtFEE .~ I I UU71