LOS ANGELES -- Last summer, John Beilein needed to fill two holes on his coaching staff. He eventually settled on a low-profile pair from Illinois State, but not before they fulfilled a unique request. Beilein wanted to see video footage of them leading a practice.
When Beilein turned on the tape of DeAndre Haynes, he saw a coach in shorts and sneakers jumping in drills, full of positive energy. Beilein hired him, as well as Luke Yaklich. Under Beilein's guidance, the first-year coaches, along with second-year assistant Saddi Washington, have led the Wolverines to the Sweet 16.
Yaklich has gotten a lot of credit, rightfully so, for molding Michigan's defense into one of the best in the country.