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John Beilein may lean on Billy Donlon's defensive expertise more than any assistant he's ever had

ROSEMONT, Ill. -- John Beilein never really tried to dance around the issue this offseason.

Michigan's been a bad defensive basketball team over the past two seasons.

Statistically, the Wolverines have been very, very bad. Michigan ranked No. 109 in defensive efficiency (KenPom) last season -- which was dead last among power five teams that advanced to the NCAA Tournament. In 2014-15, Michigan was No. 107.

So when he began his search to replace assistant coaches Bacari Alexander and LaVall Jordan, defense was a top priority. He wanted to find a staffer whose calling card came at the defensive end of the floor.