New York — On a team blessed with an array of shooters, he’s the slasher.
In a system where the 3-point shot rules, he’s the exception.
And on nights like this, and moments like these, when college basketball tends to turn chaotic, he’s an essential piece.
Without Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, Michigan simply wouldn’t have an answer — or a catalyst — when the shots aren’t falling and John Beilein’s typically-efficient offense starts failing, as it has in a few too many games this season.
Wednesday’s NCAA Tournament opener was such occasion, as Michigan was laying bricks and appeared to be paving its way to a season-ending loss against Tulsa.