With 31 seconds left in the game, the Michigan Wolverines had their ticket to the Elite Eight in hand with a commanding 96-72 (yes, 96) lead over Texas A&M. Michigan led from tip to tail, with their biggest advantage ballooning to 29 points with 2:16 left in the first half. John Beilein cleared his bench, giving his walk ons - a group he calls the “Fab Five” - a chance at some playing time in the Sweet 16.
Michigan’s CJ Baird went from student manager to walk-on making a shot in the Sweet 16
Baird had his own One Shining Moment in blowout win over Texas A&M.
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
ENTER C.J. BAIRD.
ONE TIME FOR THE WALK-ONS IN THE BACK, C.J.!! Talk about a shot. Here’s a freshman who started the season as a student manager and transitioned to a scout team player. He played all of seven minutes (SEVEN!!!) in two games (TWO!!!) all season, taking just two shots and making one of them. The one he missed? His lone three-point attempt of the season.
Here’s more from Baird on how it felt in the moment.
March Madness is full of all of the best moments in sports, and “unheralded walk-on making a shot on the big stage” is a top-three moment for me, along with buzzer-beaters and the reaction that happened immediately after Baird released the ball.
From left to right, that’s junior Mo Wagner, senior Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, and freshman Isaiah Livers. Wagner and Abdur-Rahkman contributed 21 and 24 points, respectively, in Michigan’s win. At no point were they more excited than that exact moment.
Look at Wagner. He’s celebrating like it went in when Baird releases it. The fact that he even got a shot off has this bench looking like mom just made pizza rolls for you and the boys. That pure excitement and enthusiasm will always smack me straight in the feels.
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
March Madness, I love you.
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