[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 45 (Friday, April 2, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3604-S3605]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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  UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN WINS THE 2004 NATIONAL INVITATION TOURNAMENT

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, last night the University of 
Michigan Wolverines defeated the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights 62-
55 in the final game of the 2004 Men's Basketball National Invitation 
Tournament to complete a 23-11 season.
  The win was even sweeter for the Wolverines as they defeated Rutgers 
before a crowd of 16,064, largely cheering for the Scarlet Knights, at 
Madison Square Garden in New York City. Throughout the season and 
particularly during the NIT, a vocal home crowd at Crisler Arena 
cheered Michigan to victory. Cheering their team through the first 
three games of the tournament, Michigan's fans were truly the team's 
sixth man.
  For the season, Michigan won 16 of their 19 home games. Prior to the 
NIT, they had only won five of their 13 road games. Winning two games 
in Madison Square Garden proved the mettle of this young team that has 
relied heavily upon its many sophomores and freshmen. I know I speak 
for all of Michigan in extending my heartiest congratulations to 
University of Michigan men's basketball team on their championship. 
This was a hard fought victory and one that I'm sure Wolverines fans 
enjoyed immensely.
  Twenty years ago, Bill Frieder coached a young Wolverines team that 
won the NIT Championship. That team used their championship as a 
springboard to greater success: in each of the next two years they won 
the Big Ten Championship. I am sure that Michigan Coach Tommy Amaker 
and his players have similar hopes for a program that has not been to a 
postseason tournament since 2000. This banner will be raised in the 
rafters of Crisler Arena next to the 1989 NCAA championship and the 
1984 NIT championship banners.
  For 68 years, the National Invitation Tournament has showcased some 
of the

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greatest talents in college basketball and this year was no exception. 
Last night, players from both teams displayed their excellent training 
and hard work. Michigan was led by tournament Most Valuable Player 
Daniel Horton, who led Michigan with 14 points and Dion Harris who had 
13 points.
  Michigan opened a lead of 41-29, but a 15-2 Rutgers' run quickly 
nudged the Scarlet Knights in front, albeit briefly. The old adage 
``the best offense is a good defense'' came true as Michigan 
constructed its win around a defensive strategy where defensive 
specialist Bernard Robinson, a senior whose leadership helped guide 
this young team, limited Rutgers' hot-shooting freshman to just two 
points.
  In his third year with the Wolverines, Coach Amaker not only 
assembled the winning game plan, but also brought together a team that 
will consistently compete with any team in the nation. Last night's 
victory is testament to a team that worked hard to salvage its season 
and reputation. While individual performances by Robinson, Daniel 
Horton and Dion Harris played a key role in this game, Michigan's 
championship was a team effort that has helped restore the pride in the 
Michigan basketball program. I congratulate Coach Amaker and his team 
for their selfless efforts in putting University of Michigan basketball 
back on the national map.
  I know my colleagues will join me in congratulating the University of 
Michigan men's basketball team on their victory, and I know we all look 
forward to next year when this team really comes of age.
  Mr. President, I ask that the players and coaches names be printed in 
the Record.
  The list follows:

       Players: Lester Abram; John Andrews; Amadou Ba; Ashtyn 
     Bell; Graham Brown; Colin Dill; Sherrod Harrell; Dion Harris; 
     Daniel Horton; Chris Hunter; J.C. Mathis; Brent Petway; 
     Bernard Robinson Jr.; Courtney Sims; Dani Wohl.
       Coaches: Head Coach Tommy Amaker; Assistant Coach Charles 
     E. Ramsey; Assistant Coach Chuck Swenson; Assistant Coach 
     Andrew Moore.

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