3 ways John Beilein will change up the Cleveland Cavaliers

2. Player development is a major priority

Since taking over at Michigan in 2007, Beilein has recruited two top-25 prospects, according to ESPN‘s ranking system. Those were Glenn Robinson III in 2012 and Zak Irvin in 2013.

Outside of that, he worked with players that other elite programs passed up on. Yet, he did a lot with “a little,” graduating nine players to the NBA Draft.

Seven of those nine players turned out to be first-rounders. Yes, the numbers about winning are nice. Coach Beilein’s nine 20-plus win seasons since 2007 are almost as many as the Cavs franchise (10) during that span, and the NBA plays, like, 50 more games than college teams do.

But Cavs fans should care most about what he will do with the team’s young roster. Helping unrecognized talent reach its full potential is apparently a high priority. The Detroit News lauded Beilein’s ability to develop young players, calling him the “perfect fit” in Cleveland.

Sports Illustrated writer Michael Rosenburg called him “the sports best teacher.”

There was also an outpouring for support for Beilein following the news of his departure, with a specific focus on his class and integrity.

As a coach with strong morals and the ability to teach young talent, it seems like Beilein will make development on the court and off a top priority.