Max Bielfeldt
{{Short description|American basketball player (born 1993)}}
{{good article}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox basketball biography
| name = Max Bielfeldt
| image =20150303 Max Bielfeldt (1).JPG
| caption =Bielfeldt (left) as a true senior for the 2014–15 Michigan Wolverines
| career_number =
| career_position = Power forward
| league = Big Ten Conference
| team =
| height_ft = 6
| weight_lbs = 245{{efn|name="Dispute"|Although the University of Michigan has Bielfeldt listed at 6'8", 245 pounds, Sports Reference lists him at 6'7", 201{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/max-bielfeldt-1.html|title=Max Bielfeldt|accessdate=October 30, 2023|publisher=Sports Reference}}}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|6|7}}
| birth_place =Peoria, Illinois, U.S.
| high_school = Peoria Notre Dame
(Peoria, Illinois)
| college =
| draft_year = 2016
| highlights =
- Big Ten Conference Sixth Man of the Year (2016)
}}
Maxwell Claggett Bielfeldt (born June 7, 1993) is an American former college basketball player for the Michigan Wolverines and Indiana Hoosiers of the Big Ten Conference. After redshirting his freshman season for the 2011–12 Michigan Wolverines who were Big Ten regular season co-champions, he played for the national runner-up 2012–13 Michigan Wolverines and Big Ten regular season champion 2013–14 Michigan team. In his final year of eligibility at Indiana, he earned the 2016 Big Ten Conference Sixth Man of the Year for the Big Ten regular season champion 2015–16 Indiana Hoosiers. He was the first men's basketball player to earn Big Ten Championships at two different universities.
Prior to playing in the Big Ten, Bielfeldt played for Peoria Notre Dame High School, where he earned first team All-State recognition from numerous selectors as a class of 2011 senior as well as numerous distinctions in his earlier years. When he was in high school, he was regarded as possibly the greatest low post player to hail from Peoria, Illinois. During his recruitment, he was initially pursued as a scholarship recruit by mid-major basketball programs, and was offered a preferred walk-on slot at Illinois. When Michigan pursued Bielfeldt, Illinois' eventual scholarship offer did not convince him to join the program.
Bielfeldt is the grandson of Gary and Carlotta Bielfeldt (who endowed the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Bielfeldt Athletic Administration Building). Nicknamed Big Puppy in high school and Moose at Michigan, he has three sisters, including older sister Elle who is married to National Basketball Association (NBA) veteran Meyers Leonard.
Background and early life
Born in Peoria, Illinois on June 7, 1993,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/56672/max-bielfeldt|title=Max Bielfeldt|accessdate=October 29, 2023|publisher=ESPN}}{{cite web|url=https://iuhoosiers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/max-bielfeldt/7303|title=Max Bielfeldt|accessdate=October 29, 2023|publisher=Indiana Hoosiers}} Bielfeldt is the son of David and Julie Bielfeldt. Bielfeldt's parents and both sets of grandparents are Illinois alumni. Grandfather Gary Bielfeldt played football for Illinois in the 1950s, as well as other sports. He later became a commodities trader.{{cite web|url=https://www.pjstar.com/story/sports/high-school/2011/02/11/is-max-bielfeldt-big-time/42505592007/|title=Is Max Bielfeldt a big-time player? Or just big?|accessdate=March 25, 2023|date=February 10, 2011|work=Peoria Journal Star|author=Stewart, Greg|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325225046/https://www.pjstar.com/story/sports/high-school/2011/02/11/is-max-bielfeldt-big-time/42505592007/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.abebooks.com/9781592802821/Market-Wizards-Disc-Interviews-Paul-1592802826/plp|title=Market Wizards, Disc 4: Interviews with Paul Tudor Jones: The Art of Aggressive Trading & Gary Bielfeldt: Yes, They Do Trade T-Bonds in Peoria|accessdate=March 27, 2023|publisher=AbeBooks|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327204338/https://www.abebooks.com/9781592802821/Market-Wizards-Disc-Interviews-Paul-1592802826/plp|url-status=live}} Grandmother Carlotta Bielfeldt was homecoming queen at Illinois.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1767908512|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|1767908512}}|title=Hoosiers' Bielfeldt is a Big Ten lifer|work=Indianapolis Star|author=Osterman, Zach|accessdate=April 11, 2023|date=February 25, 2016|page=C.3|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416130242/https://www.proquest.com/docview/1767908512|url-status=live}} Constructed between the October 21, 1994, groundbreaking and the October 4, 1996, dedication, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Bielfeldt Athletic Administration Building is a $7.2 million (${{Inflation|US|7.2|1996|r=2}} million in {{Inflation/year|US}}), {{convert|43000|sqft|m2|comma=5|0|adj=on}} building that was endowed by Gary and Carlotta.{{cite web|url=https://fightingillini.com/sports/2015/6/30/GEN_0630154135.aspx|title=Bielfeldt Athletics Administration Building|accessdate=March 25, 2023|publisher=Illinois Fighting Illini|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325024710/https://fightingillini.com/sports/2015/6/30/GEN_0630154135.aspx|url-status=live}} His older sister, Elle, and brother-in-law, Meyers Leonard, are alumni, with Leonard having played basketball at Illinois before his NBA career.{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-indiana-max-bielfeldt-ncaa-tournament-spt-0321-20160320-story.html|title=Former Illini fan Max Bielfeldt fulfilling dreams at Indiana|accessdate=March 25, 2023|date=March 20, 2016|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Ryan, Shannon|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325024709/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-indiana-max-bielfeldt-ncaa-tournament-spt-0321-20160320-story.html|url-status=live}} His sister Matti played volleyball at Illinois.{{cite web|url=https://fightingillini.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/matti-bielfeldt/4472|title=2014 Women's Volleyball Roster: 9 Matti Bielfeldt|accessdate=March 25, 2023|publisher=Illinois Fighting Illini|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325024715/https://fightingillini.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/matti-bielfeldt/4472|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://writingillini.com/2014/05/20/illinois-fighting-illini-volleyball-matti-bielfeldt-to-join-illini-in-2014/|title=Illinois Fighting Illini Volleyball: Matti Bielfeldt To Join Illini In 2014|accessdate=March 26, 2023|date=May 20, 2014|publisher=FanSided|author=Widmer, Ricky|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326233447/https://writingillini.com/2014/05/20/illinois-fighting-illini-volleyball-matti-bielfeldt-to-join-illini-in-2014/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=7&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/14A5C267DB0D56B8|title=2013 JOURNAL STAR ALL-AREA VOLLEYBALL TEAM|accessdate=March 29, 2023|date=November 27, 2013|work=Peoria Journal Star|page=2D|url-access=subscription}} His youngest sibling, Lydia, is six years his junior.
Bielfeldt began playing basketball when he was four at the downtown Peoria YMCA and at home with his Little Tikes hoop. In fifth grade, he joined the Peoria Academy school team and the following year he joined an AYBT travel team. He attended developmental camps at Bradley University and the University of Illinois.
After attending the 2005 NCAA Division I men's basketball championship game in Saint Louis, where Illinois lost to North Carolina, his dream was to help Illinois win its first national championship.
High school
=Freshman and sophomore years=
He entered Peoria Notre Dame High School at {{height|ft=6|in=2}} and grew {{convert|4|in|cm|1}} during his freshman year. Bielfeldt played AAU basketball with the Indiana SPY Players that included future Michigan teammates Mitch McGary and Glenn Robinson III, son of Glenn Robinson.{{cite web|url=http://www.michigandaily.com/sports/mitch-mcgary-you-dont-know-through-eyes-his-parents|title=The Mitch McGary you don't know, through the eyes of his parents|access-date=March 31, 2013|date=November 8, 2012|work=Michigan Daily|author=Wasserman, Daniel|archive-date=April 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140428000156/http://www.michigandaily.com/sports/mitch-mcgary-you-dont-know-through-eyes-his-parents|url-status=live}} His AAU team was based in Gary, Indiana. Bielfeldt, nicknamed Big Puppy, grew up in a lifestyle where he had his own Mercedes-Benz convertible to drive when he was not driving one of the family's Cadillac Escalades.
During his 2008–09 sophomore season, he earned press along with his older sister for being one of the area's interesting sibling basketball performers.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=year%3A2009%212009&sort=YMD_date%3AA&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22brother-sister%20combos%20are%20standing%22&docref=news/127FC286270F92A0|title=Sibling Duos|accessdate=March 26, 2023|date=January 23, 2009|work=Peoria Journal Star|url-access=subscription|quote=No fewer than three brother-sister combos are standing out so far this basketball season. We take a look:. . .ELLE BIELFLEDT 5–11, jr., 12.4 ppg, 7.8 rpg MAX BIELFELDT 6–6, so. 16.6 ppg, 9.5 rpg}} That season, he earned 2009 (All-Area) Large-school boys basketball All-Star team recognition from the Peoria Journal Star after posting 15.0 points per game, 8.7 rebounds per game, a 66.4% field-goal percentage, and a total of 94 blocks.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=30&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/128EA330607DC3A8|title=Large-school boys basketball all-star team|accessdate=March 26, 2023|date=April 9, 2009|work=Peoria Journal Star|page=D5|url-access=subscription}}
=Junior year=
During his 2009–10 junior season, he had become the region's "most dominant post player", averaging 20.2 points and 12.0 rebounds with a total of 96 blocks. His marquee game had been a 39-point/14-rebound effort against Lew Wallace High School of Gary, Indiana. Wayne Brumm, who had coached Luke Harangody, saw similarities in their games when viewing this game. Following the season, he was a 2010 Peoria Journal Star (All-Area) large-school All-Star along with Lawrence Alexander, among others.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=22&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/1338533C0E66D420|title=2010 JOURNAL STAR LARGE-SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL ALL-STAR TEAM|accessdate=March 26, 2023|date=March 31, 2010|work=Peoria Journal Star|page=5D|url-access=subscription}} That season, the Associated Press All-State Class 3A first team consisted solely of players {{height|ft=6|in=5}} and under, while Bielfeldt earned second team recognition.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=23&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/12FFB75E4EC3FBC8|title=Streaks' Davis honorable mention AP all-state|accessdate=March 26, 2023|date=March 16, 2010|work=The Paper (Galesburg, IL)|author=Creglow, Zack|url-access=subscription|quote=FIRST TEAM: Rayvonte Rice (6–3 Sr., Champaign Centennial); Chasson Randle (6–2 Jr., Rock Island); Mycheal Henry (6–5 Jr., Chicago Orr); Tylon Deal (6–0 Sr., Peoria Richwoods); Eric Gaines (6–4 Sr., Country Club Hills Hillcrest). SECOND TEAM: Max Bielfeldt (6–8 Jr., Peoria Notre Dame); Jordan Threloff (6–10 Sr., DeKalb); Wayne Simon (5–10 Sr., Westchester St. Joseph); Jordan Nelson (6–10 Jr., Lincoln); Ben Brackney (6–5 Sr., Lincoln).}} He was also a second team All-State selection by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=23&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/133853208784D9B8|title=HOOP DU JOUR|accessdate=March 30, 2023|date=March 21, 2010|work=Peoria Journal Star|page=6D|url-access=subscription}} While his future brother in law Leonard was a 2010 (All-Class) All-State boys basketball first team selection by the Chicago Tribune along with Rayvonte Rice, Jereme Richmond and juniors Ryan Boatright and Wayne Blackshear, junior Bielfeldt earned a special mention.{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/high-school/ct-spt-2010-prep-bkb-all-state-htmlstory.html|title=In good hands: The 2009–10 Tribune All-State boys basketball first team|accessdate=March 26, 2023|date=April 4, 2010|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Helfgot, Mike|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326114052/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/high-school/ct-spt-2010-prep-bkb-all-state-htmlstory.html|url-status=live}} Along with Richmond and Blackshear, Bielfeldt was one of only 3 players in the state to average 20 points and 10 rebounds that season. In the March 30, 2010, announcement that the Peoria Times-Observer would cease operations on April 28, both Elle and Max Bielfeldt were thanked for having lives that made for great content.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=year%3A2010%212010&sort=YMD_date%3AA&page=2&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22Elle%20Bielfeldt%22&docref=news/12ECBDC657E343D0|title=Thanks to all who made this job fun|accessdate=March 26, 2023|date=March 30, 2010|work=Peoria Times-Observer|author=Batters, Tom|url-access=subscription}}
=Senior year=
By the time of his first live coaching evaluation on July 10, 2010, Bielfeldt only had offers from Wright State, Ball State, and Western Michigan.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=21&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/133856CEB9E987F0|title=Out there maximizing his exposure|accessdate=March 26, 2023|date=July 8, 2010|work=Peoria Journal Star|author=Reynolds, Dave|page=1D|url-access=subscription}} AAU teammate Robinson committed to Michigan's class of 2012 on September 14, 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.umhoops.com/2010/09/14/glenn-robinson-iii-to-michigan/|title=Glenn Robinson III to Michigan|access-date=October 6, 2010|date=September 14, 2010|author=Burkhardt, Dylan|work=UMHoops.com|archive-date=September 21, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100921063622/http://www.umhoops.com/2010/09/14/glenn-robinson-iii-to-michigan/|url-status=live}} That year, Notre Dame High School was expected to be an also-ran to Peoria High School and Manual High School in the area. Instead, they were the state's top-ranked class 3A team from December to March.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=10&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/136392281E7CB000|title=Bielfeldt chooses Michigan over Illini|accessdate=March 26, 2023|date=March 26, 2011|work=Pekin Daily Times|page=B-1|url-access=subscription}}
Bielfeldt began the season at the 2010 State Farm Tournament of Champions with a career-high 19 rebounds against Champaign Central High School on November 23 and following that with a career-high 40 points against McCluer High School of Florissant, Missouri on November 25. The career-high 40-point game fell one short of Gary Bielfeldt's 1954 senior year 41-point performance for Octavia High School. By the time Bielfeldt led the team to a 21–0 start, with eight wins over state-ranked teams, in early February, he had added scholarship offers from Valparaiso and Illinois-Chicago and non-scholarship interest from Dartmouth, Brown and Pennsylvania of the Ivy League, which does not offer athletic scholarships. Valpo and UIC were the leading contenders although following his official January on-campus visit to Ann Arbor, Michigan, an offer from Michigan and a Peoria Notre Dame visit by Michigan head coach John Beilein were pending. Michigan was looking him over because of their situation at the "4". At that time, Michigan was playing a Big Ten schedule with {{height|ft=6|in=4}} Zack Novak as its power forward.{{cite web|url=https://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-basketball/michigans-zack-novak-i-wasnt-supposed-to-be-good-but-turned-out-all-right/|title=Zack Novak: The world's smallest, toughest and most self-deprecating power forward?|accessdate=March 25, 2023|date=May 9, 2012|work=Ann Arbor News|author=Meinke, Kyle|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325233544/https://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-basketball/michigans-zack-novak-i-wasnt-supposed-to-be-good-but-turned-out-all-right/|url-status=live}} All of Michigan's regulars taller than {{height|ft=6|in=6}} were freshmen.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=10&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/136D71F3F7219A08|title=What's in a name? For Illinois, that's not enough for Bielfeldt|accessdate=March 26, 2023|date=March 27, 2011|work=The News-Gazette|author=Tate, Loren|page=D-3|url-access=subscription}} Eventually, Beilein would take in a Peoria Notre Dame game on the same day as Illinois' coach Bruce Weber.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=9&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/1370EA88E7A1BC98|title=Heading basketball ops on the Hilltop – Beilein 'immediately fell in love' with Bradley and he's 'shocked' by school's 'high major facilities'|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=May 5, 2011 |work=Peoria Journal Star|author=Reynolds, Dave|page=1D|url-access=subscription}}
Bielfeldt finished his senior season with averages of 22.5 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.6 blocks for 28–1 Peoria Notre Dame and became the school's all-time leader in points with 1,580 and rebounds with 886. The point total surpassed Brian Randle's 1,383. Bielfeldt's total was a three-year total, while Randle's was from a four-year varsity career. However, Randle's senior season stats (22.9 points, 12.8 rebounds and 5.2 blocks) compared well with Biefeldt's. Bielfedt's 20 double-doubles as a senior fell short of his own 21 as a junior.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=10&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/1365618429760768|title=2011 JS Big-School Boys Basketball Player of the Year: UP TO THE CHALLENGE|accessdate=March 28, 2023|date=April 1, 2011|work=Peoria Journal Star|page=1D|url-access=subscription}}
Although the state of Illinois has produced many successful NBA players, including Peoria's Shaun Livingston,{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/17DD973D0D1A2BF8|title=High school basketball players from Illinois are no stranger|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=October 1, 2020|work=Peoria Journal Star|author=Huett, Wes|page=B2|url-access=subscription}} and Peoria has produced a lot of NCAA Division I talent,{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=7&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/14AB0651B1DD9060|title=Rare gap in D-I talent in the area|accessdate=March 29, 2023|date=December 13, 2013|work=Peoria Journal Star|author=Schwindenhammer, Lonnie|page=1D|url-access=subscription}} Bielfeldt, while still in high school, was considered possibly the best true back-to-the-basket, low-post player to hail from Peoria. In late February, the Illinois Mr. Basketball vote was considered to be a wide open six-horse race.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=13&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/135B822B3B1AD048|title=Might be year for Mr. Max|accessdate=March 26, 2023|date=February 23, 2011|work=Peoria Journal Star|author=Stewart, Greg|page=5D|url-access=subscription}} Then on March 8, top-ranked Peoria Notre Dame was knocked out of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) playoffs in the Class 3A Peoria Sectional semifinal at Renaissance Coliseum by Peoria High School.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=12&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/135DCED9955F2D18|title=Class 3A: Lions eat Irish stew|accessdate=March 28, 2023|date=March 9, 2011|work=Peoria Journal Star|author=Stewart, Greg|url-access=subscription}} When the results were announced on March 30, Boatright and Chasson Randle tied for the award and Bielfeldt was not among the top 5.{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/ct-xpm-2011-03-29-ct-spt-0330-prep-mrbasketball-voting-20110329-story.html|title=Mr. Basketball of Illinois 2011: East Aurora's Ryan Boatright, Rock Island's Chasson Randle share honor|accessdate=March 26, 2023|date=March 29, 2011|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Skrbina, Paul|display-authors=et al.|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326232908/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/ct-xpm-2011-03-29-ct-spt-0330-prep-mrbasketball-voting-20110329-story.html|url-status=live}}
The 2011 Class 3A Associated Press All-State first team consisted of Bielfeldt, Chasson Randle, Blackshear, Anthony Davis and Mychael Henry.{{cite web|url=https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/2011/03/17/bielfeldt-named-to-ap-class/42474514007/|title=Bielfeldt named to AP Class 3A all-state team|accessdate=March 25, 2023|date=March 17, 2011|work=Peoria Journal Star}} His other Class 3A first-team All-State recognitions included Illinois Basketball Coaches Association, Chicago Sun-Times, The News-Gazette and Peoria Journal Star.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=10&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/136EC919376601C0|title=79th News-Gazette All-State Boys' Basketball Team|accessdate=March 30, 2023|date=April 3, 2011|work=The News-Gazette|page=D-5|url-access=subscription}} He was named to the (All-Class) Chicago Tribune All-State second team along with Frank Kaminsky, Johnny Hill, David Sobolewski and sophomore Jabari Parker.{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/ct-xpm-2011-04-02-ct-spt-0403-prep-bkb-all-state-second20110402-story.html|title=2011 Chicago Tribune All-State second team|accessdate=March 25, 2023|date=April 2, 2023|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Helfgot, Mike|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325060955/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/ct-xpm-2011-04-02-ct-spt-0403-prep-bkb-all-state-second20110402-story.html|url-status=live}} In MaxPreps' final class of 2011 top 100 Bielfeldt was number 100.{{cite web|url=https://www.maxpreps.com/news/d4CXhWbWEeCkhgAcxJSkrA/anthony-davis-headlines-final-class-of-2011-top-100.htm|title=Anthony Davis headlines final Class of 2011 Top 100|accessdate=March 25, 2023|date=April 17, 2011|publisher=MaxPreps|author=Hickman, Jason|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325214542/https://www.maxpreps.com/news/d4CXhWbWEeCkhgAcxJSkrA/anthony-davis-headlines-final-class-of-2011-top-100.htm|url-status=live}} Bielfeldt earned the 2011 Peoria Journal Star Big-School Boys Basketball Player of the Year.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=1&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/1637B3E4F4206028|title=IL Sports|accessdate=March 29, 2023|date=March 31, 2017|work=Peoria Journal Star|page=B4|url-access=subscription}}
Illinois upgraded its preferred walk-on offer to Bielfeldt to a scholarship offer on February 14, 2011.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=14&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/135BB5A2EDE6E290|title=Offer exciting for Bielfeldt|accessdate=March 29, 2023|date=February 17, 2011|work=The News-Gazette|author=Jackson, Marcus|page=B-2|url-access=subscription}}{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=19&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/1349ED6DE22691A8|title=Klee's Corner|accessdate=March 29, 2023|date=December 14, 2010|work=The News-Gazette|author=Klee, Paul|page=C-2|url-access=subscription}} Michigan offered Bielfeldt before his official Illinois February 26 visit, but Bielfeldt did not announce the offer until March 2 because Beilein had to inform other athletes that they were no longer in Michigan's plans.{{cite web|url=https://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-basketball/michigan-basketball-offers-scholarship-to-illinois-prospect-max-bielfeldt/|title=Michigan basketball offers scholarship to Illinois prospect Max Bielfeldt|accessdate=March 25, 2023|date=March 2, 2011|work=Ann Arbor News|author=Rothstein, Michael|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325235531/https://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-basketball/michigan-basketball-offers-scholarship-to-illinois-prospect-max-bielfeldt/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://blogs.pjstar.com/prepsplus/2011/03/02/michigan-offers-scholarship-to-bielfeldt/|title=Michigan offers scholarship to Bielfeldt|accessdate=March 25, 2023|date=March 2, 2011|work=Peoria Journal Star|author=Stewart, Greg|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325235533/http://blogs.pjstar.com/prepsplus/2011/03/02/michigan-offers-scholarship-to-bielfeldt/|url-status=live}} By the time Bielfeldt scheduled his Illinois visit to be before his high school playoffs, Florida, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Nebraska, Tulane and Butler had all become interested in him.{{cite web|url=https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/bulletin-tab/2011/02/26/illinois-recruit-max-bielfeldt-to/65221092007/|title=Illinois recruit Max Bielfeldt to make campus visit|accessdate=March 26, 2023|date=February 25, 2011|work=Milford Daily News|author=Supinie, John|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326173547/https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/bulletin-tab/2011/02/26/illinois-recruit-max-bielfeldt-to/65221092007/|url-status=live}} The visit was February 26 and 27.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=year%3A2011%212011&sort=YMD_date%3AA&page=4&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22Max%20Bielfeldt%22&docref=news/135A42B0F68E0C98|title=Illini's Head had little time to get nervous|accessdate=March 26, 2023|date=February 25, 2011|work=The State Journal-Register blogs|url-access=subscription|quote=Peoria Notre Dame center Max Bielfeldt will make an official visit Saturday and Sunday. Bielfeldt landed a scholarship offer earlier this month after Illinois had previously invited him to join the program as a preferred walk-on.}} Leonard hosted Bielfeldt during his official recruiting trip to Illinois and met Elle Leonard (née Bielfeldt) for the first time.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/timcasey/2020/10/05/how-miami-heat-center-meyers-leonard-and-his-wife-elle-leonard-built-a-health-food-company/?sh=6676148e4c48|title=How Miami Heat Center Meyers Leonard And His Wife, Elle, Built A Health Food Company|accessdate=March 25, 2023|date=October 5, 2020|work=Forbes|author=Casey, Tim|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325024708/https://www.forbes.com/sites/timcasey/2020/10/05/how-miami-heat-center-meyers-leonard-and-his-wife-elle-leonard-built-a-health-food-company/?sh=6676148e4c48|url-status=live}} Bielfeldt scheduled his trip to Ann Arbor, Michigan for his official visit on March 14, 2011.{{cite web|url=https://umhoops.com/2011/03/14/monday-bullets-max-bielfeldt-fab-five-tennessee/|title=Monday Bullets: Max Bielfeldt, Fab Five & Tennessee|accessdate=March 30, 2023|date=March 14, 2011|website=UMHoops.com|author=Burkhardt, Dylan|archive-date=March 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330181451/https://umhoops.com/2011/03/14/monday-bullets-max-bielfeldt-fab-five-tennessee/|url-status=live}}
Despite his family's ties to the Illinois Fighting Illini,{{cite web|url=http://www.athletics.illinois.edu/facilities/facilities/bielfeldt/default.htm|title=Bielfeldt Athletic Administration Building|access-date=August 6, 2011|publisher=University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719182015/http://www.athletics.illinois.edu/facilities/facilities/bielfeldt/default.htm|archive-date=July 19, 2012|url-status=dead}} Bielfeldt had a ceremonial verbal commitment event at his high school library on March 25 to announce his selection of Michigan.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=11&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/1364B9991123B200|title=Max likes the Michigan mix – Notre Dame all-stater meshes with Wolverines, picks them over Illini|accessdate=March 26, 2023|date=March 26, 2011|work=Peoria Journal Star|author=Duvall, Adam|page=D1|url-access=subscription}}{{cite web|url=http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-basketball/michigan-basketball-picks-up-a-commitment-in-forward-max-bielfeldt/|title=Michigan basketball program picks up a commitment from forward Max Bielfeldt|access-date=August 6, 2011|date=March 25, 2011|work=AnnArbor.com|author=Rothstein, Michael|archive-date=August 31, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831090231/http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-basketball/michigan-basketball-picks-up-a-commitment-in-forward-max-bielfeldt/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-basketball/new-michigan-basketball-commit-max-bielfeldt-explains-his-process-and-where-he-fits-in-next-year/|title=Michigan basketball commit Max Bielfeldt thinks he can help the Wolverines next season|access-date=March 30, 2023|date=March 28, 2011|work=The Ann Arbor News|author=Rothstein, Michael|archive-date=March 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330203353/https://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-basketball/new-michigan-basketball-commit-max-bielfeldt-explains-his-process-and-where-he-fits-in-next-year/|url-status=live}} On April 13, Michigan announced that Bielfeldt had signed his National Letter of Intent.{{cite web|url=https://mgoblue.com/news/2011/4/13/U_M_Signs_Peoria_Forward_Bielfeldt_for_2011_12_Season.aspx?path=mbball|title=U-M Signs Peoria Forward Bielfeldt for 2011–12 Season|accessdate=March 26, 2023|date=April 13, 2011|publisher=Board of Regents of the University of Michigan|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326040350/https://mgoblue.com/news/2011/4/13/U_M_Signs_Peoria_Forward_Bielfeldt_for_2011_12_Season.aspx?path=mbball|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-basketball/forward-max-bielfeldt-officially-signs-with-michigan-basketball/|title=Forward Max Bielfeldt officially signs with Michigan basketball program|accessdate=March 26, 2023|date=April 13, 2011|work=Ann Arbor News|author=Rothstein, Michael|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326040348/https://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-basketball/forward-max-bielfeldt-officially-signs-with-michigan-basketball/|url-status=live}} Beilfeld joined a 2011 incoming Michigan class that included 2011 Ohio Mr. Basketball point guard Trey Burke,{{cite web|url=http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-basketball/michigan-basketball-commit-trey-burke-named-mr-basketball-in-ohio/|title=Columbus Dispatch: Michigan basketball commit Trey Burke named Mr. Basketball in Ohio|access-date=August 6, 2011|date=March 23, 2011|work=AnnArbor.com|author=Rothstein, Michael|archive-date=March 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310001722/http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-basketball/michigan-basketball-commit-trey-burke-named-mr-basketball-in-ohio/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://highschoolsports.cleveland.com/news/article/5021442462569914816/columbus-northlands-trey-burke-named-ohios-mr-basketball/|title=Columbus Northland's Trey Burke named Ohio's Mr. Basketball|access-date=August 6, 2011|date=March 24, 2011|work=Cleveland.com|archive-date=May 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501183058/http://highschoolsports.cleveland.com/news/article/5021442462569914816/columbus-northlands-trey-burke-named-ohios-mr-basketball/|url-status=live}} as well as Carlton Brundidge and Sai Tummala.{{cite web|url=https://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-basketball/images-from-the-michigan-mens-and-womens-basketball-teams-media-day/|title=Images from the Michigan men's and women's basketball teams' media day|accessdate=March 25, 2023|date=October 11, 2011|work=Ann Arbor News|author=Sainlar, Jeff|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326110136/https://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-basketball/images-from-the-michigan-mens-and-womens-basketball-teams-media-day/|url-status=live}} His decision made him the first Peorian to choose a Big Ten Conference school other than Illinois for basketball in over a decade.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=10&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/136A516C5FF9DA20|title=Max and others make it official on signing day – Basketball, golf and tennis recruits sign letters of intent|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=April 14, 2011|work=Peoria Journal Star|page=1D|url-access=subscription}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Start|40=no|collapse=no|year=2011}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Max Bielfeldt
| position = PF
| hometown = Peoria, Illinois
| highschool = Notre Dame High School (Illinois)
| feet = 6
| inches = 8
| weight = 240
| 40 =
| commitdate = March 25, 2011
| scout stars = 3
| rivals stars = 0
| espn grade = 87
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit End
| 40 =
| year = 2011
| rivals ref title = Michigan 2011 Basketball Commitments
| scout ref title = 2011 Michigan Basketball Commits
| espn ref title = ESPN
| rivals school = michigan
| scout s = 162
| espn schoolid = 130
| scout overall =
| rivals overall =
| espn overall =
| access-date = May 3, 2010
| bball = yes
}}
College
=Michigan (2011–2015)=
{{multiple image
| width = 240
| image1 = 20130103 Max Bielfeldt draws a foul (3) recropped.jpg
| caption1 = Bielfeldt (No. 44) for the 2012–13 Wolverines
| alt1 = Basketball players under the rim
| image2 = 20140102 Mitch McGary and Max Bielfeldt cropped.jpg
| caption2 = Bielfeldt (right) for the 2013–14 Wolverines with Mitch McGary
| alt2 = Two caucasian men talking at courtside
| footer_align = center
| footer =
}}
==Freshman season==
Bielfeldt redshirted as a true freshman for the 2011–12 Wolverines. Part of the reason for the redshirt was injuries to his hip and knee.{{cite web|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/2014/11/17/max-bielfeldts-career-night-powers-michigan-rout/19202055/|title=Max Bielfeldt's career night powers Michigan rout|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=November 17, 2014|work=The Detroit News|author=Beard, Rod|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327210333/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/2014/11/17/max-bielfeldts-career-night-powers-michigan-rout/19202055/|url-status=live}} The March 4, 2012, victory over Penn State clinched a share of the 2011–12 Big Ten Conference season regular season championship.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/320640213|title=Trey Burke, Michigan top Penn State, earn share of Big Ten title|access-date=March 30, 2023|date=March 4, 2012|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=March 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330190636/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/320640213|url-status=dead}} For the 2012–13 and 2013–14 Wolverines, Biefeldt shared the low post minutes with Mitch McGary, Jordan Morgan and Jon Horford. While supporting Morgan, Horford and McGary, he was rarely healthy due to leg and hip injuries.
==Sophomore season==
In the campus portion of the NIT Season Tip-Off on November 12, 2012, against IUPUI, Bielfeldt posted a season-high 6 rebounds in 4 minutes of play.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore/_/gameId/323170130|title=IUPUI Jaguars 54: 91 Michigan Wolverines (box score)|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=November 12, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327023437/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore/_/gameId/323170130|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://mgoblue.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/max-bielfeldt/668|title=2014–15 Men's Basketball Roster: 44 Max Bielfeldt|accessdate=March 27, 2023|publisher=Board of Regents of the University of Michigan|website=MGoBlue.com|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325024725/https://mgoblue.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/max-bielfeldt/668|url-status=live}} Then, the following night against Cleveland State, he added 5 rebounds in 7 minutes for a total of 11 rebounds in 11 minutes.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore/_/gameId/323180130|title=Cleveland State Vikings 47: 77 Michigan Wolverines (box score)|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=November 13, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327023441/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore/_/gameId/323180130|url-status=live}} When Michigan visited Peoria's Carver Arena to play Bradley on December 1, the team was ranked number 3 in the nation and Bielfeldt played 9 minutes, posting 2 points and 2 rebounds. It was Bielfeldt's first time playing at Carver Arena, which had become the home of the annual IHSA state final four basketball games.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=8&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/143016E344B10108|title=Braves go down fighting – Bradley rallies late before losing to No. 3 Michigan, 74–66, at Carver Arena|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=December 2, 2012|work=Peoria Journal Star|page=1D|author=Reynolds, Dave|url-access=subscription}} By January 27, 2013, Michigan had moved up to number 2 before visiting State Farm Center (then known as Assembly Hall) to play Illinois. Bielfeldt, who had previously played in the arena in 2010, contributed 4 points and 2 rebounds in his 6 minutes of playing time,{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=7&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/1449AE9D9B8B3178|title=Bielfeldt makes himself at home – Former Illini Vaughn enjoys his moment in the sun: 'I couldn't believe it. It was like a dream come truea|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=January 28, 2013|work=The News-Gazette|page=B-2|author=Daniels, Matt|url-access=subscription}} but the fans heckled him and he missed some free throws,{{cite episode|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXFIWczZCbs|title=The Journey: Big Ten Basketball 2016 – Max Bielfeldt|format=Streaming television|series=The Journey|time=1:15|network=Big Ten Network|date=2016|access-date=March 30, 2023}} air balling his first shot and going 2–for–4 from the line.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/330270356|title=No. 2 Michigan makes case for No. 1 by topping Illinois|accessdate=October 25, 2023|date=January 28, 2013|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore/_/gameId/330270356|title=2 Michigan Wolverines 74: 60 Illinois Fighting Illini|accessdate=October 25, 2023|date=January 28, 2013|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}} Michigan lost the April 8 championship game of the 2013 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament to Midwest number one seed Louisville by an 82–76 score.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=330980097|title=Louisville outlasts Michigan to win national championship|access-date=April 9, 2013|date=April 8, 2013|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=April 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130409055543/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=330980097|url-status=live}} Louisville's championship has since been vacated by the NCAA, as well as all its wins from 2011 to 2015. This followed an escort recruitment scandal at the university.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/22513517/ncaa-denies-louisville-appeal-rules-cardinals-vacate-2013-national-title|title=Louisville appeal denied; must vacate '13 title|work=ESPN.com|date=February 20, 2018|access-date=February 20, 2018|author=Schlabach, Mark|archive-date=July 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724054921/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/22513517/ncaa-denies-louisville-appeal-rules-cardinals-vacate-2013-national-title|url-status=live}}
==Junior season==
On March 1, Michigan clinched a share of the Big Ten regular-season championship by defeating Minnesota 66–56.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400510052|title=No. 16 Michigan clinches share of Big Ten title|access-date=March 2, 2014|date=March 1, 2014|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=March 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307082958/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=400510052|url-status=live}} The Wolverines visited an Illinois team on March 4, 2014, which had held its previous four opponents under 50 points. Michigan scored 52 points in the first half and went on to win 84–53. With the win, Michigan clinched its first outright (unshared) Big Ten Conference championship since 1985–86.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400510056|title=No. 12 Michigan wins outright Big Ten title with rout of Illinois|access-date=March 5, 2014|date=March 4, 2014|publisher=ESPN|author=Mercer, David|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=March 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305083137/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=400510056|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/030414aal.html|title=Postgame Notes: #12 Michigan 84, Illinois 53|access-date=March 5, 2014|date=March 4, 2014|publisher=CBS Interactive|website=MGoBlue.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309084021/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/030414aal.html|archive-date=March 9, 2014|url-status=dead}} Michigan entered the 2014 Big Ten Conference men's basketball tournament as the number-one seed for the first time.{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/031414aaf.html|title=Postgame Notes: #8 Michigan 64, Illinois 63|access-date=March 14, 2014|date=March 14, 2014|publisher=CBS Interactive|website=MGoBlue.com|archive-date=March 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315011743/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/031414aaf.html|url-status=live}} The Wolverines defeated Illinois 64–63, after losing a 13-point second-half lead and scoring a game-winning basket with 7.9 seconds remaining.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400546235|title=No. 8 Michigan overcomes scare from Illinois in final seconds|access-date=March 14, 2014|date=March 14, 2014|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=March 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314234810/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=400546235|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/031414aaa.html|title=No. 8 Michigan overcomes determined Illinois, 64–63: Wolverines will play Nebraska-Ohio State winner on Saturday|access-date=March 15, 2014|date=March 14, 2014|publisher=CBS Interactive|website=BigTen.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316005450/http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/031414aaa.html|archive-date=March 16, 2014|url-status=dead}} The Wolverines were seeded number two in the Midwest region of the 2014 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/031614aab.html|title=Six Big Ten Teams Selected For NCAA men's basketball tournament: Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Ohio State, and Wisconsin heading to tournament|access-date=March 16, 2014|date=March 16, 2014|website=BigTen.org|publisher=CBS Interactive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317032133/http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/031614aab.html|archive-date=March 17, 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/031614aaa.html|title=Michigan Receives No. 2 Seed, Will Face Wofford in NCAA Opener|access-date=March 16, 2014|date=March 16, 2014|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|archive-date=March 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317023334/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/031614aaa.html|url-status=live}} Michigan's run to the Elite Eight gave the Wolverines' a school record 59 wins in a two-year period.{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/033014aaa.html|title=U-M Has Tourney Run End on Last-Second Shot by Kentucky|access-date=March 30, 2014|date=March 30, 2014|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921065853/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/033014aaa.html|archive-date=September 21, 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/033014aae.html|title=Postgame Notes: Kentucky 75, #7 Michigan 72|access-date=March 30, 2014|date=March 30, 2014|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331082258/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/033014aae.html|archive-date=March 31, 2014|url-status=dead}} Bielfeldt only played 89 minutes in 19 games during the season. Following the season McGary, Robinson and Nik Stauskas left early for the 2014 NBA draft.{{cite web|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=state%3AIL%21USA%20-%20Illinois&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=6&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=Max%20Bielfeldt&docref=news/14E4305C33041AB8|title=Michigan forward Bielfeldt sidelined after hip surgery|accessdate=March 29, 2023|date=June 4, 2014|work=Pekin Daily Times|page=B-2|url-access=subscription}}
==Senior season==
Beilein announced on June 3, 2014, that Bielfeldt had undergone hip surgery and was expected to miss most of summer 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2014/06/michigans_max_bielfeldt_sideli.html|title=Michigan's Max Bielfeldt sidelined for most of summer following hip surgery|access-date=June 4, 2014|date=June 3, 2014|publisher=MLive.com|author=Quinn, Brendan F.|archive-date=June 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606005348/http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2014/06/michigans_max_bielfeldt_sideli.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/michigan-f-max-bielfeldt-expected-to-miss-much-of-summer-after-hip-surgery/|title=Michigan F Max Bielfeldt expected to miss much of summer after hip surgery|access-date=June 4, 2014|date=June 3, 2014|publisher=FOX News|agency=Associated Press}} In July, the team reclassified Bielfeldt from a redshirt junior to a senior, which freed up Bielfeldt's scholarship for the Class of 2015, implying Bielfeldt would play his final year of eligibility elsewhere.{{cite web|url=http://www.michigandaily.com/sports/lone-senior-bielfeldt-hopes-make-lost-time|title=As lone senior, Bielfeldt hopes to make up for shortened time|access-date=November 30, 2014|date=November 3, 2014|work=Michigan Daily|author=Feldman, Daniel|archive-date=December 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204224209/http://www.michigandaily.com/sports/lone-senior-bielfeldt-hopes-make-lost-time|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2014/11/michigans_max_bielfeldt_took_o_1.html|title=Michigan's Max Bielfeldt took reclassification in stride, now looks to prove worth|access-date=November 30, 2014|date=November 19, 2014|work=MLive.com|author=Quinn, Brendan F.|archive-date=December 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205003243/http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2014/11/michigans_max_bielfeldt_took_o_1.html|url-status=live}} Following Morgan's graduation, McGary's NBA departure and Horford's transfer, Bielfeldt was the lone remaining upperclass big for the 2014–15 Wolverines. When Caris LeVert was lost to injury, he and Spike Albrecht were the only players on the roster with more than a year experience. Nonetheless, "Moose", as he was known in Michigan basketball circles, continued to serve as leader of the scout team as he had during most of his Michigan tenure, while freshman Ricky Doyle and redshirt freshman Mark Donnal competed for the "5" spot.{{cite web|url=https://www.michigandaily.com/uncategorized/michigans-lone-senior-moose-takes-added-leadership-responsibilities-stride/|title=Michigan's lone senior, "Moose" takes added leadership responsibilities in stride|accessdate=March 25, 2023|date=January 29, 2015|work=The Michigan Daily|author=Facher, Lev|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325214004/https://www.michigandaily.com/uncategorized/michigans-lone-senior-moose-takes-added-leadership-responsibilities-stride/|url-status=live}}
On November 17, the team opened the Progressive Legends Classic at home against Bucknell. The game was highlighted by Bielfeldt's career-high 18-point performance.{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/24558f35475e447e8ad79ec816eed66f|title=No. 24 Michigan sharp early, beats Bucknell 77–53|accessdate=March 25, 2023|date=November 17, 2014|author=Trister, Noah|website=Associated Press|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325040700/https://apnews.com/article/24558f35475e447e8ad79ec816eed66f|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/111714aaa.html|title=Bielfeldt's Career Night Powers U-M Past Bucknell|access-date=November 21, 2014|date=November 17, 2014|publisher=CBS Interactive|website=MGoBlue.com|archive-date=November 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141121000235/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/111714aaa.html|url-status=dead}} Beilfeldt was Michigan's only senior on March 7 senior night.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2015/03/max_bielfeldt_senior_day_michi.html|title=Last man standing: Max Bielfeldt walks alone for senior day at Michigan|accessdate=March 28, 2023|date=March 7, 2015|publisher=Mlive.com|author=Quinn, Brendan F.|archive-date=March 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328043936/https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2015/03/max_bielfeldt_senior_day_michi.html|url-status=live}} That night, Michigan won its Big Ten Conference finale against Rutgers to finish the regular season at 15–15 (8–10 Big Ten). The game marked career-high assist (3) and rebounding (13) by Bielfeldt. Bielfeldt made his first career start and earned his first double-double with 14 points.{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/030715aaa.html|title=Postgame Notes: Michigan 79, Rutgers 69|access-date=March 8, 2015|date=March 7, 2015|publisher=CBS Interactive|website=MGoBlue.com|archive-date=March 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313171630/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/030715aaa.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400595553|title=Dawkins scores 31, Michigan beats Rutgers 79–69|access-date=March 8, 2015|date=March 7, 2015|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=March 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150309162405/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=400595553|url-status=live}} His role increased over the course of his senior season at Michigan. Bielfeldt only played 6.8 minutes per game during the first five games, but averaged over 20 minutes in the final 15 games.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/big-ten/former-michigan-big-man-max-bielfeldt-transfers-hoosiers|title=Untitled|accessdate=March 26, 2023|date=June 2, 2015|publisher=NBC Sports|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326144309/https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/big-ten/former-michigan-big-man-max-bielfeldt-transfers-hoosiers|url-status=live}} Over the course of 30 games that season, he averaged 5.1 points and 3.6 rebounds. In his 69-game Michigan career, he averaged 2.8 points and 2.3 rebounds.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/13002564/max-bielfeldt-transferring-indiana-hoosiers-graduating-michigan|title=Max Bielfeldt transferring to Indiana after graduating from Michigan|accessdate=March 28, 2023|date=June 3, 2015|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=March 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328050842/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/13002564/max-bielfeldt-transferring-indiana-hoosiers-graduating-michigan|url-status=live}} Without Bielfeld, Michigan may have fared much worse than 16–16.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1764760493|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|1764760493}}|title=Michigan transfer proves crucial for IU|work=Indianapolis Star|author=Osterman, Zach|accessdate=April 11, 2023|date=January 2, 2016|page=C.4|quote="Last year, we wouldn't have been 16–16 without Max Bielfeldt," Michigan coach John Beilein said at Big Ten media day. "We'd have been 10–20 or something. He did a great job for us."|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416091628/https://www.proquest.com/docview/1764760493|url-status=live}} He was the team's Sixth Man of the Year.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1722414335|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|1722414335}}|title=Ferrell: IU has 'moved on' from disciplinary issues|work=Indianapolis Star|author=Osterman, Zach|accessdate=April 11, 2023|date=October 16, 2015|page=C.5}}
==Transfer==
On April 21, 2015, Bielfeldt was released from his athletic scholarship with one year of eligibility remaining.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2015/04/max_bielfeldt_granted_release.html|title=Max Bielfeldt granted release from Michigan, says odds of returning or walking on 'aren't very high'|access-date=April 22, 2015|date=April 21, 2015|publisher=MLive.com|author=Quinn, Brendan F.|archive-date=April 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423234745/http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2015/04/max_bielfeldt_granted_release.html|url-status=live}} Head coach Beilein decided that he wanted to develop his young front line players Doyle, Donnal and D. J. Wilson.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1764728330|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|1764728330}}|title=Bravo, Big Ten, on Bielfeldt decision|work=Indianapolis Star|author=|accessdate=April 11, 2023|date=February 3, 2016|page=C.7|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414233328/https://www.proquest.com/docview/1764728330|url-status=live}} On April 24, he visited Iowa State and by the 25th he had offers from Boston College, Kansas State, Iowa State, Bradley, Stanford and DePaul.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2015/04/max_bielfeldt_visits_iowa_stat.html|title=Michigan grad transfer Max Bielfeldt visits Iowa State, considering Kansas State, Stanford, others|accessdate=March 28, 2023|date=April 25, 2015|publisher=Mlive.com|author=Quinn, Brendan F.|archive-date=March 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328042151/https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2015/04/max_bielfeldt_visits_iowa_stat.html|url-status=live}} At the University of Michigan, he earned a bachelor's degree in sport management in 2015. In late May, Bielfeldt was worried about the Chicago Bulls's interest in Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1684198905|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|1684198905}}|title=Bulls may hold key for Bielfeldt|work=Indianapolis Star|author=Osterman, Zach|accessdate=April 11, 2023|date=May 30, 2015|page=C.5|archive-date=April 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411061834/https://www.proquest.com/docview/1684198905|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1685180969|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|1685180969}}|title=Bielfeldt, Michigan transfer, commits to IU|work=Indianapolis Star|author=Osterman, Zach|accessdate=April 11, 2023|date=June 3, 2015|page=C.1|archive-date=April 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411130839/https://www.proquest.com/docview/1685180969|url-status=live}} Within days, the Bulls hired Hoiberg.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--fred-hoiberg-signs--25m-contract-to-coach-bulls-020131567.html|title=Sources: Fred Hoiberg signs contract worth nearly $25M to coach Bulls|accessdate=April 11, 2023|date=June 1, 2015|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|author=WOjnarowski, Adrian|archive-date=April 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411060332/https://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--fred-hoiberg-signs--25m-contract-to-coach-bulls-020131567.html|url-status=live}} In June 2015, Bielfeldt announced that he had decided to use his redshirt year to play for the 2015–16 Indiana Hoosiers after the Hoosiers dismissed two forwards (Devin Davis and Hanner Mosquera-Perea){{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1682651556|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|1682651556}}|title=IU in running for Michigan graduate transfer Bielfeldt|work=Indianapolis Star|author=Osterman, Zach|accessdate=April 11, 2023|date=May 17, 2015|page=C.2|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416103434/https://www.proquest.com/docview/1682651556|url-status=live}} from the team the month before. Bielfeldt had considered several midwest schools and DePaul, Nebraska and Iowa State were his other finalists,{{cite web|url=http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/indiana/2015/06/02/max-bielfeldt-transfer-forward-michigan-commits-to-indiana-hoosiers/28380783/|title=Max Bielfeldt on transfer to IU: 'I know what to expect'|access-date=October 19, 2015|date=June 3, 2015|work=The Indianapolis Star|author=Osterman, Zach|archive-date=September 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907231949/https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/indiana/2015/06/02/max-bielfeldt-transfer-forward-michigan-commits-to-indiana-hoosiers/28380783/|url-status=live}} with DePaul being eliminated before the official announcement.{{cite web|url=https://hoosierstateofmind.com/2015/05/26/max-bielfeldt-considering-indiana-iowa-state-and-nebraska/|title=Max Bielfeldt Considering Indiana, Iowa State and Nebraska|accessdate=March 28, 2023|date=May 26, 2015|publisher=FanSided|author=Grand, Kyle|archive-date=March 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328044958/https://hoosierstateofmind.com/2015/05/26/max-bielfeldt-considering-indiana-iowa-state-and-nebraska/|url-status=live}} Bielfeldt's intention was to graduate with a second degree in a year. He chose the 15-month strategic management masters over pursuing a degree similar to his father's agricultural economics degree at Iowa State.{{cite web|url=https://www.michigandaily.com/sports/mens-basketball/former-michigan-forward-max-bielfeldt-settling-indiana/|title=Former Michigan forward Max Bielfeldt settling in at Indiana|accessdate=April 11, 2023|date=October 21, 2015|author=Facher, Lev|work=The Michigan Daily|archive-date=April 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411041054/https://www.michigandaily.com/sports/mens-basketball/former-michigan-forward-max-bielfeldt-settling-indiana/|url-status=live}} Beilein attempted to block Bielfeldt from transferring within the Big Ten, but Indiana won an appeal.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2407509637|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|2407509637}}|title=Good!: IU, Butler, Purdue have not been immune as college basketball is seeing historic transfer rates|work=Indianapolis Star|author=Doyel, Gregg|accessdate=April 11, 2023|date=May 29, 2020|page=B.1|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416160858/https://www.proquest.com/docview/2407509637|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1961336125|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|1961336125}}|title=Transfers want more of a voice in rules: Graduate eligibility rule helps boost flight totals|work=Indianapolis Star|author=Woods, David|accessdate=April 11, 2023|date=November 8, 2017|page=C.1|archive-date=April 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411053142/https://www.proquest.com/docview/1961336125|url-status=live}}
=Indiana (2015–16)=
By the time Big Ten Media day rolled around in October, Indiana had dismissed another forward and had two more limited by injuries. Bielfeldt adjusted to the very different coaching style of Tom Crean.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2015/10/max_bielfeldt_indiana.html|title=Now at Indiana, everything old is new again for Max Bielfeldt|accessdate=March 25, 2023|date=October 16, 2015|publisher=Mlive.com|author=Quinn, Brendan F.|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325220638/https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2015/10/max_bielfeldt_indiana.html|url-status=live}} Bielfeldt kept in touch with his former roommate LeVert and realized that he left just before a major change in coaching style at Michigan. The arrival of Bielfeldt and Thomas Bryant enabled Indiana to gameplan with a more traditional lineup rather than the previous smaller lineups.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1727973197|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|1727973197}}|title=Backcourt is strength for IU, but is there depth?|work=Indianapolis Star|author=|accessdate=April 11, 2023|date=October 29, 2015|page=7|archive-date=April 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411124938/https://www.proquest.com/docview/1727973197|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1733026078|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|1733026078}}|title=Bryant brings energy, more|work=Indianapolis Star|author=|accessdate=April 11, 2023|date=November 14, 2015|page=2|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416232155/https://www.proquest.com/docview/1733026078|url-status=live}} In addition to size, Bielfeldt provided poise, maturity and leadership to a program beset with turmoil due to drug and alcohol infractions.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2189275107|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|2189275107}}|title=Mom taught Morgan leadership: She served as drill sergeant in Army|work=Indianapolis Star|author=Osterman, Zach|accessdate=April 11, 2023|date=March 10, 2019|page=B.7|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416140319/https://www.proquest.com/docview/2189275107|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1708276356|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|1708276356}}|title=Emmitt Holt dismissed from IU men's basketball program|work=The Herald-Times|author=Miller, Mike|accessdate=April 11, 2023|date=August 31, 2015|page=|archive-date=April 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411144959/https://www.proquest.com/docview/1708276356|url-status=live}} Bielfeldt hoped to help be a leader and pledged to Peorian and former Indiana Hoosier A. J. Guyton that he would help stabilize the program.{{cite web|url=https://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2015/09/11/indiana-max-bielfeldt-apologizes-in-letter-to-aj-guyton/|title=Indiana's Bielfeldt apologizes in letter to Guyton|accessdate=March 28, 2023|date=September 11, 2023|publisher=NBC Sports|author=Phillips, Scott|archive-date=March 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328041534/https://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2015/09/11/indiana-max-bielfeldt-apologizes-in-letter-to-aj-guyton/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1713512864|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|1713512864}}|title=Bielfeldt ready to step up|work=Indianapolis Star|author=Osterman, Zach|accessdate=April 11, 2023|date=September 18, 2015|page=1|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416110839/https://www.proquest.com/docview/1713512864|url-status=live}} Bielfeldt started in both exhibition games.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1732303082|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|1732303082}}|title=IU far from finished product|work=Indianapolis Star|author=|accessdate=April 11, 2023|date=November 11, 2015|page=8|archive-date=April 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411135947/https://www.proquest.com/docview/1732303082|url-status=live}} He was in the starting lineup early in the season, but Crean changed the lineup after an upset loss in the 2015 Maui Invitational to Wake Forest.{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1764885315|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|1764885315}}|title=Hawaii tournament isn't all sunshine for the Hoosiers|work=Indianapolis Star|author=|accessdate=April 11, 2023|date=November 25, 2015|page=C.1|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416222601/https://www.proquest.com/docview/1764885315|url-status=live}}
Bielfeldt scored in double digits in three consecutive games off the bench to start a 3-game win streak for the Hoosiers against Morehead State (12 points, Dec. 5),{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/400839281|title=Indiana bounces back with 92–59 victory over Morehead State|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=December 5, 2015|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327052919/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/400839281|url-status=live}} IPFW (11 points, Dec. 9),{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/400839282|title=Ferrell's career high leads Indiana past IPFW 90–65|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=December 9, 2015|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327052920/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/400839282|url-status=live}} and McNeese State (11 points, Dec. 12),{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/400839284|title=Blackmon Jr. leads Indiana to 105–60 win over McNeese State|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=December 12, 2015|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327052921/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/400839284|url-status=live}} which was noted by the press and appreciated by Crean.{{cite web|url=https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2015/12/12/MBB_1212150135|title=Postgame Quotes: Indiana vs. McNeese State|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=December 12, 2015|publisher=Indiana University|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327052924/https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2015/12/12/MBB_1212150135|url-status=live}} In the December 30 Big Ten Conference season opener on the road against Rutgers, Bielfeldt tied his career high with 18 points and established a new career high with 14 rebounds off the bench on a night when Bryant had foul trouble to help Indiana extend its win streak to 6.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/400839284|title=Indiana defeats Rutgers 79–72|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=December 30, 2015|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327054127/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/400839284|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2015/12/30/MBB_1230155800|title=Postgame Quotes: Indiana at Rutgers|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=December 30, 2015|publisher=Indiana University|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327054127/https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2015/12/30/MBB_1230155800|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2015/12/30/MBB_1230154829|title=Postgame Notes: Indiana at Rutgers|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=December 30, 2015|publisher=Indiana University|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327054153/https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2015/12/30/MBB_1230154829|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2015/12/30/MBB_1230150516|title=Reserves Step Up, IU Defeats Rutgers|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=December 30, 2015|publisher=Indiana University|author=Beishuizen, Sam|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327054152/https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2015/12/30/MBB_1230150516|url-status=live}} Bielfeldt scored in double digits in three consecutive games off the bench again to extend the win streak to 12 against Minnesota (10 points, Jan. 16),{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/400839288|title=Ferrell, Hoosiers win 10th straight, 70–63 over Minnesota|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=January 16, 2016|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327061633/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/400839288|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/1/16/MBB_0116165043|title=Postgame Quotes: Indiana at Minnesota|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=January 16, 2016|publisher=Indiana University|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327061634/https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/1/16/MBB_0116165043|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/1/16/MBB_0116163244|title=Postgame Notes: Indiana at Minnesota|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=January 16, 2016|publisher=Indiana University|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327061638/https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/1/16/MBB_0116163244|url-status=live}} Illinois (16 points/8 rebounds/3 steals/2 blocks, Jan. 19) in the rivalry game in which he scored the basket to give Yogi Ferrell the Indiana basketball career assists record,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/400839262|title=No. 25 Indiana routs Illinois 103–69 on Ferrell's big night|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=January 19, 2016|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327061632/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/400839262|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/1/19/MBB_0119162053|title=Postgame Notes vs. Illinois|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=January 19, 2016|publisher=Indiana University|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327061636/https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/1/19/MBB_0119162053|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/1/19/MBB_0119160400|title=3-Point Parade Lifts Indiana Over Illinois|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=January 19, 2016|publisher=Indiana University|author=Beishuizen, Sam|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327061633/https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/1/19/MBB_0119160400|url-status=live}} and Northwestern (13 points, Jan. 23).{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/400839289|title=Ferrell leads No. 25 Indiana to 89–57 rout over Northwestern|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=January 23, 2016|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327061632/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/400839289|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/1/23/MBB_0123162423|title=Postgame Notes: Northwestern at Indiana|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=January 23, 2016|publisher=Indiana University|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327061632/https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/1/23/MBB_0123162423|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/1/23/MBB_0123161412|title=Postgame Quotes|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=January 23, 2016|publisher=Indiana University|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327061637/https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/1/23/MBB_0123161412|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/1/23/MBB_0123161501|title=Hoosiers Rout Northwestern, 89–57|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=January 23, 2016|publisher=Indiana University|author=Beishuizen, Sam|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327061638/https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/1/23/MBB_0123161501|url-status=live}} When Bielfeldt returned to Ann Arbor, Michigan to play his old Michigan teammates on February 2 at the Crisler Center, Indiana ended the first half on a 25–0 run.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/400839292|title=Indiana beats Michigan 80–67 after huge run to end 1st half|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=February 3, 2016|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=March 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330144714/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/400839292|url-status=live}}{{cite episode|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXFIWczZCbs|title=The Journey: Big Ten Basketball 2016 – Max Bielfeldt|format=Streaming television|series=The Journey|time=4:42|network=Big Ten Network|date=2016|access-date=March 30, 2023}} Bielfeldt had a +25 plus–minus for the half.{{cite web|url=https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/2/3/MBB_0203162824|title=Postgame Quotes: Indiana at Michigan|accessdate=March 30, 2023|date=February 3, 2016|publisher=Indiana University|archive-date=April 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404015244/https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/2/3/MBB_0203162824|url-status=live}} He led the team with 7 rebounds and added 5 points and 2 assists.{{cite web|url=https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/2/3/MBB_0203161437|title=Postgame Notes: Indiana at Michigan|accessdate=March 30, 2023|date=February 3, 2016|publisher=Indiana University|archive-date=April 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404015247/https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/2/3/MBB_0203161437|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1762338832|url-access=subscription|id={{ProQuest|1762338832}}|title=IU's Bielfeldt enjoys warm reception at Michigan|work=Indianapolis Star|author=|accessdate=April 11, 2023|date=February 4, 2016|page=C.1|archive-date=April 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411191333/https://www.proquest.com/docview/1762338832|url-status=live}} On February 14 against (AP Poll #8/Coaches Poll #9) Michigan State, Bielfeldt made his fourth start of the season in a matchup situation. Crean felt he would matchup against Matt Costello better than regular starter Collin Hartman and allow Bryant to matchup against Deyonta Davis. Bielfeldt posted a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, keeping Indiana in the game in the first half with 10 points.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/400839295|title=Denzel Valentine-led No. 8 Michigan State tops Indiana 88–69|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=February 14, 2016|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327134209/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/400839295|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/2/14/MBB_0214160350|title=Postgame Notes: Indiana at Michigan State|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=February 14, 2016|publisher=Indiana University|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327134205/https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/2/14/MBB_0214160350|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/2/14/MBB_0214163102|title=Postgame Quotes: Indiana at Michigan State|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=February 14, 2016|publisher=Indiana University|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327134209/https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/2/14/MBB_0214163102|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/2/14/MBB_0214160842|title=Indiana Falls at No. 8/9 Michigan State|accessdate=March 27, 2023|date=February 14, 2016|publisher=Indiana University|author=Beishuizen, Sam|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327134208/https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/2/14/MBB_0214160842|url-status=live}} Bielfeldt played all 31 regular season games for Indiana, including five starts, helping Indiana to a 17–0 home record and became the first men's basketball player to earn Big Ten titles with two different teams.{{cite web|url=https://247sports.com/college/indiana/Article/Max-Bielfeldt-named-Big-Ten-Sixth-Man-of-the-Year-44137586/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130234217/https://247sports.com/college/indiana/Article/Max-Bielfeldt-named-Big-Ten-Sixth-Man-of-the-Year-44137586/|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 30, 2024|title=Max Bielfeldt named Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year|accessdate=March 25, 2023|date=March 7, 2016|publisher=247Sports|author=McCarthy, Alex}} Following the 2015–16 Big Ten season, Bielfeldt, was voted the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year by the coaches for his contributions to the regular season champion Hoosiers, which included 8.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, a 51.6% field goal percentage and a 43.6% 3-point field goal percentage.{{cite web|url=http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/030716aad.html|title=Big Ten Unveils Men's Basketball Postseason Honors on BTN: Michigan State's Valentine named Big Ten Player of the Year|access-date=March 8, 2016|date=March 7, 2016|publisher=CBS Interactive|website=BigTen.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308103727/http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/030716aad.html|archive-date=March 8, 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/big10/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/misc_non_event/201516ABT.pdf|title=2015–16 All-Big Ten Men's Basketball Team|access-date=March 8, 2016|date=March 7, 2016|publisher=CSTV.com|archive-date=October 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006082756/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/big10/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/misc_non_event/201516ABT.pdf|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/030716aab.html|title=Walton, Irvin Garner All-Big Ten Conference Honors|access-date=March 8, 2016|date=March 7, 2016|publisher=CBS Interactive|website=MGoBlue.com|archive-date=March 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308123612/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/030716aab.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/3/7/mens-basketball-crean-named-big-ten-coach-of-the-year-by-coaches-and-media|title=Crean Named B1G Coach of the Year|accessdate=March 25, 2023|date=March 7, 2016|publisher=Indiana Hoosiers|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325054141/https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/3/7/mens-basketball-crean-named-big-ten-coach-of-the-year-by-coaches-and-media|url-status=live}}
In the 2016 Big Ten Conference men's basketball tournament, No. 1-seeded (#10/#10) Indiana was defeated by Michigan in the quarterfinals 72–69.{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/031116aae.html|title=U-M Upsets Top-Seeded IU on Chatman Buzzer-Beater|access-date=March 11, 2016|date=March 11, 2016|publisher=CBS Interactive|website=MGoBlue.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312072502/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/031116aae.html|archive-date=March 12, 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400870778|title=Chatman's late 3 sends Michigan past No. 10 Indiana 72–69|access-date=March 11, 2016|date=March 11, 2016|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=March 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312071116/http://espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=400870778|url-status=live}} In the 2016 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, Bielfeldt posted 10 points and 7 rebounds against Chattanooga on March 17.{{cite web|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/indiana/2016/03/17/ncaa-live-updates-indiana-vs-chattanooga/81934790/|title=Game Rewind: Hoosiers cruise in NCAA opener|accessdate=March 28, 2023|date=March 17, 2016|work=Courier Journal|author=Hale, John}}{{cite web|url=https://crimsonj.jsd117.org/sports/2016/03/18/1st-round-east-region-ferrell-leads-iu-past-chattanooga/|title=1st Round East Region: Ferrell leads IU past Chattanooga|accessdate=March 28, 2023|date=March 18, 2016|work=Crimson J|author=Brannan, Joe|archive-date=March 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328215124/https://crimsonj.jsd117.org/sports/2016/03/18/1st-round-east-region-ferrell-leads-iu-past-chattanooga/|url-status=live}} When Indiana reached the round of 16 against the number one seed North Carolina on March 25, Bielfeldt contributed 15 points off the bench, but it was not enough against the hot-shooting Tar Heels.{{cite web|url=https://www.reporter-times.com/story/sports/college/2016/03/26/heels-top-hoosiers-101-86/117616652/|title=Heels top Hoosiers 101–86|accessdate=March 28, 2023|date=March 26, 2016|work=Reporter Times|author=Miller, Mike|archive-date=March 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328035249/https://www.reporter-times.com/story/sports/college/2016/03/26/heels-top-hoosiers-101-86/117616652/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/college/indiana/basketball/on-this-day-indiana-loses-north-carolina-2016-tourney|title=ON THIS DAY: IN 2016, Indiana Fell to No. 1 North Carolina, and Hasn't Danced Since|accessdate=March 28, 2023|date=March 25, 2020|magazine=Sports Illustrated|author=Brew, Tom}}
Post graduate
After he completed his athletic eligibility at Indiana, he opted to complete his master's program rather than pursue international professional basketball possibilities. He studied in the Kelley School of Business and was on pace to receive a master's degree in strategic management in the fall 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.heraldbulletin.com/indianaanderson/former-iu-basketball-players-bielfeldt-and-zeisloft-pursuing-different-opportunities/article_20981886-4a08-11e6-ae88-33411e2d5b8f.html|title=Former IU basketball players Bielfeldt and Zeisloft pursuing different opportunities|accessdate=March 25, 2023|date=July 14, 2016|work=The Herald Bulletin|author=Hutchens, Terry|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325024709/https://www.heraldbulletin.com/indianaanderson/former-iu-basketball-players-bielfeldt-and-zeisloft-pursuing-different-opportunities/article_20981886-4a08-11e6-ae88-33411e2d5b8f.html|url-status=live}} His coursework was almost entirely online. Michigan teammate Albrecht matched Bielfeldt's accomplishment of earning Big Ten Championships with two different teams with the 2016–17 Purdue Boilermakers.{{cite web|url=https://www.maizenbrew.com/2017/7/18/15988504/andrew-dakich-departs-from-michigan-and-for-him-it-made-sense|title=Andrew Dakich departs from Michigan and for him, it made sense|accessdate=March 25, 2023|date=July 18, 2017|publisher=SB Nation|author=McDonald, Andrew|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325215016/https://www.maizenbrew.com/2017/7/18/15988504/andrew-dakich-departs-from-michigan-and-for-him-it-made-sense|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/spike-albrecht-1.html|title=Spike Albrecht|accessdate=March 25, 2023|date=|publisher=Sports Reference|archive-date=February 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220201833/https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/spike-albrecht-1.html|url-status=live}}
Footnotes
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References
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External links
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- [https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/56672/max-bielfeldt stats] at ESPN
- [https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/max-bielfeldt-1.html stats] at Sports Reference
- [https://mgoblue.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/max-bielfeldt/668 bio] at University of Michigan
- [https://iuhoosiers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/max-bielfeldt/7303 bio] at Indiana University
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXFIWczZCbs Bielfeldt feature] on Big Ten Network
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bielfeldt, Max}}
Category:American men's basketball players
Category:Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball players
Category:Michigan Wolverines men's basketball players
Category:Basketball players from Peoria, Illinois