If there was ever an example of success without longevity it was the 2026 Michigan Basketball team.
The 2024 squad failed to even compile 10 wins the entire season, and Juwan Howard, a former Wolverine legend, had hit the road after failing to get Michigan hoops to the promised land.
Add red-hot coach Dusty May, who took Florida Atlantic to the Finals Four, and a slew of NIL transfers with immense talent, and the program was quickly looking at a complete 180.
After a heartbreaking opening loss, the
Wolverines went on a tear, winning out the rest of the year and into January, capturing the Players era Tournament with ease in the process.
A close loss to Wisconsin did little to deter them as they simply churned out another double digit win streak, not falling again until a close loss against Duke up in Washington DC.
They carried another winning stretch into the Big Ten Tournament, exacting revenge against Wisconsin before being upended by Purdue in the finale.
Once again, a loss only seemed to fuel this team as they bumrushed their way into the Final Four and National Title game, barely being challenged until battling it out with UConn for the ultimate prize.
Michigan captured the Natty and the investment in coach May and the NIL spent on top-tier players had paid off.
Now the Wolverines will be the defending champions and most likely will still be one of the Big Ten’s top dogs.
The biggest challenge will be the departure of their starting frontcourt, who are heading (predictably) for the NBA. They do return Elliott Cadeau, which gives them back their point man.
Trey McKenney, their clutch shooting guard, will be back as well. Solidifying their backcourt.
As long as Michigan has Day and is pouring money into the basketball program, it is all but assured they will continue to be a contender.
