The Real Michigan Basketball Team Please Stand Up
Michigan basketball has always been known for its success on the court. From reaching the NCAA Championship game multiple times to producing some of the best NBA players, Michigan basketball has always been a force to be reckoned with.
The Early Years of Michigan Basketball
The Wolverines basketball team was founded back in 1909, and since then, the team has had its ups and downs. However, it wasn't until the 1980s when the team began to see some success.
Under the leadership of head coach Bill Frieder, Michigan reached the NCAA tournament six times in eight seasons. During this time, the team produced some of the best players in school history, including Glen Rice, Rumeal Robinson, and Loy Vaught.
The Fab Five Era
In the early 1990s, Michigan basketball experienced a resurgence with the introduction of the Fab Five. The Fab Five comprised of five freshmen (Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson) who took the basketball world by storm.
The Fab Five led Michigan to back-to-back NCAA Championship games in 1992 and 1993. Although they did not win either game, the Fab Five changed the way college basketball was played and paved the way for future stars such as Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
The John Beilein Era
In 2007, John Beilein was hired as the head coach of Michigan basketball. Beilein brought a new style of play to the Wolverines, and his success was almost immediate. In his second season, Beilein led Michigan to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1998.
Under Beilein's leadership, Michigan basketball reached the NCAA tournament nine times in his twelve seasons, including two Final Four appearances and a National Championship game appearance in 2018.
The Current State of Michigan Basketball
The 2020-2021 season has been a rollercoaster for Michigan basketball. The team started strong with a 10-0 record and wins over top teams such as Wisconsin and Minnesota. However, the team has faced several setbacks due to injuries and COVID-19 protocols.
Despite these setbacks, Michigan is still considered one of the top teams in the country, with a 17-1 record and a number three ranking in the NCAA polls.
The Future of Michigan Basketball
The future of Michigan basketball looks bright with head coach Juwan Howard at the helm. Howard, a former Fab Five member, has brought a renewed energy and passion to the team.
With a strong recruiting class and the return of key players such as Isaiah Livers and Hunter Dickinson, Michigan basketball is poised to continue its success for years to come.
Conclusion
Michigan basketball has a rich history filled with success and storied players. From the Fab Five to the John Beilein era, and now under the leadership of Juwan Howard, Michigan has consistently been a top team in the country.
Although the 2020-2021 season has had its challenges, Michigan basketball has proven time and time again that they are a team to be reckoned with. The real Michigan basketball team has stood up, and they are ready to continue their success for years to come.
