The University of Michigan: A Basketball School

I write this as a damaged fan, as I drank the kool-aid and bought into the Michigan Football team for another upsetting season, but I can move forward positively knowing what is in store on the hardwood for months to come. I've always had a soft spot for the Basketball program but I know the history of Michigan athletics is rooted by the football program, the FBS D-1 all time wins leader, oldest football school, countless rivalries and so on. As of late the football program has some bad seasons, some decent seasons, and many great seasons stall out to rivals. Saturday's game at "The Shoe" was another example of a good Michigan Football team falling apart and spoiling a promising season.  In these same years of disaster, the Michigan Basketball program has launched itself into the conversation of one of the most consistent and dominant in the NCAA, yet the light isn't often on them until March. Michigan Basketball has had it's historical moments as well, but from the demise of the 'Fab Five' in the mid-90's until about 2010, it was relatively average.

 John Beilein arrived in Ann Arbor for the 2007 season, one which was historic for all the wrong reasons. A 10-22 start to anyone's career is nothing to be marveled at, and Beilein would essentially never look back, as he has now created a subtle force in the hoops landscape. I say quietly because we all know football is king at all levels, there are exceptions to this of course, but certainly not in the case of the University of Michigan. Michigan Football has terrific fans, mainly because Michigan or "Big House" football has become a brand, something that Kentucky or Duke carries with them in basketball. Since 2013, Michigan Basketball has reached the Final Four twice, been National Finalists twice, been B1G Tournament Champions twice, outright B1G Regular Season champions and has made John Beilein the winningest coach in school history. All of these accolades and all of the NBA talent produced, yet the basketball team won't get attention until late February at the earliest.


Part of the reason for the lack of attention can also be credited to the difference in recruiting tactics. The football program finds recruits with their eyes closed because of the history, and now the basketball program is trying to switch the attitude from settling with Michigan Basketball to wanting Michigan Basketball. Beilein's forte is transforming and evolving players as the year progresses, often peaking at the right time and surprising many. This year sings a different song, the Wolverines are 7th in the latest AP Ranking, and carry a perfect record into their tilt with North Carolina on Wednesday night. Michigan may never get the recognition or reputation it deserves as a basketball school, but it definitely should be questioned. I challenge Michigan fans to think about the successes of the program and enjoy what they have right now, because a coach like Beilein and a successful run like this is something of a luxury with Michigan hoops.

The football losses will continue to hurt, especially when they come to rivals over and over again, but the beauty of college athletics is the variety of quality teams to follow within the same school (the hockey team isn't so bad either). Go Blue!

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