Throughout its history, the University of Michigan has had a strong, storied basketball program. The strength of the Wolverines basketball history really started in full in the 1960’s. The program hit full stride in the 1980’s when such players as Antoine Joubert, Roy Tarpley, and Garde Thompson graced the hardwood. It continued with a Nation Championship in 1989, pressed forward in the early 1990’s with the legendary Fab Five, and continues today as the Wolverines have reached the Elite Eight in this season’s NCAA Tournament.
This is the 9th time the Michigan men’s basketball team has reached the Elite Eight in school history. For decades, the football program had overshadowed the other sports. But the women’s basketball team has also reached the Elite Eight, and the men’s hockey team is in the NCAA tournament as well. Michigan, unlike other universities, is not just singularly focused on one sport.
This season for men’s and women’s basketball and the hockey team, which has always had a strong program, is no exception. The intentionality to be good at sports other than football bring a more rounded appeal to students and incoming first-year students. It is a way to make sure that students can bond over sports and build relationships that will serve them well post-college.
