A generation’s worth of jokes were finally retired in early April this year when Michigan cut down the nets as national champions, giving the Big Ten the league’s first title in 26 years. The success of the Wolverines represents the breakthrough for a Big Ten that’s had many outstanding teams over that quarter century, but let’s not forget just how special this championship team really was.
Building another title contender
Dusty May and his staff were relentless in the transfer portal and built quite possibly the best roster in the nation last offseason. Yaxel Lendeborg had a generational impact, Morez Johnson Jr. was incredible in the frontcourt, and Aday Mara really took a massive step forward as a 7-3 rim defender. Throw in the other talent already in Ann Arbor and consider what Elliot Cadeau meant in the backcourt and it’s easy to see how this team won a title.
All of those players aside from Cadeau are gone but there isn’t any despair in Michigan at the moment. One thing May has really demonstrated is his ability to recruit size through the portal. His first season in Ann Arbor was built upon a pair of 7-footers in Vladislav Goldin and Danny Wolf, and great size led to similar dominance during a national title run.
Some of the additions
Once again the Michigan staff may have struck gold, adding 7-2 center Moustapha Thiam into the mix after a solid showing at Cincinnati this past season. It’s honestly hard not to expect this coaching staff to turn Thiam into a frontcourt monster next season but he’s not even the only notable add. While not quite 7-foot, former SEC forwards J. P. Estrella and Jalen Reed both bring great experience to the Wolverines and rebuild that frontcourt at a phenomenal level.
When you add in a really solid recruiting class, it’s easy to see the talent on this new-look Michigan team. 5-star guard Brandon McCoy Jr. only committed a few months ago but really bolstered the class and looks ready for a starring role in Ann Arbor. 6-10 forward Quinn Costello from Boston is another notable piece among that stacked class and we’ll certainly see freshmen playing a role next season.
How to get it done
Winning back-to-back titles isn’t easy, even if UConn just accomplished the feat a few seasons ago. L. J. Cason will miss significant time and he’s one of just three notable returners from that championship team. However, Trey McKenney showed outstanding potential in his freshman season and everyone saw just what Cadeau meant to this team last year.
Taking care of business takes a bit of luck and good fortune even for the best teams, but this Michigan squad certainly looks capable of making another really deep Tournament run. Cadeau and McKenney anchor a backcourt full of new young pieces while the Wolverines really need the new frontcourt faces to meld much like has happened these past two seasons.
If everything goes according to plans, could we soon be talking about Michigan and May building quite the dynasty?
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