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The Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team has a rich history, with a strong showing in the NCAA tournament over the years. The Wolverines have won one NCAA Championship, three National Invitation Tournaments (NIT), 15 Big Ten regular-season titles, and four Big Ten tournaments. The team has produced 35 All-Americans, eight of whom have been consensus All-Americans. In 1989, the Wolverines won their first and only National Championship, a memorable victory that remains celebrated by the team and its fans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of win | 1989 |
| Team name | Wolverines |
| Team conference | Big Ten |
| Number of NCAA Championships won | 1 |
| Number of National Invitation Tournaments won | 3 |
| Number of Big Ten regular season titles | 15 |
| Number of Big Ten tournaments won | 4 |
| Number of All-Americans | 35 |
| Number of players drafted into the NBA | 76 |
| Number of first-round draft picks | 31 |
| Number of NBA Champions | 6 |
| Number of NBA All-Stars | 8 |
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What You'll Learn
Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team won the 1989 National Championship
The Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team won their first and only National Championship in 1989. The Wolverines earned a 3-seed for the postseason under coach Bill Frieder, but it was interim coach Steve Fisher who guided the team to championship glory.
The Wolverines had a near-perfect season, falling only seven times throughout. They faced North Carolina in the regional semifinals for the third consecutive time, winning 92-87. They then beat South Alabama in the second round, before taking down Virginia in a blowout win, 102-65.
In the Final Four, they faced Illinois, who had beaten them twice already that season. This time, Michigan won, with 45 boards to Illinois' 39. The game was neck-and-neck, with 33 lead changes, and came down to the final seconds of play. With four seconds left on the clock, the game was tied at 81, but Mills made a 3-pointer to win the game 83-81.
In the National Championship game, the Wolverines faced Seton Hall, winning 80-79 in overtime. Senior forward and co-captain Glen Rice was instrumental in the Wolverines' success, averaging 25.6 points and 6.3 rebounds in his senior season. Rice also holds the record for most points in a season (949) in the Wolverines' program history.
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They have won one NCAA Championship
The Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team has won one NCAA Championship. The Wolverines play in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and their home games take place at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The Wolverines secured their first and only NCAA Championship in 1989. They were led by Rice, who scored 34 points in the final, and forward Sean Higgins. The Wolverines beat North Carolina in the final, with Rice outscoring the opposing team from behind the arc, hitting 8 out of 12 three-pointers.
The 1989 championship team had a strong season, with only seven losses throughout. They also beat No. 3-seeded Virginia in a blowout win, 102-65. The Wolverines have had several notable achievements in addition to their 1989 NCAA Championship. They have won three National Invitation Tournaments (NIT), 15 Big Ten regular-season titles, and four Big Ten tournaments. They have also appeared in the NCAA Tournament 25 times and have been national runners-up in men's basketball six times.
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The Wolverines lost the 2013 National Championship game to Louisville
The Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team has a rich history, with 35 players drafted into the NBA and a total of 48 All-American selections. They have won one NCAA Championship, three National Invitation Tournaments (NIT), 15 Big Ten regular-season titles, and four Big Ten tournaments.
However, in the 2013 National Championship game, the Wolverines fell short, losing to Louisville by a score of 82-76. This was Michigan's sixth national title game appearance (1965, 1976, 1989, 1992, 1993, and 2013). Louisville, led by Luke Hancock's five three-pointers, secured their first championship since 1986.
The game was a back-and-forth battle, with Michigan's Trey Burke scoring seven quick points to give his team an early 7-3 lead. However, Burke picked up two quick fouls and had to sit for much of the first half. Freshman Spike Albrecht stepped up in Burke's absence, hitting four straight three-pointers and scoring 17 points in the first half. Louisville trailed 35-23 late in the first half but went on a run fueled by Hancock's four straight three-pointers, narrowing the gap to 38-37 at halftime.
The second half continued to be a close contest, with several lead changes. Louisville finally pushed their lead to 10 points with a three-pointer by Hancock with 3:20 remaining. Despite Burke's team-high 24 points, Michigan couldn't close the gap, and Louisville held on for the victory.
Unfortunately for Louisville, their 2013 championship was later vacated by the NCAA due to a sex scandal, and no national champion was recognized for the 2012-13 season. This marked the second and third time that Michigan had a championship game appearance vacated due to sanctions.
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The team has won 15 Big Ten regular-season titles
The Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team has had a rich history of success, including winning 15 Big Ten regular-season titles. The Wolverines have a proud tradition of excellence, with their first Big Ten regular-season title coming in 1947 under the guidance of coach Fritz Crisler. Crisler Arena, the home of the Michigan men's basketball team, was named after this iconic coach, honouring his contributions to the program's success.
During the 1970s, the Wolverines continued their winning ways with coach Johnny Orr at the helm. In twelve seasons with the Wolverines, Orr led the team to two Big Ten championships and four consecutive NCAA selections from 1974 to 1977. The 1976 team fell just short in the NCAA championship game, losing to an undefeated Indiana squad. However, the 1977 team finished the season with a remarkable 26–4 record and earned the top spot in both the AP and UPI national rankings.
In 1989, the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team achieved the pinnacle of success by winning their first and only National Championship. This triumph is celebrated and remembered at Crisler Center, where a solitary banner proudly displays the words "National Champions" in bold maize print. This lone banner serves as a testament to the team's historic achievement.
The Wolverines continued to add to their collection of Big Ten regular-season titles, with their most recent success coming in the 2013-14 season. This campaign marked another strong showing, as they claimed Michigan's first outright Big Ten championship since 1986 and advanced to the Elite Eight of the 2014 NCAA tournament. The team's success over the years has solidified their place as one of the most respected and accomplished programs in college basketball.
While the Wolverines have experienced setbacks and scandals throughout their history, they have consistently demonstrated resilience and a commitment to excellence. The 15 Big Ten regular-season titles are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent that has characterised the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball program.
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Eight players have become NBA All-Stars
The Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team has a rich history, with a range of accolades and talented players to its name. While the team has had notable successes, including winning the National Championship in 1989, they have also faced setbacks and controversies.
In terms of individual player achievements, eight players from the Michigan Wolverines have become NBA All-Stars, a testament to the programme's ability to foster talent. This number is impressive, but it is just one aspect of the Wolverines' success in producing NBA-calibre players.
Seventy-six players from the Wolverines have been drafted into the NBA, an impressive feat for any college basketball programme. Of these, thirty-one were first-round draft picks, a testament to the programme's ability to develop and showcase top talent. The 1990 NBA draft is a standout example, where three players from Michigan were selected in the first round: Rumeal Robinson (10th), Loy Vaught (13th), and Terry Mills (16th). This made Michigan one of only ten schools to have achieved such a feat.
The Wolverines' success in producing NBA All-Stars and draft picks is a testament to the programme's ability to develop and showcase talented players. This success has continued over the years, with the team consistently performing well and producing notable players. The team's achievements are all the more impressive when considering the setbacks they have faced, including a scandal in the 1990s involving illicit payments to players, which resulted in a period of probation and a self-imposed ban from postseason play.
Despite these challenges, the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team has persevered and continued to produce exceptional players, as evidenced by their NBA All-Star selections and draft picks. The team's history is a testament to their resilience and commitment to excellence.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team won the National Championship in 1989.
The Wolverines have won one NCAA Championship, three National Invitation Tournaments (NIT), 15 Big Ten regular-season titles, and four Big Ten tournaments.
In 2025, Michigan won the Big Ten tournament championship, defeating Wisconsin 59-53. In 2019, the Michigan Wolverines baseball team made it to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, its first trip since 1984.
Some notable players include Cazzie Russell, Chris Webber, Rumeal Robinson, Loy Vaught, and Terry Mills. The current coach of the Michigan Wolverines is Erik Bakich, who joined the team in 2012.
