INDIANAPOLIS — What a difference a year makes.
At this time last March, Michigan’s season was already over. There was no reason to tune into Selection Sunday after a miserable 8-24 campaign that set a single-season program record for losses.
Fast-forward to this Sunday, and the Wolverines already knew their fate before the NCAA Tournament bracket was officially revealed — for the exact opposite reason.
A remarkable turnaround in Year 1 of Dusty May’s tenure led to Michigan ending its two-year absence in March Madness and making the 68-team field as the No. 5 seed in the South Region, where it will face No. 12 seed UC-San Diego on Thursday in Denver.“It’s a blessing,” guard Nimari Burnett said. “I’m excited for those moments, to play on the biggest stage. It’s what everybody plays for in college basketball.
“We’re going to enjoy this moment … then turn the page and get ready for (UC-San Diego). Honestly, as soon as it was shown we were playing them, we re-locked in for that one. I’m looking forward to it.”
The Wolverines (25-9) were a lock to make the NCAA Tournament after being ranked in the top 25 for a total of 11 weeks and as high as No. 12 during the season. They were in the hunt for the Big Ten regular-season title until the final week.
After entering the postseason on a three-game skid, Michigan righted the ship with three wins in three days against Purdue, Maryland and Wisconsin to claim the program’s first Big Ten tournament championship since 2018.
Despite finishing in a tie for second in the Big Ten standings and winning the conference tournament title, Michigan received a lower seed than Wisconsin (No. 3 seed), Purdue (No. 4) and Maryland (No. 4).
“I think we’ll go out there with a little bit of extra edge,” coach Dusty May said. “This team is motivated intrinsically by the right things. We control what we can control. We’re grateful to be a part of it. Matchups and all those things are much more important than what number is next to your name.”
For transfers like Danny Wolf, Vlad Goldin and Tre Donaldson, they’re all making consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament. For returning Wolverines like Will Tschetter and Burnett, making March Madness is a bit sweeter.
Tschetter and Burnett were both on a team that set several program marks of futility last season and went through an offseason coaching change. Nobody would’ve blamed them if they left for an opportunity and fresh start elsewhere.
Instead, the two returned and were determined to help the Wolverines get back to their winning ways. They’ve done their part up to this point, but there’s still more work to do.
“Those who stay will be champions. That’s the epitome of this season,” Burnett said. “You trust in the plan. You trust in the journey.
“It’s so rewarding, so satisfying. At the end of the (Big Ten tournament final) and after the game, I wanted to cry. The only reason I didn’t is because we still have the NCAA Tournament to win. I’ll cry after that.”
Neither Burnett nor Tschetter watched Selection Sunday last year. Tschetter noted around this time last year, he was back home in Minnesota watching his brother play in the state tournament. On Sunday, Tschetter’s brother was in the stands at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and watched the Wolverines cut down the nets.
Tschetter was a true freshman and was along for the ride the last time Michigan reached the NCAA Tournament in 2022. However, he only got a taste of the Big Dance since he redshirted.
This time around, he’ll get to fully experience it.
“It’s every kid’s dream to play in March Madness. It was top of my list on the things that I wrote down when I was a little kid,” Tschetter said. “I’m super thankful that dream is about to come true.”
Burnett and Tschetter were among the Wolverines who didn’t know much about UC-San Diego shortly after their matchup was announced. But what they do know is that they’re hungry for more.
Michigan has at least reached the Sweet 16 in each of its past five NCAA Tournament appearances. With renewed confidence and one title under their belt, the Wolverines have turned their attention to keeping that streak going.
“There’s been so many ups and downs, but a lot more ups than last season. We’ve worked so hard as a group,” Burnett said. “I feel like this team is very connected. Everybody wants to win at the highest level. Everybody does what it takes to win.
“We’re going to continue to do that, and we plan to play six more games.”