Michigan Basketball: 3 Reasons to look forward to postseason

Michigan basketball potentially set in motion a series of events that could see them rising back to the top. Or they could remain in mediocrity. Either way, the Wolverines provided a few reasons to look forward to the postseason.

College basketball wasn’t without a few surprises early on in the season. But then again, early wins and losses rarely impact what happens when March Madness takes hold, and Michigan basketball‘s rise to No. 4 in the nation and subsequent fall from grace is evidence that, occasionally, really good programs get caught.

Or maybe it’s not.

When the Wolverines lost their way in Louisville, it was at the hands of one of the best around. A few days before that disaster down south, Michigan basketball had walked off its flight from the Bahamas and entered the struggle bus bound for Kentucky on a trip that was never meant to end with anything other than a loss.

A week later, U-M met Kofi Cockburn and the Fighting Illini at the State Farm Center and lost to a team that – at the time – didn’t strike fear into the hearts of their opponents. They were an unknown led by a true freshman that wasn’t a proven commodity.

The loss to Illinois appeared worse than what we know it to be today.

And then Oregon delivered disappointment in Crisler Center. In overtime against No. 10, Michigan dropped its first one at home. The season, according to some, had become an afterthought with the only silver lining being that of Juwan’s incredible recruiting efforts giving those loyal fans hope for the future of athletics in the basketball realm.

In the days following the victory over Michigan State, it seems, at least initially, the tides have turned again for the Wolverines. It may not become another rise inside the top five, but at least they’re no longer gasping for air under the pressure of a few losses and an angry mob of followers.

Hope is back in Ann Arbor. Here are three reasons to look forward to the postseason.