Michigan Basketball: John Beilein’s top 6 NCAA tournament wins at U-M

No. 1 Burke’s one-shining moment

Looking back, it’s almost hard to explain just how important this was for the arc of the basketball program. Beilein eventually led Michigan to the Sweet 16 five times, but back in 2013, just getting to the second weekend of the NCAA tournament was an achievement.

Michigan was up against top-seeded Kansas and while you knew the Wolverines had the talent to beat the Jayhawks, U-M trailed by double figures late in the second half and needed a desperate rally late just to have a chance.

Yet, they got lucky and Burke got the ball in his hands, down three, with seconds to go. He drained a 3-ball that seemed to be shot from almost half-court. It sent the game to overtime. Michigan won and nearly went on to win the national championship.

More than that though, this win established Michigan as a blue blood again. At least it was the start. That first run to the Final Four changed everything for the Wolverines and it’s a reason why they have won as consistently in the NCAA tournament and send just about as many guys to the NBA as any other program.

That shot and that win was the finest hour for Beilein, Burke and many others and even though it didn’t end with a national championship, it’s something no one can ever take away.