Michigan Wolverines news: Women get six seed in NCAA tournament, Michigan basketball in NIT and more

In our latest Michigan Wolverines news roundup, Michigan basketball will play in the NIT, Michigan women’s basketball makes the big dance, and more. 

The end of the season didn’t go the way either Michigan Wolverines basketball team wanted or expected, but both squads found out their postseason fate on Sunday.

The Michigan women’s basketball team was going to make the NCAA tournament. There wasn’t any drama about that. The only thing we didn’t know is where the Michigan Wolverines would be seeded in the NCAA women’s tournament after being a top-16 seed in the previews released by the committee.

However, losses down the stretch to Ohio State (twice), Indiana, and then to Wisconsin, doomed any hopes of hosting a game. The Michigan women’s basketball team still got a six-seed and earned its fifth consecutive appearance.

Michigan will take on the 11th-seeded UNLV Rebels in Baton Rouge. If the Wolverines win, they will play either LSU (the host and No. 3 seed) or Hawaii, which is seeded 14th.

Michigan women’s basketball will play on Friday to open the NCAA tournament. The time and television broadcast have yet to be announced.

Michigan basketball accepts NIT invite

In other Michigan Wolverines news, Michigan basketball accepted an invite into the NIT and will begin play as the No. 3 seed in its bracket on Tuesday against Toledo, the regular-season champion from the MAC.

I’m glad that Michigan basketball accepted the bid. It makes sense, especially since the Wolverines have a young team. I for one didn’t want my last memory of this team to be the loss to Rutgers at the Big Ten Tournament.

Of course, the thought of a loss to Toledo at home in the NIT doesn’t give me the warm and fuzzies either, and make no mistake, if the Wolverines aren’t focused, they can easily get beat.

If they are focused, the Michigan Wolverines can win the entire thing. It’s not as good as making the Sweet 16 or any win in the NCAA tournament, but it’s still an accomplishment and if you’re going to play in the NIT, you might as well win it.

We’ll have a breakdown later of Michigan basketball’s matchup with Toldeo, as well as our thoughts on the draw for Michigan women’s basketball.

Former Michigan Wolverines standout sticking with Eagles

Former Michigan football standout Brandon Graham, who has spent his entire career with the Eagles, winning a Super Bowl in the process, has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the team for another season.

Graham, despite being a 13-year vet, put together his most productive season in terms of sacks in 2022 with 11, a career-high. He’s got 70 total sacks, as well as over 75 tackles for loss and 22 forced fumbles.

He will play for $6 million in 2023.