Money is a helluva motivator. One million dollars is the amount that Michigan basketball gets to add to its NIL collective. Even more staggering is how the Wolverines earned it. They thoroughly demolished three programs that have all been to the final four this decade. Here are three of the takeaways from Michigan's magical moments in Las Vegas.
1. This was the most impressive three day stretch in Michigan basketball history
Michigan basketball has only one national championship in its existence. Come April, that may change. Although it's hard not to look ahead after three performances like that, no one in the country has wins on their resumes close to Michigan's. Arizona has three ranked wins by a combined 10 points, not 110. Purdue beat Texas Tech by 30 and will get their shot at Michigan basketball in February in a potential one versus two matchup. The Michigan/Duke showdown will be between two goliaths who could boast the best profiles in the nation. The Wolverines are now ranked No. 1, according to Kenpom.
Michigan up to +34.99 on KenPom. It's November 26th pic.twitter.com/k9GBPASEHh
— Sam Federman (@Sam_Federman) November 27, 2025
Michigan has had some eye-catching single-game performances, like winning at Villanova in 2018 or the victories over VCU and Kansas in March of 2013. None was as dominant as the dismantling of three schools that are perennial contenders every spring.
2. Winning the Player's Era tournament is equivalent to making a final four run
With the 18-team field that was set up for year two of this event, there is reason to believe that Michigan basketball just won the Big Ten tournament or secured a final four berth by becoming regional champs. It's a shame that Iowa State or Kansas didn't get to play Michigan, but they probably would not have fared well against them either. Michigan's offense averaged 99 points, but more earthshattering was their defense.
How ridiculous was Michigan in Las Vegas? This ridiculous: Michigan is the first team — ever — to beat ranked teams by 30-plus points in back-to-back games, per CBS Sports Research.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) November 27, 2025
Had never been done in men's D-I history.
Until tonight.
3. Michigan's men's and women's basketball teams could be the first duel sport national championship programs since UConn in 2014
Dusty May was quoted in the postgame for saying that it is not only the men's basketball team that is flying high right now, but Kim Barnes-Arico's girls are creating just as much buzz in Ann Arbor. He also mentioned the hockey team that is ranked no. 1 in America and the oppurtunity that the football team has on Saturday in a present-day, booming athletic department.