Basketball season is just around the corner for both the men's and women's teams, and Michigan could have both competing for a National Championship. Of course, the men's team will return as the reigning champs, while the women's team is coming off heartbreak in the Elite Eight last season, but returning four of their five starters could be what this team needs to contend.
Big Ten basketball media days are here, and Michigan women's basketball was presented by head coach Kim Barnes Arico and Preseason All-Big Ten Team members Olivia Olson, who was a unanimous selection, and Syla Swords.
After falling in the Elite Eight to a dominant Texas team, the Wolverines are hungry to get back on the court, and Barnes Arico has seen it from her players in offseason workouts and since practices started for the upcoming season.
"They are incredible, incredible young women, but they are driven," Barnes Arico said Wednesday at Big Ten Media Days. "They love it; I have never met a group that may love it more than me, if that's possible. They are in the gym morning, noon, and night; if they are not in the classroom, they are doing whatever it takes."
“I have never met a group that loves it more than me. They are in the gym morning, noon and night. They are so unselfish, they are so passionate, and they are a joy to be around.”
— Michigan On BTN (@MichiganOnBTN) October 7, 2026
Kim Barnes Arico on the star power and dedication of @umichwbball 🔥 pic.twitter.com/qaLX01oHnK
"If you told them to win that championship, they need to run through that wall; they will run through that wall. They are so unselfish, they are so passionate, and they are a joy to be around."
Michigan's retention could be the key to their success this season
Not only did Michigan retain 11 players from its roster last season, but four of its five starters. Michigan fell well short of beating 1-seed Texas in the Elite Eight to get its first Final Four appearance, but this season, the determination to go further is higher than ever.
With the majority of the roster from last season returning, Swords said it becomes easier to have the motivation to work because no one has to try to understand the hurt and disappointment from last season.
That is the key to Michigan taking that next step forward this season. The talent is there, especially with the return of Olson and Swords, but also Te'Yala Delfosse, who Barnes Arico said doesn't even care about being the highest scorer for the Wolverines, but instead about being the best defender on the court.
Having that balance of offense and defense will be key for a Michigan team that is competing in a Big Ten conference with reigning National Champion UCLA Bruins, a USC team that will see the return of star JuJu Watkins, and other top squads like Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana.
It won't be an easy start to the season for Michigan, kicking things off against UConn on Thursday, November 5. Barnes Arico is really challenging her team to step up and try to get a huge upset win over a UConn team that has been the staple of success in women's basketball for years.
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