We thought we had it all figured out. Then UConn lost on a Saturday afternoon. Now, presumably, the Florida Gators will be the No. 1 seed. While all that doesn't necessarily change much for the Michigan Wolverines, what is apparent is that Michigan basketball is still where it was before its loss to the Duke Blue Devils. Final Four bound.
One last game against Michigan State will not do much to move the needle either way. At most, the rivalry game, still at its most, is just a rivalry game between the schools like it always is. And Michigan State presumably will have more interest in the win, considering Michigan already beat them this season. (Not to say, the Wolverines don't want to win) What will happen in the Big Ten tournament will be an indicator of what the future holds for Michigan.
Winning the Big Ten tournament could propel Michigan basketball to Final Four
Last year, they won the Big Ten tournament, and that propelled them through March Madness. So, winning the tournament again could provide yet another successful run. Without a successful bid through the Big Ten, the Wolverines will face a myriad of questions about their longevity.
Losing L.J. Cason to a torn ACL is a big blow to Michigan's title run. He was playing some of the best basketball in the country before his injury and had proven to be a viable backup guard. With his injury, the Wolverines will rely on Elliot Cardeau and freshman, Trey McKenney. While that may be a lot to ask of a freshman, the Wolverines don't have much of a choice in the matter. A successful run will rely heavily on his shoulders as much as any other Wolverine player.
While Florida and Arizona have set themselves apart from the rest of the country, most of the college basketball season, the Wolverines have much off a chance as any to cut down the nets. Their two losses on the season could have gone either way and the game against Duke, played once again, would most certainly not end the same way. If only because the Wolverines showed, they could play with a team so heavily lauded by the nation.
Would this year be a disappointment if Michigan does not have a deep run in the tournament? In some ways, Wolverine fans could say yes. They have remained in the top of the rankings all season. They have been dominant, in most of their wins, and have not any losses that could be deemed embarrassing. They have been a solid team throughout the entirety of the season. So yes, there are expectations. What Dusty May has done for the program in two seasons is commendable. Those devastating seasons before him seem like a far-gone memory.
Would it be a disappointment? Of course. Only because the Wolverines have shown they are a team to take seriously, and the only way to continue to be is to win.
Winning never disappoints.