Michigan Basketball's Final Four Run: An Unlikely Ascent

Michigan's journey to the Final Four was far from a certainty.

Offseason Risks

The Wolverines took risks that, in hindsight, appear wise. A point guard who led the ACC in turnovers and shot 28% from outside was brought in. A 7-foot-3 center who played less than a third of UCLA's minutes last season joined the team. A commitment was accepted from Yaxel Lendeborg, even without a guarantee he would end up in Ann Arbor, potentially creating chemistry issues.

Forgotten Doubts

With a 35-3 record, an epic week in Las Vegas, and a conference title by four games, the doubts are easily forgotten. It's easy to think that the Wolverines were always going to wind up in the Final Four, but getting here was no guarantee.