From a failed student experiment to an NBA talent powerhouse

History · Published 5 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Michigan's basketball program nearly vanished before it even began. After a 1–4 debut in 1908, the student body's lack of interest forced the program to terminate. Today, the Wolverines are a storied force, having produced 81 NBA players and multiple national champions.

The program's survival was never guaranteed. Following an initial attempt in 1908–09 that failed due to low attendance, varsity basketball was officially inaugurated in 1917 under coach Elmer Mitchell. The program's early trajectory was defined by rapid growth and coaching shifts, including E. J. Mather achieved the institution's initial consecutive titles throughout 1925–26 and 1926–27.

Michigan's success has often been marked by extreme peaks and significant controversies. In the 1960s, under Dave Strack, the team reached the 1965 NCAA championship game, finishing the season ranked number one by both the UPI and AP. However, the 1990s brought a massive scandal involving Ed Martin, who reportedly loaned four players a total of $616,000. This led the NCAA to vacate several years of records, including the 1992 Final Four appearance and portions of the 1992–93 and 1995–99 seasons.

Despite these sanctions, the Wolverines remain a premier pipeline for professional talent. The program has seen 81 players drafted into the NBA, with 35 being first-round picks. Notably, the 1990 NBA draft saw Michigan become one of only ten schools to have three players selected in the first round of a single draft: Rumeal Robinson (10th), Loy Vaught (13th), and Terry Mills (16th). The program's legacy is further cemented by legends like Cazzie Russell and Chris Webber, both of whom were selected first overall in their respective drafts.

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