For the first time since a stretch from 1992 to 1996, the Michigan Wolverines will make their third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. They’re led by Big Ten Player of the Year Trey Burke and possess a rare combination of veteran leadership with Tim Hardaway and freshman power with Glenn Robinson III, Nik Stauskas and Mitch McGary.
So what else is it that you need to know about Michigan?
1. For the first time since 1989, a Michigan Wolverine won the Big Ten Player of the Year Award. Point guard Trey Burke won it this year and the legendary Glen Rice won in ’89. For what it’s worth, Michigan won their only NCAA championship that season.
2. The Michigan Wolverines are one of the most efficiently dominant offensive teams in the NBA. For evidence, note that they’re second in the nation both points per game and turnovers committed. Furthermore, they’re 10th in field goal percentage, 27th in three-point field goal percentage and 2nd in turnovers committed.
3. Nik Stauskas led all Big Ten freshmen in three-point field goals made (71) and three-point field goal percentage (.449). He was seventh in the conference, overall, in three-point field goals made and third in three-point field goal percentage. If that’s not enough, he’s fifth in the star-studded Big Ten in offensive win shares and offensive rating.
4. Michigan owns six wins over previously or currently ranked opponents. That includes rivals Michigan State, Ohio State and Minnesota, as well as out-of-conference foes Pittsburgh, Kansas State and North Carolina State.
5. Michigan is a perfect 13-0 against non-conference opponents. Their average margin of victory during non-conference games is 21.6 points per. Against Pittsburgh, Kansas State and North Carolina State, they won by an average of 8.7 points.
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