Prediction: Michigan's NBA Renaissance Is Here!

James Hawkins, Connor Earegood, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News predict how far Michigan will go in the NCAA Tournament: Michigan prediction for March Madness ➤ Hawkins : It’s Final Four or bust for the Wolverines after they put together one of the most dominant regular seasons in program history. Sure, they couldn’t complete a Big Ten title sweep and are entering the NCAA Tournament stinging from a loss to Purdue in the conference tournament final, but they still have all the makings of a team that can play until April. They have a frontcourt that’s as good as any in college basketball and their ability to win in different ways – by locking down on defense or lighting it up on offense – will help them march through a Midwest Region where they could face some offensive-minded squads early and some defensive-minded teams late.

As long as Michigan limits its turnovers and avoids foul trouble – most notably to Elliot Cadeau and Aday Mara – it should be able to overcome the loss of L. J. Cason and reach the final weekend, where its run will end to Arizona in a national semifinal.

➤ Earegood : Michigan should still have the pieces to make its first Final Four run since John Beilein patrolled the sideline. The starting five is imposing at both ends of the court, especially its brick wall of a frontcourt. The Wolverines are going to need a lot out of freshman and Flint native Trey McKenney, as well as Roddy Gayle, as Dusty May still figures out how to make up for the loss of L.

J. Cason. The Midwest Region should be easy enough to handle, especially in friendly Chicago for the second weekend, though Iowa State and Texas Tech could be interesting matchups depending how the bracket shakes out.