The University of Michigan Athletics will kick off the 2025-26 season in style by unveiling the 2025 Big Ten Tournament championship banner. This much-anticipated event will take place on November 3 at the Crisler Center, where the seventh-ranked Wolverines will host the Oakland Golden Grizzlies.
Season Opener Highlights
The matchup against Oakland is set for 8:30 p.m., with coverage available on FS1 featuring commentators Connor Onion and Steve Smith. This game marks the beginning of Michigan’s 110th basketball season.
History of the Team
- Michigan holds an impressive 89-20 record in season openers.
- The team has won 22 consecutive season openers since the 2002-03 season.
- In past season openers against Oakland, Michigan has a 3-1 record:
- W, 82-62 (Nov. 19, 1999, Ann Arbor)
- L, 97-90 (Nov. 17, 2000, Rochester)
- W, 81-73 (Nov. 16, 2001, Ann Arbor)
- W, 84-58 (Nov. 21, 2003, Ann Arbor)
2025 Big Ten Tournament Championship
The Wolverines clinched their fourth Big Ten Tournament title in 2025 by winning three games in three days. They began the tournament with a decisive 86-68 victory over Purdue. Key players included Danny Wolf, who recorded 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, and Vladislav Goldin, who added 15 points and 8 rebounds.
In perhaps the tournament’s most dramatic moment, Tre Donaldson hit a coast-to-coast buzzer-beater to secure an 81-80 win over Maryland in the semifinals. Michigan concluded the championship by overcoming Wisconsin with a 59-53 score, capped off by an outstanding performance from Goldin, who was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
Preseason Rankings and Expectations
The Wolverines enter the season ranked No. 7 in the AP Preseason Poll, marking their highest position since the 2021-22 season. They are one of six Big Ten teams included in the top 25, alongside No. 1 Purdue, No. 12 UCLA, No. 17 Illinois, No. 22 Michigan State, and No. 24 Wisconsin.
Oakland Golden Grizzlies
Meanwhile, Oakland has kicked off its season with two exhibition wins. The Golden Grizzlies defeated Alma College 111-77 and Rochester Christian 99-90, showcasing strong performances from players like Warren Marshall IV and Tuburu Naivalurua.
- Naivalurua, the Horizon League’s top returning scorer, was named Preseason Player of the Year.
- Oakland is projected to finish second in the Horizon League preseason poll.
Upcoming Challenges
The match against Michigan is the first in a tough series for Oakland, with upcoming games against No. 1 Purdue and No. 2 Houston. Head coach Greg Kampe, in his 42nd season, is recognized as the longest-tenured active head coach in Division I and holds 715 career wins.
The 2025-26 season promises excitement for Michigan and Oakland fans alike, highlighting the growth and achievements of both programs. The banner raising ceremony on November 3 will undoubtedly be a memorable moment for the Wolverines as they celebrate their past accomplishments while looking forward to a new season.
