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Michigan basketball vs. Wisconsin: preview and predictions

Michigan basketball has yet another must-win game on the clock with the Badgers set to face the Wolverines in Ann Arbor later today.

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Feb 14, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Michigan Wolverines center Hunter Dickinson (1) picks up his dribble under coverage by Wisconsin Badgers forward Steven Crowl (22) during the first half at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports

Following their big-time away victory over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Michigan basketball has snuck back into contention for an NCAA Tournament spot. Still, the battle is far from over, as the Wolverines have three more games remaining on their schedule, including a matchup with Wisconsin later today. Here is our preview and predictions for how this game could play out.

Michigan basketball vs. Wisconsin preview

Michigan basketball is on a two-game win streak and has somehow found a way back into the NCAA Tournament conversation. How the Wolverines finish the season will play a significant role in how the committee views them and their resume.

As things stand, Michigan sits in a three-way tie for third in the Big Ten standings alongside Maryland and Illinois. Just ahead of them are Indiana, Northwestern and Purdue at the top. The Wolverines still have games remaining versus Indiana and Illinois, making these standings even more intriguing.

Conversely, Wisconsin sits in a two-way tie for 10th in the Big Ten along with Penn State. Still, don’t let this difference in standing fool you. The two teams are separated by just two games in Big Ten play and each have 16 wins on the year. While the Big Ten standings may say one thing, it’s important to remember that Wisconsin won the previous matchup between the two and will certainly be looking for the season sweep.

Players to know

  • Chucky Hepburn – Hepburn is a 6’2 sophomore guard and has proven to be an absolute star in 2023. As things stand, he has averaged 12.4 points, 2.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game, all leading the team. In addition, he’s an absolute sniper from deep, hitting 43.5 percent of his threes on the year, making 2.1 per game. If the Wolverines want to get stops on defense, they must start by containing Hepburn.
  • Steven Crowl – Down low, Crowl is the man to watch. On the year, he averages 11.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 0.5 blocks per game, leading the team in both rebounds and blocks. Standings at 7 feet, 245 pounds, he has a big body that does not get pushed around easily. Michigan center Hunter Dickinson will need to win this matchup if he wants to help lead the Wolverines to their third straight victory.
  • Connor Essegian – Essegian dominated in the Badgers’ previous with versus Michigan basketball. He ended the day with 23 points and made nine of his ten free throws. He averages 11.7 points per game throughout the season, which is good enough for second on the team. While his season average isn’t the most daunting, this freshman guard can put up big numbers whenever he sets foot on the court.

Predictions for Michigan basketball vs. Wisconsin

Surprise, surprise, Michigan basketball has yet another must-win game here. It stands even more true as this is the exact kind of game that Michigan has slept through in the past, ultimately leading them to another loss.

According to ESPN analytics, Michigan has a 68.4 percent chance of beating Wisconsin. Honestly, I can’t say I disagree with these odds. Despite Michigan losing their previous matchup earlier in February, the Wolverines have been on a roll, and home-court advantage certainly doesn’t hurt.

The only thing going against Michigan at the moment is that Jett Howard’s injury looks like it will be a game-time decision. Even if Howard is held out for another game, the Wolverines have the star power and the momentum to get through this game without facing too many issues.

Prediction: Michigan 72, Wisconsin 63



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BREAKING: Juwan Howard has surgery, Martelli to assume interim coach role

BREAKING: Michigan basketball head coach Juwan Howard has successful surgery. Phil Martelli to take over as interim head coach.

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Juwan Howard, Michigan basketball, Phil Martelli
Mar 5, 2023; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard in the first half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Today, news broke that Michigan basketball head coach Juwan Howard, who is entering his fourth season at the helm in Ann Arbor, had open heart surgery over the offseason. With Howard recovering, long-time assistant Phil Martelli is slated to be the Wolverines’ interim head coach to open the 2023-24 season, which is fast approaching.

Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard has heart surgery, Phil Martelli to serve as interim coach

The 2023-24 Michigan basketball season will look a little different later this year, as Phil Martelli will be stepping in as interim head coach. Today, it was confirmed that Juwan Howard — the team’s full-time head coach — is recovering from heart surgery right now.

“I feel so grateful and blessed that this surgery was performed at University of Michigan Health,” said Howard in a statement. “My wife, Jenine, and our family appreciate the world-class care that has been provided to us. Dr. (Kim) Eagle, Dr. (Himanshu) Patel, Dr. (Stanley) Chetcuti, and all of the staff at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center are so talented and performed like champions throughout this process. I am going to work very hard in my rehabilitation to be stronger than ever by the time our upcoming season is upon us.”

Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel added the following:

“We are extremely grateful Juwan’s proactive procedure was a success and that he is resting comfortably,” said Warde Manuel. “We will continue to support Juwan, Jenine and his family as well as the program throughout his absence. All of us at the athletic department have Juwan in our thoughts and prayers. We look forward to Juwan’s return when he feels that he has fully recovered.”

It is expected that Juwan Howard will return to the court as head coach for Michigan basketball later in the season.



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Elite Michigan basketball target will be in Ann Arbor tomorrow

Tomorrow, an elite Michigan basketball target (2024 recruiting class) will be in Ann Arbor for his first-ever visit with the Wolverines.

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Michigan basketball, recruiting, No. 1 recruit in Virginia, Juwan Howard
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Juwan Howard and his Wolverines will be hosting Patrick Ngongba, an elite Michigan basketball target in the 2024 recruiting class, shortly. Ngongba, the No. 1 recruit in Virginia, has the Maize and Blue among his finalists and will be making the trip to Ann Arbor tomorrow (September 8th).

Elite Michigan basketball target about to be in Ann Arbor

While the 2023 Michigan Wolverines football season is now in full swing and has the attention of the entire fanbase, it’s worth noting that Juwan Howard and the Maize and Blue are hot on the recruiting trail in the 2024 recruiting class and beyond. After a tough 2022-23 season, Howard needs some good news to right the ship in Ann Arbor — tomorrow, he will have a massive opportunity to get one step closer to landing an elite recruit.

Patrick Ngongba is the No. 1 recruit in Virginia (for the 2024 recruiting class) and is an elite Michigan basketball target. The 6-foot-10, 235-pound center is an ESPN five-star prospect and is ranked among the top 30 players in the country in the composite rankings. So far, Juwan Howard has landed two prospects in the 2024 cycle, neither of which is rated anywhere close to Patrick Ngongba in the composite standings.

Can Juwan Howard land Patrick Ngongba in the 2024 recruiting class?

For the time being, Michigan basketball appears to be on the outside looking in ahead of Patrick Ngongba’s visit tomorrow — Duke and Kansas State currently have the best odds of landing him, per the Recruiting Prediction Machine. That said, Juwan Howard is a solid recruiter, and a visit to Ann Arbor, MI, ahead of a football game weekend could be a difference-maker for the Wolverines down the stretch.

According to the On3 visit tracker, tomorrow will be the first time that Michigan basketball gets the No. 1 recruit in Virginia on campus. This further showcases how important the visit will be for the Wolverines if Juwan Howard expects to have a shot against some of the other major programs vying for his commitment.

***If you missed it, Tom Brady is searching for the biggest Michigan fan! We have a great series going right now as a part of our Fan Flex challenge series — below is the link to our latest challenge! Among this week’s prizes includes an invite to the Blue by Ninety tailgate and a Blue by Ninety beer (for those of age) See the link below for more!

LINK: https://autograph.outgrow.us/blueby90-3



Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics and Big Ten content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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Michigan basketball recruiting will host No. 1 point guard in September

Michigan basketball recruiting will host the No. 1 point guard of the 2025 class for an official visit.

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Michigan basketball recruiting No. 1 point guard
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Michigan basketball is coming off of its most disappointing season of the Juwan Howard era. After missing the national tournament for the first time since taking over as head coach, Howard is already looking ahead to the future to right the ship for the Wolverines. Recently, Joe Tipton of On3 Sports announced that Darius Acuff — currently the No. 1 point guard of the 2025 recruiting class — will visit Ann Arbor in early September.

Michigan basketball recruiting will host official visit for No. 1 point guard Darius Acuff

Michigan basketball has a huge opportunity to lock down an elite prospect this September. Acuff’s official Ann Arbor visit will reportedly last from September 1-3.

Acuff is among the nation’s best and currently holds the No. 1 On3 industry ranking among point guards in the 2025 class. Across all positions, the six-foot point guard is the No. 9 industry-ranked player in the country.

Acuff is originally from Detroit, MI and played basketball at Cass Tech before recently transferring to IMG Academy in Florida. Michigan basketball currently holds the lead on Acuff’s recruitment on On3’s recruiting prediction machine with a 45.4 percent chance. Also in contention for Acuff’s recruitment are Kentucky, Michigan State, and Ohio State.

While Michigan basketball lost lots of talent this offseason, the recruiting game has been heating up as well. Landing a top-tier talent like Acuff could be just what the Wolverines need to build their recruiting momentum.



Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics and Big Ten content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on TwitterFacebook, and InstagramYou can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. 

Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple PodcastsSpotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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