If you could only pick one, would you rather have Michigan Hockey win a title in 2025, or have the men’s basketball team make it to — at the very least — the Final Four?
All hope is still alive in the offseason, and for two of Michigan’s big three sports programs, there’s optimism heading into the upcoming season.
Would you rather have the hockey team win a national championship, or have the men’s basketball team — at the very least — make it to the Final Four?
Option #1: Michigan Hockey wins the 2025 National Championship
Just a few years ago, the Denver Pioneers won their 10th national title, ending a tie between Michigan and DU for the most titles. The Wolverines last lifted the championship trophy back in 1998. Head coach Brandon Naurato started his stint with the Wolverines strong, helping the team make it to back-to-back Frozen Four appearances, but the National Championship has eluded the Wolverines for a few seasons now.
There’s hope rising in the program — given recent recruiting efforts and Naurato’s early success — that the Wolverines could bring a title back to Ann Arbor in the near future.
Option #2: Michigan Basketball makes it to the 2025 Final Four (at the very least)
The men’s basketball team is coming off a very successful first season under head coach Dusty May, making it to the Sweet Sixteen before falling to Auburn. May continues to impress this offseason, bringing in the top transfer player in the country in Yaxel Lendeborg . Michigan also signed a pair of highly talented guys who can be instant impact players in five-star Trey McKenney and and four-star Winters Grady.
The roster looks to be one of the best Michigan has seen in some time, and that’s raising expectations for just how far this program will go.
My answer: You have to go with the natty
If I had to choose, I’d go with the guaranteed title in hockey over the chance at advancing past the Final Four and winning March Madness. It’s hard to beat getting to the very top of a sport, and for the hockey team, it’s been a long time coming. It bothers me the Wolverines no longer have the most titles in the country — what can I say, I’m a bit competitive.
Along with that, it’d be pretty impressive for Naurato to get his squad to the top of the hockey world this early in his career. He had a strong start, but fumbling a bit last year did raise some concerns about how much success he could have in Ann Arbor.
While a trip to the Final Four in May’s second season would be a huge accomplishment, there’s just no competing with a guaranteed national title.
What about you? Would you rather Michigan hockey win a Natty or men’s basketball make it to the Final Four? Let us know in the comments below!