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The new-look Michigan Wolverines open the 2024-25 NCAA men's basketball season with a ton of promise. It began with the hiring of Dusty May as the new coach, replacing Juwan Howard.
May, who guided the Florida Atlantic Owls to the Final Four of the 2023 NCAA Tournament, went to work right away, getting nine commitments from the transfer portal and high school recruitment.
Michigan looks to bounce back from the horrific 2023-24 season with a brand-new team determined to bring some surprises in the Big Ten Conference and the coming season.
Michigan men's basketball 2024-25 season preview: Biggest games, key players to watch and more
Michigan's biggest games in the 2024-25 season
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College basketball fans should keep their eye on five games against conference foes Purdue, Ohio State and Michigan State, as they are the Wolverines' biggest games in the coming season.
Although the Big Ten hasn't announced the dates, hardcore Michigan fans have always marked the rivalry games against the Spartans and the Buckeyes on their calendars.
This season, the Big Ten basketball committee made the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry a home-and-away affair. It will be the 195th and 196th installment of the showdown, with the Spartans leading 97-90. It could have been 97-97 if Michigan not been forced to vacate their won games due to the scandal it had with booster Ed Martin in the 90s.
Another rivalry worth anticipating is Michigan's clash against Ohio State. It will be the 192nd meeting between the teams, with the Buckeyes leading the series 108-83.
It will also be Roddy Gayle Jr's first game against his former team, so expect fireworks between the two teams in the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry game this season.
Finally, Michigan and Purdue rekindle their Big 10 battle this season with a home-and-away showdown in the regular season. Since the 1949-50 season, the two teams have met 132 times, with the Boilermakers leading 69-63.
Michigan predictions for the 2024-25 season
Michigan would run away with the opposition on its non-conference schedule, winning most of its games before transitioning to the Big Ten regular season.
The 2024-25 season will be a bounce-back year for the Wolverines, as they are expected to find ways to win with a bunch of scoring guards and reliable big men on its lineup.
The squad would be successful in the first year of Dusty May, winning a possible 24-26 games in the regular season and making the NCAA Tournament. A Sweet 16 appearance would be a giant achievement for a squad that went 8-24 in their final season under Juwan Howard.
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