In a state built upon prestigious athletic ability, and shaped by inner state rivalry, the state of Michiganwas a force to be reckoned with in the 2013 NCAA Basketball Season. The University of Michigan has a rich tradition and historical excellence on the football field, having the most wins in NCAA football history. Although through wise recruiting by Coach John Beilein, the wolverines made a name for themselves on the court these past two years, achieving top 25 rankings in both 2012 and 2013, as well as reaching the NCAA March Madness championship this year.                

The big stage was unfamiliar to the young Wolvering roster fueled by sophomore point guard Trey Burke and Freshman forward Mitch Mcgarry yet it was not the first time for the program itself. This year’s excellence was the 20 year anniversary of the infamousUniversityofMichigan Basketball’s 1992-1993 Fab 5. The dominant force of the 90’s reached the Division 1 finals two years in a row before being convicted of cheating through recruitment  “It was really cool to see them play in the biggest game of the season” Said senior Tory Shand, “I knew it was our year, and it’s cool to see it happen on the 20 year anniversary.”

“I’m not too worried about the wolverines next year” said devoted Spartan fan and Alumni Raymond ‘Silky Ray’ Huggins “Let’s just see what happens next year.” Under the experienced wing of Coach Tom Izzo, this past decade has developed an expected excellence for the Michigan State Spartans. Reaching the NCAA March Madness Championship game two times in the past 12 years and winning it once, while being ranked in the top 10 multiple times, excellence is a tradition and an expectance in which is maintained by the Spartans of East Lansing. While the spotlight was on the Wolverines in the late post-season, stats are not to be forgotten, as record books show Michigan State’s victory over the Wolverines in the regular season. “2-0, we’ve got Payne, Harris and the gang returning, we’ll go 2-0 against UofM” Confidently stated MHS teacher Mr. Gilbert.

With both teams making a big statement in the Big 10 Conference, as well as putting their state on the map as a force to be taken cautiously, their success was equally earned and appreciated. As the Big 10 gains popularity and talent amongst the competitive college basketball league, the two teams from the mitten hope to return with success matching the previous season. The Wolverines lost their star Freshman Trey Burke as well as Junior Tim Hardaway Jr. While returning two starters they hope to maintain excellence. The Michigan State Spartans are projected high in the rankings, returning star Freshman point guard Gary Harris, as well as power forward Adrian Payne. Both teams have talent to make it to the top, a devoted fan can now only wait to gain bragging rights.