Mission complete, for Michigan basketball. The Wolverines survived an absolute rock fight in the title game against UConn but still found a way to win despite Yaxel Lendeborg playing through an injury and poor shooting from outside. Tony and Andrew discuss just how well this sets up Michigan's basketball program for the future and the sharp contrast to the football title. Then the guys look at 5 names to watch in the transfer portal as Michigan could be big-game hunting as many players from their talented 2025-26 team head out the door.

Read all about the Michigan Wolverines by heading to our website at freep.com/sports.

Mission complete, for Michigan basketball. The Wolverines survived an absolute rock fight in the title game against UConn but still found a way to win despite Yaxel Lendeborg playing through an injury and poor shooting from outside. Tony and Andrew discuss just how well this sets up Michigan's basketball program for the future and the sharp contrast to the football title. Then the guys look at 5 names to watch in the transfer portal as Michigan could be big-game hunting as many players from their talented 2025-26 team head out the door.
Read all about the Michigan Wolverines by heading to our website at&nbsp;<a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffreep.com%2Fsports&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRHChan%40freepress.com%7Cea32a0f6f28943f8a74f08ddd9f514e1%7Cbc924c8d3e164e88bf26d7fcfb14f2d5%7C0%7C0%7C638906368818399870%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=aJnu4YKCVIXE15fE%2BueVYw6PR1wu6WBCALXWyNTREVY%3D&amp;reserved=0" aria-label="Link freep.com/sports">freep.com/sports</a>.

Michigan basketball wins the natty! Title game recap, transfer portal names to watch and more

It actually happened. The Michigan Wolverines are national champions after surviving a rock fight against UConn in Indianapolis for the Big Ten’s first title since 2000. The Freep’s team is on hand in Indy gives their instant reactions to the game, what it means historically and more. And check back in later in the week for a full episode!

Read all about the Michigan Wolverines by heading to our website at freep.com/sports.

It actually happened. The Michigan Wolverines are national champions after surviving a rock fight against UConn in Indianapolis for the Big Ten&rsquo;s first title since 2000. The Freep&rsquo;s team is on hand in Indy gives their instant reactions to the game, what it means historically and more. And check back in later in the week for a full episode!
Read all about the Michigan Wolverines by heading to our website at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffreep.com%2Fsports&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRHChan%40freepress.com%7Cea32a0f6f28943f8a74f08ddd9f514e1%7Cbc924c8d3e164e88bf26d7fcfb14f2d5%7C0%7C0%7C638906368818399870%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=aJnu4YKCVIXE15fE%2BueVYw6PR1wu6WBCALXWyNTREVY%3D&amp;reserved=0" aria-label="Link freep.com/sports">freep.com/sports</a>.

Instant reaction to Michigan beating UConn to claim 2026 national title

Producer note: This podcast was recorded 4/5/26

Tony and Andrew preview the Michigan vs UConn title game and break down why tempo will be a deciding factor for the matchup.

Read all about the Michigan Wolverines by heading to our website at freep.com/sports.

Producer note: This podcast was recorded 4/5/26
Tony and Andrew preview the Michigan vs UConn title game and break down why tempo will be a deciding factor for the matchup.
Read all about the Michigan Wolverines by heading to our website at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffreep.com%2Fsports&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRHChan%40freepress.com%7Cea32a0f6f28943f8a74f08ddd9f514e1%7Cbc924c8d3e164e88bf26d7fcfb14f2d5%7C0%7C0%7C638906368818399870%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=aJnu4YKCVIXE15fE%2BueVYw6PR1wu6WBCALXWyNTREVY%3D&amp;reserved=0" aria-label="Link freep.com/sports">freep.com/sports</a>.

Michigan is inevitable: Previewing national title game after Wolverines CRUSH Arizona

The Final Four is finally here. We've been circling this as a possibility since Michigan basketball's coming out party in Las Vegas in November and when push came to shove, the Wolverines delivered. Andrew and Tony open the show by discussing Michigan's convincing wins over Alabama and Tennessee, then pivot to the Final Four. What problems will Arizona present Michigan and vice versa. And last but not least, if Michigan does get through Arizona, is there a preferred team between Illinois and UConn? 

Read all about the Michigan Wolverines by heading to our website at freep.com/sports.

The Final Four is finally here. We've been circling this as a possibility since Michigan basketball's coming out party in Las Vegas in November and when push came to shove, the Wolverines delivered. Andrew and Tony open the show by discussing Michigan's convincing wins over Alabama and Tennessee, then pivot to the Final Four. What problems will Arizona present Michigan and vice versa. And last but not least, if Michigan does get through Arizona, is there a preferred team between Illinois and UConn?&nbsp;
Read all about the Michigan Wolverines by heading to our website at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffreep.com%2Fsports&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRHChan%40freepress.com%7Cea32a0f6f28943f8a74f08ddd9f514e1%7Cbc924c8d3e164e88bf26d7fcfb14f2d5%7C0%7C0%7C638906368818399870%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=aJnu4YKCVIXE15fE%2BueVYw6PR1wu6WBCALXWyNTREVY%3D&amp;reserved=0" aria-label="Link freep.com/sports">freep.com/sports</a>.

Michigan Final Four preview! Arizona matchup, regional final recap and more

It was a fun and relatively uneventful weekend for Michigan basketball with dominant wins over Howard and Saint Louis, and this time of the year, you never complain about boring. Tony and Andrew open the show by discussing Michigan's return to form and why the Wolverines look more and more like a lock to at least make the Final Four. Plus, just how impactful are the absences on Alabama and Iowa State, should the Wolverines see them in the Elite Eight. That and a lot more on the latest episode!

Read all about the Michigan Wolverines by heading to our website at freep.com/sports.

It was a fun and relatively uneventful weekend for Michigan basketball with dominant wins over Howard and Saint Louis, and this time of the year, you never complain about boring. Tony and Andrew open the show by discussing Michigan's return to form and why the Wolverines look more and more like a lock to at least make the Final Four. Plus, just how impactful are the absences on Alabama and Iowa State, should the Wolverines see them in the Elite Eight. That and a lot more on the latest episode!
Read all about the Michigan Wolverines by heading to our website at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffreep.com%2Fsports&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRHChan%40freepress.com%7Cea32a0f6f28943f8a74f08ddd9f514e1%7Cbc924c8d3e164e88bf26d7fcfb14f2d5%7C0%7C0%7C638906368818399870%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=aJnu4YKCVIXE15fE%2BueVYw6PR1wu6WBCALXWyNTREVY%3D&amp;reserved=0" aria-label="Link freep.com/sports">freep.com/sports</a>.

Michigan basketball got its swagger back and looks like a Final Four lock

At long last, the NCAA Tournament is finally here. Andrew and Tony analyze Michigan's draw in the Midwest Region, what fans need to know about the first weekend matchups and why Saint Louis could be a bit scary. Then the guys discuss Michigan's loss to Purdue, what went wrong and why the Wolverines could be a bit more vulnerable (for their own ridiculously high standards). And last but not least, the guys pick some Cinderella teams, a national champion and how far Michigan will go. 

Read all about the Michigan Wolverines by heading to our website at freep.com/sports.

At long last, the NCAA Tournament is finally here. Andrew and Tony analyze Michigan's draw in the Midwest Region, what fans need to know about the first weekend matchups and why Saint Louis could be a bit scary. Then the guys discuss Michigan's loss to Purdue, what went wrong and why the Wolverines could be a bit more vulnerable (for their own ridiculously high standards). And last but not least, the guys pick some Cinderella teams, a national champion and how far Michigan will go.&nbsp;
Read all about the Michigan Wolverines by heading to our website at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffreep.com%2Fsports&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRHChan%40freepress.com%7Cea32a0f6f28943f8a74f08ddd9f514e1%7Cbc924c8d3e164e88bf26d7fcfb14f2d5%7C0%7C0%7C638906368818399870%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=aJnu4YKCVIXE15fE%2BueVYw6PR1wu6WBCALXWyNTREVY%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">freep.com/sports</a>.

Michigan basketball March Madness preview, matchup breakdowns and more

In a heavy-weight fight at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Sunday, it was Michigan who came out on top. Tony and Andrew discuss an epic rivalry game, how Michigan was able to pull off the win vs. Michigan State, and just how special Yaxel Lendeborg was in likely locking up the Big Ten Player of the Year award. 

Then the guys look forward, starting with the Big Ten Tournament. Are we on a clash course for another rivalry game in the Big Ten Tournament championship game? And are there any teams Michigan will want to avoid in the Selection Sunday draw? 

Read all about the Michigan Wolverines by heading to our website at freep.com/sports.

In a heavy-weight fight at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Sunday, it was Michigan who came out on top. Tony and Andrew discuss an epic rivalry game, how Michigan was able to pull off the win vs. Michigan State, and just how special Yaxel Lendeborg was in likely locking up the Big Ten Player of the Year award.&nbsp;
Then the guys look forward, starting with the Big Ten Tournament. Are we on a clash course for another rivalry game in the Big Ten Tournament championship game? And are there any teams Michigan will want to avoid in the Selection Sunday draw?&nbsp;
Read all about the Michigan Wolverines by heading to our website at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffreep.com%2Fsports&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRHChan%40freepress.com%7Cea32a0f6f28943f8a74f08ddd9f514e1%7Cbc924c8d3e164e88bf26d7fcfb14f2d5%7C0%7C0%7C638906368818399870%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=aJnu4YKCVIXE15fE%2BueVYw6PR1wu6WBCALXWyNTREVY%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">freep.com/sports</a>.

Michigan basketball puts stamp on its best regular season ever with epic MSU win

Tony and Andrew are back to discuss Michigan locking up the Big Ten regular season crown with wins over Minnesota and Illinois and how Michigan can make history and join an elite crowd with a win at Iowa. Then the guys break down the L.J. Cason injury, how it alters Michigan's team and who must step up. Plus, Tony and Andrew look ahead to the final regular season games against the Hawkeyes and MSU. Does Michigan have an edge because they've got no pressure with everything already locked up? Or does MSU come in more hungry with seeding still to play for. And last but not least, who are some potential matchups for Michigan in March Madness? 

Read all about the Michigan Wolverines by heading to our website at freep.com/sports.

Tony and Andrew are back to discuss Michigan locking up the Big Ten regular season crown with wins over Minnesota and Illinois and how Michigan can make history and join an elite crowd with a win at Iowa. Then the guys break down the L.J. Cason injury, how it alters Michigan's team and who must step up. Plus, Tony and Andrew look ahead to the final regular season games against the Hawkeyes and MSU. Does Michigan have an edge because they've got no pressure with everything already locked up? Or does MSU come in more hungry with seeding still to play for. And last but not least, who are some potential matchups for Michigan in March Madness?&nbsp;
Read all about the Michigan Wolverines by heading to our website at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffreep.com%2Fsports&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRHChan%40freepress.com%7Cea32a0f6f28943f8a74f08ddd9f514e1%7Cbc924c8d3e164e88bf26d7fcfb14f2d5%7C0%7C0%7C638906368818399870%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=aJnu4YKCVIXE15fE%2BueVYw6PR1wu6WBCALXWyNTREVY%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">freep.com/sports</a>.

How Michigan basketball replaces L.J. Cason, preview of MSU game and U-M's chance to make history

It came down to the wire, but ultimately Michigan basketball came up just short against Duke on Saturday. So what went for the Wolverines against the Blue Devils? Tony and Andrew open the show by discussing a fun but ultimately disappointing game for Michigan, and why the loss will almost certainly pay dividends when things really matter in March and April. Plus, the guys discuss Michigan's dominant win over Purdue and why it's easily among the best wins of the season in the Big Ten. Last but not least, Tony and Andrew look at the rest of the season for Michigan basketball, including the game on Tuesday, when the Wolverines can lock up a share of the Big Ten regular season title with a victory over the Gophers.

Read all about the Michigan Wolverines by heading to our website at freep.com/sports.

It came down to the wire, but ultimately Michigan basketball came up just short against Duke on Saturday. So what went for the Wolverines against the Blue Devils? Tony and Andrew open the show by discussing a fun but ultimately disappointing game for Michigan, and why the loss will almost certainly pay dividends when things really matter in March and April. Plus, the guys discuss Michigan's dominant win over Purdue and why it's easily among the best wins of the season in the Big Ten. Last but not least, Tony and Andrew look at the rest of the season for Michigan basketball, including the game on Tuesday, when the Wolverines can lock up a share of the Big Ten regular season title with a victory over the Gophers.
Read all about the Michigan Wolverines by heading to our website at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffreep.com%2Fsports&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRHChan%40freepress.com%7Cea32a0f6f28943f8a74f08ddd9f514e1%7Cbc924c8d3e164e88bf26d7fcfb14f2d5%7C0%7C0%7C638906368818399870%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=aJnu4YKCVIXE15fE%2BueVYw6PR1wu6WBCALXWyNTREVY%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">freep.com/sports</a>.

Why Michigan basketball's week is still a success, even with loss to Duke

It feels like we keep saying this, but what a huge week for Michigan basketball. Tony and Andrew had a lot to talk about, from recapping Michigan's two double-digit wins over Northwestern and UCLA, to previewing the games against Purdue and Duke. The guys discuss the intriguing matchups in both games and why a big week could pretty much lock up the No. 1 overall seed. 

Read all about the Michigan Wolverines by heading to our website at freep.com/sports.

It feels like we keep saying this, but what a huge week for Michigan basketball. Tony and Andrew had a lot to talk about, from recapping Michigan's two double-digit wins over Northwestern and UCLA, to previewing the games against Purdue and Duke. The guys discuss the intriguing matchups in both games and why a big week could pretty much lock up the No. 1 overall seed.&nbsp;
Read all about the Michigan Wolverines by heading to our website at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffreep.com%2Fsports&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRHChan%40freepress.com%7Cea32a0f6f28943f8a74f08ddd9f514e1%7Cbc924c8d3e164e88bf26d7fcfb14f2d5%7C0%7C0%7C638906368818399870%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=aJnu4YKCVIXE15fE%2BueVYw6PR1wu6WBCALXWyNTREVY%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">freep.com/sports</a>.

Previewing Michigan's huge week with games vs. Purdue and Duke

Hosted by Tony Garcia and Rainer Sabin of the Detroit Free Press. “Hail, Yes!” can be found a couple of times a week, including every Thursday wherever you listen to podcasts. Tune in to listen to engaging conversations and unique perspectives on your Michigan Wolverines. Tony, the U-M sports beat writer, and Rainer, the Big Ten insider, get a chance to talk to the main characters in Ann Arbor weekly and provide their insights and analysis for all the big games, news and events. “Hail, Yes!” is your go-to Wolverines podcast for all the best news, analysis, insights and opinions on the team.

Hosted by Tony Garcia and Rainer Sabin of the Detroit Free Press. “Hail, Yes!” can be found a couple of times a week, including every Thursday wherever you listen to podcasts. Tune in to listen to engaging conversations and unique perspectives on your Michigan Wolverines. Tony, the U-M sports beat writer, and Rainer, the Big Ten insider, get a chance to talk to the main characters in Ann Arbor weekly and provide their insights and analysis for all the big games, news and events. “Hail, Yes!” is your go-to Wolverines podcast for all the best news, analysis, insights and opinions on the team.

Hail Yes! A Detroit Free Press Podcast About University of Michigan Sports

Hosted by Andrew Birkle and Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press, “Hail, Yes!” can be found weekly wherever you listen to podcasts. Tune in to listen to engaging conversations and unique perspectives on your Michigan Wolverines. Tony, the U-M sports beat writer, and Andrew, an assistant sports editor for the Freep, get a chance to talk to the main characters in Ann Arbor weekly and provide their insights and analysis for all the big games, news and events. “Hail, Yes!” is your go-to Wolverines podcast for all the best news, analysis, insights and opinions on the team.

Hosted by Andrew Birkle and Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press, &ldquo;Hail, Yes!&rdquo; can be found weekly wherever you listen to podcasts. Tune in to listen to engaging conversations and unique perspectives on your Michigan Wolverines. Tony, the U-M sports beat writer, and Andrew, an assistant sports editor for the Freep, get a chance to talk to the main characters in Ann Arbor weekly and provide their insights and analysis for all the big games, news and events. &ldquo;Hail, Yes!&rdquo; is your go-to Wolverines podcast for all the best news, analysis, insights and opinions on the team.

Hail Yes! A Detroit Free Press Podcast About University of Michigan Sports

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