From the opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament, the Michigan Wolverines have looked like one of the best teams in college basketball.
The exclamation point came in the Elite Eight, where Michigan dismantled Tennessee by 33 points, one of the most dominant regional final performances in decades.
Blowouts, composure, and a roster that seems to level up with each round have defined Michigan’s run, making it easy to see why many have them pegged as the team to beat.
But standing in their way is the other team many have penciled in all along, the Arizona Wildcats.
Speaking with CBS Sports’ Tracy Wolfson on Friday, head coach Dusty May expressed full confidence in his group, while also revealing what, exactly, makes Arizona such a daunting matchup ahead of Saturday’s Final Four clash.
“These guys to the right and these guys to the left give us a lot of confidence and belief,” May said. “Their talent is obvious, their togetherness, but most importantly, the way they elevate their play when the stakes are the highest.”
That confidence, however, comes with a clear concern.
“The fact that they (Arizona) put so much pressure on the rim, on the paint, and that can lead to foul trouble,” May added. “If we don’t have our rotation and we’re in foul trouble, then I’m terrified.”
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The Wildcats, sitting at 36–2, have been just as dominant, overwhelming opponents with pace, physicality, and relentless pressure at the rim.
Their depth has fueled commanding double-digit wins at every stage of the tournament, while a roster loaded with NBA-level talent has made them the scariest matchup at every turn.
Multiple weapons, multiple looks, and no easy answers, this is a nearly impossible team to beat.
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May’s concern, therefore, is tactical.
Arizona’s identity is built on collapsing defenses, attacking the paint, and forcing opponents into impossible decisions.
Help too much, and shooters like Brayden Burries, Jaden Bradley, and Ivan Kharchenkov punish you. Stay home, and they live at the rim with Motiejus Krivas, Koa Peat, and Tobe Awaka.
Either way, the foul count climbs, and that’s where things can spiral.
For Michigan, depth is a strength, but only if it’s intact.
Aday Mara, Morez Johnson Jr., and Yaxel Lendeborg will need to anchor the paint, but if key pieces are forced to the bench, the entire defensive structure can crack.
Two Final Fours in four years, one with Florida Atlantic, and now one with Michigan, already puts May in rare air.
Beating Arizona, arguably the most complete team left, would validate Michigan as the new standard in college basketball.
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