University of Michigan to Unveil 2025-26 Opener Banner at Crisler vs. Oakland
The University of Michigan men’s basketball team is set to raise its championship banner on November 3, 2025, during their season opener against Oakland at Crisler Center. The highly anticipated event will occur before the game, with tipoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. The matchup will be broadcasted on FS1, featuring play-by-play commentator Connor Onion and analyst Steve Smith.
Michigan’s Championship Journey
The Wolverines enter the 2025-26 season as the seventh-ranked team in the AP Preseason Poll. This marks their highest ranking since the 2021-22 season and their seventh appearance in the top 10 since 2012. Last season, they claimed the Big Ten Tournament championship, their fourth title overall.
- Previous Big Ten Tournament titles: 1998, 2017, 2018, 2025
During the tournament, Michigan won three games in three days. They started with a strong 86-68 victory over Purdue, bolstered by a significant first-half run. Key players included Danny Wolf, who scored 19 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and Vladislav Goldin, who added 15 points and 8 rebounds. In a thrilling semifinal, Tre Donaldson hit a buzzer-beater, leading them to an 81-80 win against Maryland.
The Wolverines secured their championship by overcoming Wisconsin, winning 59-53. Most Outstanding Player Goldin finished with 11 points, while Wolf contributed significantly with eight points and eight rebounds.
Upcoming Season Highlights
The opening game against Oakland marks the 110th season of basketball for Michigan. Historically, they have an excellent record in season openers, boasting an impressive 89-20 overall record. The Wolverines have won 22 consecutive season openers, dating back to the 2002-03 season.
Historical Matchups with Oakland
This will be the fifth time Michigan and Oakland have faced each other to begin a season. Here’s a brief history of their matchups:
| Date | Result | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 19, 1999 | W, 82-62 | Ann Arbor |
| Nov. 17, 2000 | L, 97-90 | Rochester |
| Nov. 16, 2001 | W, 81-73 | Ann Arbor |
| Nov. 21, 2003 | W, 84-58 | Ann Arbor |
Oakland’s Preparation for the Challenge
Oakland, entering the season with momentum, recorded two exhibition victories against Alma College and Rochester Christian. Notably, Tuburu Naivalurua and Warren Marshall IV stood out in those games, with Naivalurua scoring 28 points against Rochester Christian.
As they face Michigan, the Golden Grizzlies will begin a challenging stretch of games against top-ranked opponents, including matchups against No. 1 Purdue and No. 2 Houston soon after. Oakland aims to capitalize on their strong preseason, having been picked second in the Horizon League poll, with Naivalurua recognized as the Preseason Player of the Year.
Coaching Legacy
Greg Kampe, the head coach of Oakland, enters his 42nd season, marking him as the longest-active head coach in Division I basketball. With 715 career victories, Kampe ranks ninth among active coaches. He has guided Oakland through significant transitions, including its move from Division II to Division I and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.
As the start of the season approaches, Michigan and Oakland will both look to establish their prowess early, making the opener a must-watch event for college basketball fans.
