Michigan AD: 'We're Going To Have A Lot Of Maize And Blue In Atlanta'
DETROIT (WWJ) A week ago, putting the words "Michigan" and "Final Four" together drew laughs.
But no one is laughing anymore.
The University of Michigan clinched a spot in the fabled Final Four this weekend with jaw-dropping back-to-back victories over Kansas and Florida. MLive reports the Wolverines find themselves in an unlikely situation -- They're a favorite to reach the national championship game in Atlanta.
Michigan Athletic Director David Brandon, speaking live on WWJ Newsradio, said "I'm just so pleased and proud of our coaches and our kids. This was a big year for Michigan basketball... This run that our men's program is on is just very special."
Brandon gave kudos to John Beilein for rebuilding the team to the point it's at today.
"He has done a remarkable job of building this program literally brick by brick," Brandon said, adding that Beilein is responsible for building up recruiting, improving the facilities, and overcoming past NCAA sanctions.
The image of Beilein standing on a ladder at the hoop after the rout over Florida is one that Brandon said was most memorable. "That's where it all began," Brandon said.
So what should Michigan's legion of fans and alumni expect in Atlanta?
"When it's all said and done, we're going to have a lot of maize and blue in Atlanta," Brandon predicted.
