Mandy
More than a decade after it happened, Trey Burke’s iconic shot against Kansas still lives vividly in Michigan basketball history. Thirteen years later, the moment feels suspended between memory and imagination.
In the 2013 Sweet 16, Burke had roughly eight seconds to bring the ball up the court and fire a deep 30-foot three-pointer, a shot that stunned top-seeded Kansas and helped propel Michigan to the national championship game.
What Burke once rehearsed endlessly as a kid became a defining moment for an entire program.
Now 33 years old, with his jersey hanging in the rafters at Crisler Center, Burke remembers every detail: Mitch McGary’s screen, his defender slipping, and the ball floating just beyond the reach of 6-foot-9 Kevin Young.
“That shot goes beyond basketball,” Burke said Friday night. “It’s about staying in the moment.”
Honoring the Past While the Present Shines
Friday night wasn’t just about remembering history. Michigan celebrated Burke’s jersey retirement ceremony while showcasing a present-day team that looks equally special.
The current Michigan Wolverines improved to 18-1 after a decisive win over Ohio State, creating an undeniable parallel between Burke’s Final Four squad and today’s roster. Burke himself fueled the comparison when he addressed the team shortly after the game.
“National championship or bust,” Burke told them. “They have the team to do it.”
A Dominant Season with Momentum Building
By nearly every metric, Michigan basketball has been among the most impressive teams in college basketball this season. After an explosive November and December, the Wolverines briefly slowed down but have since regained momentum.
Since a home loss to Wisconsin on January 10, Michigan has responded with four straight double-digit victories, reinforcing its status as a legitimate title contender.
Forward Yaxel Lendeborg made it clear that Burke’s message wasn’t taken lightly.
“I want to live up to what he said,” Lendeborg noted.
The ‘Monster Week’ That Could Define the Season
Despite the championship buzz, Michigan knows the importance of focus. Burke’s lesson about staying present is especially relevant now, as the Wolverines face a defining stretch in the Big Ten.
- Tuesday: Michigan hosts No. 7 Nebraska, one of just three unbeaten teams in Division I, entering at 20-0 overall and 9-0 in conference play.
- Friday: Michigan travels to face No. 10 Michigan State (18-2, 8-1 Big Ten) at the Breslin Center, a venue where Michigan hasn’t won since 2018.
This demanding week could shape Michigan’s path toward both a Big Ten title and a deeper March Madness run.
Michigan basketball stands at a powerful crossroads, blending history, belief, and opportunity. Trey Burke’s legendary moment serves as both inspiration and reminder: championships are built by staying grounded in the present.
With an elite record, rising confidence, and a defining Big Ten week ahead, the Wolverines have a chance to turn championship dreams into reality—one focused possession at a time.