Jalen Rose's Arizona Blueprint

Jalen Rose came on to answer the question every Michigan fan has been batting around: is this Wolverines team the greatest in program history if they cut down the nets? Rose started with a shrug that was also an honest answer. To be honest, we don't care. We just want them to win it.

Then he gave the real response. Out of respect for his elders, Rose said the 1989 Michigan team is the greatest until proven otherwise. That roster had Glen Rice, Terry Mills, Loy Vaught, Rumeal Robinson, and Sean Higgins. Six pros. And they're the only Michigan team that has actually done it, which is the argument that ends every other argument. If this 2026 team cuts down the nets, Rose said it's fair to have the conversation.

Rose praised head coach Dusty May and assistant Phil Yaklich. He said he's rooting for this group hard. The one tactical note: Hunter needs to stay out of foul trouble, block a couple of shots, and pull down 10 rebounds. If that version of Hunter shows up, Rose likes the ceiling.

On the Elite Eight beatdown of Tennessee, Rose pointed out the historical scale. It was the largest regional final margin of victory since the 1989 Wolverines eviscerated Virginia on their way to the Final Four and cut down the nets in Seattle. Michigan doesn't make loose comparisons to 1989. That game earned one.

Then Rich pivoted to the Final Four matchup: Michigan versus Arizona. Rose did not pretend this was going to be easy. He called Arizona a problem. They have depth. Freshman Pete has been dynamic in a year full of dynamic freshmen. Veteran point guard Bradley is steady. Burries reminds Rose of Devin Booker as a shooter and scorer. Head coach Tommy Lloyd has done a terrific job nurturing the roster.

Rose offered no disrespect to UConn or Illinois, who both outplayed expectations, but his read was direct. Arizona and Michigan are the two best teams in the bracket. Whoever wins Saturday night is going to cut down the nets Monday.

He's going for Michigan. Of course.