1989 Michigan Team Still The Gold Standard

1989 Michigan Team Still The Gold Standard Over New Champions

Michigan basketball has a new national championship, but the debate is already raging: Is this the best team in program history? Stephen A. Smith and Jay Williams are weighing in, and their answer might surprise you. While this year’s squad achieved incredible success, both analysts lean towards the iconic 1989 team as the ultimate benchmark for Michigan basketball greatness.

A Dominant Season Falls Short of ’89 Legend

This year’s Michigan Wolverines finished the regular season with a stellar 37-3 record and went 19-1 in their conference. Their dominance was clear, with huge margins of victory throughout the season. “Sheer dominance” is how Stephen A. described their performance. However, a key detail stands out: five starters on this championship team began their journey as transfers. This highlights the changing landscape of college sports, with the transfer portal playing a major role.

Despite the impressive record and championship, the ’89 team holds a special place. “For me, the gold standard of Michigan basketball is 1989,” stated Jay Williams. That team, led by Coach Steve Fisher, was a three seed. They went on an incredible tournament run, with Glenn Rice averaging 31 points per game. It was Michigan’s first national title, a historic moment that still resonates today.

Fab Five’s Shadow and the ’89 Legacy

The conversation naturally brings up the legendary Fab Five. While they brought immense popularity and cultural change to college basketball, they never won a championship. “Jaylen Rose had a point,” Stephen A. explained, referencing a comment made by Fab Five member Jaylen Rose. Rose challenged the current team to win it all before comparing themselves to past greats. He noted that even the Fab Five’s legacy is often measured against the ’89 team’s championship success.

The ’89 team featured stars like Glenn Rice, Rameel Robinson, and Lloyd Dantley. Smith highlighted Rice as a “sniper” whose shooting prowess was ahead of his time, reminiscent of today’s top shooters. While acknowledging the skill of current players like Elliot Cadeau, Smith emphasized the unique impact of the ’89 squad. “The 89 team was something to behold,” he declared, giving them the slight edge over the current champions.

The State of College Basketball: Talent vs. Chaos

Beyond the Michigan debate, the discussion turned to the current state of men’s college basketball. Jay Williams believes the sport is in a great place, citing the incredible talent emerging and the captivating storylines. “From a talent perspective, the game has not been in a better place than what it is right now,” Williams asserted. He pointed to rising NBA draft prospects like Darren Peterson and Cameron Boozer, along with coaches and programs making headlines.

Stephen A. Smith, however, expressed more caution. While he agrees there’s immense talent, he’s concerned about the impact of the transfer portal. “It’s that transfer portal that concerns me because you don’t have to sit out,” Smith argued. He feels the immediate eligibility for transfers makes college sports too much like professional leagues, losing some of its unique identity. He believes changes are needed to bring order to the system.

Finding Solutions: CBA or Government Intervention?

The conversation then shifted to potential solutions, including NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and government involvement. Jay Williams strongly advocates for a system similar to professional sports, like the NBA and NFL, which have collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and salary caps. “The NBA and the NFL have already invented the wheel. It’s called having a CBA,” Williams stated, explaining how these structures create rules and prevent unchecked spending.

Williams also suggested implementing transfer fees, similar to soccer, to compensate schools when players move. He believes these established models offer a clear path forward. “The examples of how we run a business are already set. The pro leagues have already done this,” he urged. The current NCAA system, he feels, is holding back progress.

Stephen A. Smith, while not fully disagreeing with the need for structure, questions the extent of government involvement. He wonders if mirroring professional sports exactly is the right approach for college athletics. The debate highlights the complex challenges facing college sports as it adapts to new rules and player empowerment.

“The 89 team is still going to come across as the standard because when you look at this championship team compared to that championship team, you give them a lot of love and credit for the season that they had together. But it wasn’t just the season and the run that Michigan had in ’89. It was some of those players led by Glenn Rice. And that’s why I would give the 89 team the slight edge. It’s a slight edge, but it’s an edge.”

“For me, look, Elliot Cado doesn’t take anything away from that team. They they had an exceptional season. We’re talking about comparing one of two teams and just like you, to me, the gold standard is still 1989. Steve Fischer, interim head coach Glenn Rice, one of the most incredible runs we’ve seen in tournament history.”

“I think college basketball is in the best of all places right now. I mean, just look at look at the talent. First off, let’s just always keep it a buck, okay? Like, we talk about the NBA. We talk about the NFL. Look at some of the names we’ve talked about this year that have cut through the chatter.”

Source: Is this Michigan's BEST BASKETBALL TEAM EVER?! Stephen A. & Jay Williams REACT! 🤔 | First Take (YouTube)