Fans welcome Michigan hoops champions back to Crisler Arena

Hundreds of University of Michigan students, Ann Arbor residents and fans who drove in from around the state got to do something Tuesday they haven't done in 37 years − welcome home an NCAA National Champion men's basketball team.

The joyous celebration that started in the streets of Ann Arbor on Monday night following the Wolverines' 69-63 win over UConn in the National Championship Game in Indianapolis. It moved to Crisler Arena on Tuesday afternoon, April 7, when the team returned home. It will be followed up by a parade and ticketed event at Crisler Center on Saturday.

Fans cheered, sang "Hail to the Victors" and chanted as Coach Dusty May and the players appeared on a Crisler balcony, national championship trophy in tow.

"This trophy is yours," May told the fans. "You brought it all year. You guys were there every step of the way. We appreciate you; these guys appreciate you."

Jim and Pam Wiskochil live "just down the street" and are lifelong Michigan fans. The couple said they specialize in attending send-offs and arrivals for Michigan sports teams, something they've done for years as a way to show the student-athletes they are supported."I’ve been to gymnastics buses, baseball buses, the football buses," Jim Wiskochil said. "I’m sure the kids, the athletes, appreciate seeing people. There have been times where it’s just been her and I and maybe three other people."

Welcoming back a national champion is something they got to do in 2023 with the undefeated football team, and it was just as enjoyable this time around, he said.

"It’s just thrilling; we are stoked," Wiskochil said. "I have to look down to see Cloud 9."

Avery Hurd is a pre-med freshman at U-M from Detroit who attended Tuesday's welcome back for the basketball team. A Michigan sports fan since childhood, seeing the hoops team's march to a title made for a special fall, winter and spring.

"I’m happy to see all the fans cheering them on as teammates, supporting them all the way," he said. "I wanted to see our basketball team come back with smiles on their faces."

The players obliged.

"The pride ... I'm just so grateful for all of you guys," said Nimari Burnett. "To share this with you has been the best part about it."

"You guys are amazing; you made this year very, very special for me," added Yaxel Lendeborg, a key transfer to Michigan from the University of Alabama-Birmingham last year.

"You guys welcomed me with open arms, so thank you for that."

Will Wilkins, 12, attended Tuesday's team return with his dad, Craig. The father and son attended multiple games throughout the season and sensed early on that this year could be special.

Will was asked what message he had for the team.

"Great job, guys — and win it again next year," he said.

Contact Keith Matheny: kmatheny@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: U-M fans belt out 'Hail to the Victors' as basketball champs come home