It has been 18 years since Michigan has “officially” been recognized in the NCAA Tournament, 9 years if you don’t believe in NCAA sanctions and banner pulling. If the Wolverines don’t pull off a miracle this weekend, it will be years 19 and 10. They are presently playing Iowa in the Big Ten tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis and currently leading by 10. Thanks to the Big Ten Network I can't see the game on TV. Should Michigan hold on for a win they will go on to play #8 Wisconsin tomorrow at noon. Seeing as how it would take an incredible upset to beat the Badgers and require two more victories against the top Big Ten teams to make the NCAA Tournament, it’s okay to be pessimistic. Syracuse pulled off that sort of "win the conference tourney or bust" run a year or two ago in the Big East Tournament, but then again, they're Syracuse, we are not.

However, the future of the Michigan program remains promising. Michigan will retain its underclassmen core of Manny Harris, DeShawn Sims and Epke Udoh while also adding 4 recruits, including Arizona transfer Laval Lucas-Perry. Despite the struggles of this season, John Beilein is still a proven winner and will have players who fit his system recruited for this next season. Expect a run at the Tourney in 2009, you heard it first here. Let’s just blame this season on former coach Tommy Amaker, it’s worked in the past.

Update: Michigan beat Iowa 55-47 and will play Wisconsin tomorrow at 12.