The Michigan Wolverines have fans all across the globe, including in the state of Florida. And for the first time in almost four decades, those fans can cheer for college basketball’s national champions.
Only two years removed from an 8-24 record, Michigan captured its second national championship with a 69-63 victory over Connecticut. To wear the crown, the Wolverines (37-3) beat their six opponents in the Men’s NCAA Tournament by an astounding 541-427.
You can relive the glory of Michigan basketball’s rags-to-riches journey under coach Dusty May through commemorative books, a page print and special editions from the Detroit Free Press, a part of the USA TODAY Network. These are keepsakes that will last a lifetime, are a must for fans of the Maize and Blue and make the perfect gift for the Wolverines fanatic in your life.
SHOP: Collectible hardcover coffee table book celebrating Michigan’s championship season
Wolverine Nation will never forget the season’s iconic moments: From 40-, 30- and 40-point victories across three nights in Las Vegas to two victories over Michigan State in top-10 showdowns to cutting down the nets in Ann Arbor, Chicago and, finally, Indianapolis.
Wolverine Nation will never forget the season’s iconic players: Yaxel Lendeborg soaring to new heights as an All-American and Big Ten player of the year. Aday Mara swatting a shot out of harm’s way. Morez Johnson Jr. muscling his way to the basket. Elliot Cadeau’s hair flying as he stops on a dime and delivers a pinpoint pass.
Check out the extensive lineup of commemorative items from the Free Press. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of one of the greatest stories in Michigan sports history.
Our championship books
The sportswriters and photographers at the Free Press have crafted two books about Michigan’s season: “BIG BLUE” and “MAIZE THE ROOF.” Each tells the championship story but in different ways and with different formats. Each features full-color photos and behind-the-scenes insights about the Wolverines’ championship run.
“BIG BLUE” will arrive in stores this weekend, although it also can be ordered online. A 128-page softcover book, “BIG BLUE” provides the details of the dramatic moments, spectacular plays and signature blowouts.
It’s all there. The unselfish Swiss Army knife from UAB who could score at will and defend like a demon. The 7-foot-3 shot-blocking Spaniard with the passing touch of a point guard. The rock-solid power forward who won a U-19 gold medal with Team USA. The three nights in Las Vegas when Michigan beat San Diego State by 40 points, Auburn by 30 points and Gonzaga by 40 points. The 19-1 record in the Big Ten and clinching the title with two games to spare.
“BIG BLUE” retails for $18.95, plus shipping and tax if purchased online. Order at triumphbooks.com/bigblue.
Buy ‘BIG BLUE’ championship book
“MAIZE THE ROOF” is a 208-page hardcover coffee-table book that also covers all the memorable games but focuses on the people and personalities forever etched in Michigan lore. It details Dusty May’s blueprint for success, which has roots not only as a Florida assistant but as the head coach at Florida Atlantic. How the Big Three frontline found its way to Ann Arbor. Tales of the team-building trip Up North and a polar plunge. And how the Wolverines blitzed Arizona in the Final Four.
“MAIZE THE ROOF” features the best words and pictures from Detroit’s legendary news outlets, The Detroit News (152 years young) and the Detroit Free Press (194 years old). Each outlet, besides being a Great Lakes State icon, belongs to the USA TODAY Network.
As a premium collector’s book, “MAIZE THE ROOF” requires a longer printing process so it will not ship for several weeks. But if ordered now, there’s a 10% discount. “MAIZE THE ROOF” retails for $44.95, plus shipping and tax. Get it now for $40.46. Order at Michigan.ChampsBook.com.
Buy ‘MAIZE THE ROOF’ championship book
Also, personalized limited editions of “MAIZE THE ROOF” are available. Only 500 of these books will be printed, each will be numbered, each will have a customized title page that includes a photo of your own, your personal message and your choice of a team color.
Talk about an amazing gift idea! Especially with Moms, Dads and Grads season rapidly approaching.
These personalized limited editions of “MAIZE THE ROOF” are a steal at $99.95. Click the button below before we reach copy No. 500!
Buy ‘MAIZE THE ROOF’ personalized book
Many fans will want “BIG BLUE” and “MAIZE THE ROOF.” Some will crave a keepsake right now. Some never will take the coffee-table book out its shrink-wrapping so that it can be passed down to future generations, all brought up the right way to cheer for the Maize and Blue.
Buy ‘BIG BLUE’ championship book
Buy ‘MAIZE THE ROOF’ championship book
Our commemorative page print
Now that your coffee table and bookcase have been properly adorned, don’t forget about your walls. The Free Press has crafted a commemorative page print celebrating Michigan’s victory over UConn.
The full-page print features the giant headline MICHIGAN MADNESS and four memorable photos from the postgame celebration.
Page prints come on high-quality art paper, with or without frames and start at $29 (plus shipping and tax) through the USA TODAY Store. For more details, go to usatodaystore.com and search “Michigan.”
Buy our commemorative page print
Our championship editions
Read all about it! The Free Press will have three keepsake items hot off the press — one of which is not available in stores. All are available to purchase online through the USA TODAY Store for $10 or less.
For $10, you receive two premium special editions:
These two editions are bundled for the low price of $10, plus shipping and tax. Order at onlinestore.usatoday.com and search “Michigan.”
Buy our commemorative bundle
For $5, you receive the entire Wednesday, April 8 edition of the Free Press. We call it the Victory edition It will have the game results and coverage from Michigan’s victory over UConn. You can purchase as many copies as you would like for $5 apiece.
To order Wednesday’s Victory edition, go to onlinestore.usatoday.com and search “Michigan.”
Buy Free Press’ Victory edition
Championship gear
Looking for Michigan national championship hats, T-shirts and more? Fanaticsis among the excellent options for championship gear.
Check out Fanatics merch
Our blasts from the past
The Wolverines have a knack for winning national championships. Who can forget January 2024 when Michigan beat Washington in the championship game of the College Football Playoff?
Limited copies of “MAIZE & GRAND! Michigan’s Epic March to the 2023 National Title” are still available. It is a 208-page hardcover book from the Free Press.
That season, the unbeaten Wolverines also won their 1,000th game — the all-time record — and handed Alabama’s Nick Saban a loss in his final game. Details at Michigan.ChampsBook.com.
Also available: “HAIL, YES! 25 Years Later,” the amazing story of the 1997 Wolverines, who ended a 49-year national championship drought. Details at UM.PictorialBook.com.
Contact Gene Myers at gmyers@usatodayco.com. Check out books and page prints from the USA TODAY Network — including books on the Olympic gold medals won by the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams in Italy and tributes to Dale Earnhardt, Lee Corso and Bob Uecker. Also available are Coach Steve’s youth sports survival guide and a book marking 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry.
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This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Michigan basketball national title: Get commemorative book from USA TODAY
Reporting by Gene Myers, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
