As Michigan women's basketball bust back to Ann Arbor after the team's NCAA tournament run ended back in March, the preparation for next season began with a text.

Silas Swords texted Kim Barnes-Zerico to assure her that the freshman class that impressed the Big Ten and delivered a seventh straight trip to the dance wasn't going anywhere.

We all know that in college basketball, things can change

quickly and some portal decisions can surprise. Ever since that class of 2024, started to lean

toward Michigan, let alone officially commit and then get to Ann Arbor, there has been this

prevailing feeling, belief, determination that this all-timer of a class wanted to do something special for Michigan

women's basketball. Just as Scylla, Olivia Olson, Mila Holloway, and others in this program have not

allowed past success or high rankings, prompt a feeling of arrival. Coach Rico went to work,

reshaping a strong coaching staff. Wait till you hear how she praises

this current staff. And adding to a high upside roster with three freshmen and two transfers.

There's still no denying that Michigan's success will likely be dictated by the growth of

Scylla, Liv, and Mila. But after a year of acclamation, of jelling, and of success, the preseason expectations externally

are as high as ever.

The only rival is probably the 2021-22 season, which was the one after Michigan's first ever

Sweet 16 appearance, and that 22 season brought about the best run in program history.

We will see if a similar trend exists for this go-around because the only way Michigan

tops 2022 is by getting to the final four.

Yet without saying a ton out loud, hardest working team in America, that's really still

the most frequent goal uttered around the program in August.

That final four feels like an expectation

internally, thanks to an incredibly talented three now sophomores and a bunch of talent around

them. Plus, one of the best coaches in the country leading the way, and a coach who has gained

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