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Posted on Mon, Apr 1, 2013 : 1:23 a.m.

Hundreds of fans greet Final Four bound Michigan basketball team at Crisler Center

By Ben Freed

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It was well worth the wait.

Approximately 350 people had to wait a couple of more hours than anticipated to welcome the Michigan men's basketball team back to the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor Sunday night.

The team had just returned from Arlington, Texas, where earlier in the day the Wolverines beat Florida to advance to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament.

Though temperatures were low the entire evening and a light drizzle started to fall, it did not deter the crowd, nor did a slight delay in the festivities. The team originally announced via Twitter it would be arriving at 9:30 p.m., but didn't pull in until 11:30 p.m. The crowd only grew larger during the delay.

After all, what's two hours, compared to the two decades it's been since the program's last Final Four trip?

“We did not expect this at all,” Michigan coach John Beilein said over a megaphone. “We heard that people might be here, but this is amazing. It goes to show what great students we have; what great men and women you are.”

Watch the team get off of the bus with the South Regional Championship trophy:

Once the players and coaches got off the bus, Beilein read through the whole roster, starting with the seniors and ending with the five freshmen who have had a tremendous impact on the program. He took extra time to praise Max Bielfeldt as a standout performer in practice.

One of the loudest cheers came for another player that doesn't get nearly as much playing time as the starters, but who has given the Wolverines a spark off the bench of late.

“We have, after today, the most eligible bachelor on campus here, Spike Albrecht!” Beilein said as players lifted the freshman, who is generously listed as 5-foot-11 on MIchigan's roster, onto their shoulders.

spike-albrecht-shoulders-celebration.JPG

Michigan players lift freshman Spike Albrecht on their shoulders during a celebration at the Crisler Center on Sunday, March 31.

Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com

The team's four captains spoke to the crowd and each expressed gratitude to the fan base for supporting the team throughout the season.

“I know you all see that we love playing for each other,” senior captain Josh Bartelstein said. “But we love playing for this school, playing for Michigan, and playing for you guys!”

While Tim Hardaway Jr. said he was at a loss for words, Mitch McGary could hardly contain his excitement. The freshman had a piece of the net the team cut down to celebrate the South Regional championship tied to his hat, and his unbridled joy was evident throughout the event.

He wasn't given the megaphone, but he didn't need one as he shouted out to the crowd that he had goosebumps.

Beilein continued his work as emcee throughout the rally. He introduced sophomore point guard Trey Burke as “someone who hit a pretty good shot against Kansas.” Before leading everyone in singing "The Victors", Beilein told the crowd that the first time he ever heard Michigan’s fight song was at a Final Four “years ago” with his wife.

While the crowd was mostly students, there was also some Ann Arbor residents scattered amongst it, including a number of middle school and elementary school aged children.

Will Foster, 9, said it was his dad’s idea to come out to the rally and that it was definitely past his bedtime. While some of the college students might have classes or exams Monday morning, the timing was perfect for the younger attendees at the rally as Ann Arbor Public Schools are on spring break this week.

The Wolverines will play Syracuse in the second semifinal game at 8:49 p.m. Saturday night in Atlanta. If they win, they will play the winner of Louisville-Wichita State on Monday night.

Beilein said he hoped that a large fan contingent will travel to help the team with its “unfinished business,” and he cautioned the crowd against over-celebrating after the rally.

“I want everyone to behave tonight,” he said.

Ben Freed covers business for AnnArbor.com. You can sign up here to receive Business Review updates every week. Reach out to Ben at 734-623-2528 or email him at benfreed@annarbor.com. Follow him on twitter @BFreedinA2

Comments

bluenella

Mon, Apr 1, 2013 : 10:40 p.m.

Our Wolverines have displayed great teamwork and tenacity throughout this tournament. Such an exciting weekend, culminating in a well-deserved South Regional Championship and a trip to next weekend's Final Four! Unfinished business? We're cheering you on. Believe it & Go Blue.

Jenn McKee

Mon, Apr 1, 2013 : 7:57 p.m.

This team has been so exciting to watch! Beilein's a terrific, classy coach; Burke is one of the best players U-M has ever seen; and watching McGary's evolution late in the season has been nothing less than inspiring. No matter what happens from this point on, the fact that these guys have earned U-M a spot in the Final Four again, after all these years, makes them winners in my book. (And kudos to students and locals for giving them a celebratory welcome they absolutely deserved.) Can't wait to watch them play again this weekend...

Kellie Woodhouse

Mon, Apr 1, 2013 : 5:47 p.m.

Anyone with tickets to semifinal? Shoot me an email at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com for an article I'm working on...

Daniel Brenner

Mon, Apr 1, 2013 : 3:26 p.m.

Fans were real troopers last night. The original start time was 9:30. Due to delays at the airport, the bus didn't actually arrive until close to 11:30. The weather only got worse, too. I was surprised to see how many people stuck around to support the basketball team. Ben, a business reporter, did a great job covering the story. Always eager with a pen and pad... and twitter....and Vine video in hand.

Blue Marker

Mon, Apr 1, 2013 : 2:12 p.m.

Congrats to the entire team and coaching staff! It's been such an exciting run. No matter what happens now it's all good. Go Blue!

Ben Freed

Mon, Apr 1, 2013 : 1:46 p.m.

There were also a number of signs in the crowd. Many were thanking Coach Beilein, and some had various marriage proposals for the players. One student held a sign that said "Trey is Risen." It was unclear whether the sign was referring to the "Rise to the Occasion" Adidas motto that has been used this season or the Easter holiday that was just ending.

genetracy

Mon, Apr 1, 2013 : 1:35 p.m.

I had doubts about this team and Caoch Beilein all season. I did not expect them to get past VCU in the second round. Silly me, time to eat crow. In yesterday's game, I have not seen a Michigan team so focused and dominant as they were yesterday. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, they owned Florida. The game was nothiing more than an organized practice for Michigan. I just hope they can keep the momentun through next Monday.

Lizzy Alfs

Mon, Apr 1, 2013 : 11:53 a.m.

Haha I love the words of caution at the end. Pretty cool to see everyone rallying around the team..including a 9 year old! Ben did many people leave because they arrived later than anticipated?

Ben Freed

Mon, Apr 1, 2013 : 1:44 p.m.

Very few people left. I think the vast majority decided "If we've made it this far, might as well stay and watch the show."

A2comments

Mon, Apr 1, 2013 : 11:15 a.m.

Arlingoton?

Ben Freed

Mon, Apr 1, 2013 : 1:49 p.m.

It's been fixed, thanks for the catch.

Hunterjim

Mon, Apr 1, 2013 : 11:14 a.m.

Sounds like a good time. Hope if we win it all we will behave the same way !

a2cents

Mon, Apr 1, 2013 : 9:14 a.m.

It's time to tax tickets for sports events.

stevenhs

Mon, Apr 1, 2013 : 6:25 p.m.

They aren't taxed?

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