Michigan basketball prepares for title defense with new roster challenges

Michigan basketball, coming off a historic national championship season, acknowledges the difficulties of being the defending champion. The Wolverines, led by new head coach Mike Boynton Jr., have lost key players, including Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara, to the NBA. Despite their losses, they retain talented guards Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney and have bolstered their roster with transfers Moustapha Thiam and JP Estrella. The return of Roddy Gayle Jr. adds further promise after an ACL injury sidelined another key player, Brandon McCoy Jr. Michigan begins its title defense with a challenging schedule featuring top programs like UConn and Louisville in the opening month.

• 10:30 PMYahoo Sports — Michigan basketball knows it will be a target: 'Gonna make us better'