The Univ. of Michigan men's basketball team is going "back to a classic look with its new Nike Jumpman uniforms, which were officially unveiled in a raucous, energy-filled ceremony Friday night at Crisler Center," according to Tony Paul of the DETROIT NEWS. There are three color schemes -- "white, with blue lettering and maize border; maize, with blue lettering; and blue, with maize lettering." There are no more "tiretracks on the shorts, a not-so-subtle parting 'gift' from adidas a year ago." The Jumpman logo is "on the right chest" of the jerseys (DETROIT NEWS, 10/2). In Detroit, Mark Snyder noted UM coach John Beilein is "not much for spectacle," but he is "smart enough to understand what matters." That includes the nearly two-hour show unveiling the uniforms, which "thrilled the thousands in attendance -- and his players." The move to Jordan Brand was the reason for the night and another "example of spotlighting the unique association as one of only four schools in the basketball Jordan." Beilein: "The Jordan Brand people took control of the whole thing and obviously I had approval, but I just love that they value so much their relationship with us because I think that benefits everybody. You can see the commitment of putting that together today, that was a lot of work ... getting those different celebrities in here. What it comes down to right now is they give us great product, a great partnership and when we need things, it's there" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 10/1).
