The Michigan men’s basketball team had never started 17-0 — until now. Here are a few of the stories I’ve written recently about the team:

Luke Yaklich, an assistant coach and Michigan’s de facto defensive coordinator, was a social studies teacher and coach at the high school level not too long ago. Here’s a look at his background and the philosophies that have made Michigan one of the best defensive teams in the country.

Michigan point guard Zavier Simpson, recently hailed as the MVP of the Big Ten by an opposing coach, is perhaps the only player in college basketball regularly shooting a running hook shot. Why does he do it? And what makes it so tough to stop? Find out here.

More than any particular drills or schemes, Michigan’s culture deserves credit for the team’s incredible start.