Michigan’s men’s basketball program is set to embark on a European swing this August, with three exhibition contests scheduled across Lithuania and Croatia from August 23 to 27. The itinerary begins in Vilnius, where the Wolverines will meet the Lithuanian Senior National Team at Arena Vilnius, with a tip‑off at 7:30 p.m. EEST (12:30 p.m. ET).
The second game shifts to Utena, also in Lithuania, before the squad travels to Dubrovnik, Croatia, for the final matchup. Both venues will host games against Lithuanian sides that have recently demonstrated strong form, including a 99‑88 victory over Arizona that featured a plus‑18 rebounding margin.
A Transatlantic Test
Michigan enters the series with a revamped roster that includes nine newcomers acquired through recruiting and the Transfer Portal. Among them are frontcourt players Moustapha Thiam and J.P. Estrella, who are expected to add depth and versatility. The team also welcomes back Marcus Møller, who has completed cancer treatment and is now fully available for competition.
Injuries have limited the availability of several key freshmen. Brandon McCoy Jr., a member of the six‑player freshman class, along with Jalen Reed and Lincoln Cosby, will sit out the exhibitions as they continue recovery. Coach Mike Boynton Jr. has emphasized that the games are primarily about experimentation, allowing the staff to test new strategies and evaluate player roles before the regular season begins.
While the Wolverines aim to win each contest, they have no official objective of capturing the Lithuania‑Croatia Invitational title for 2026. Instead, the focus is on using the matchups to integrate new talent, assess health status, and refine tactical concepts under game‑time pressure. The experience also provides a valuable opportunity for the coaching staff to observe how the team responds to different lineups and situational demands.