Zak Irvin and Mo Wagner had a few reasons to be tense before Michigan basketball’s game against #11 Wisconsin. The lack of victories against ranked opponents still hung over the Wolverines like a cloud, for one. Yet the senior and the sophomore had personal concerns beyond that.
Wagner attended a Pistons game the night before, and spoke to Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki. According to ESPN announcer Rece Davis, Dirk told the Wolverine big man that he would be paying attention to Michigan basketball in the coming months. With that blessing and a ranked opponent the next night, it’s safe to say Wagner had pressure going into Thursday’s game.