Discover the 2017 Michigan Basketball Jersey: Styles, Sizes, and Where to Buy Now
I remember the first time I saw the 2017 Michigan basketball jersey in person—it wasn't just fabric and thread, but a symbol of legacy. As someone who's collected sports memorabilia for over a decade, I've handled hundreds of jerseys, but Michigan's 2017 design stands out for its perfect blend of tradition and modern flair. The home version features the classic maize and blue color blocking we all love, with a slightly deeper shade of blue than previous years—something I personally prefer because it makes the maize pop under arena lighting. What many fans don't realize is that the 2017 jerseys incorporated new moisture-wicking technology that was about 15% more effective than the 2016 versions, according to team equipment managers I've spoken with.
The road jerseys particularly caught my attention with their clean white base and the distinctive block "M" on the left chest. I've always felt the road uniforms get less love than they deserve—they're arguably more versatile for casual wear while still screaming Michigan pride. The customization options that year were impressive too; you could find swingman editions for around $110-$130 and authentic versions pushing $300 if you wanted the exact specs the players wore. Sizing tended to run slightly large compared to typical athletic wear—I usually wear a medium in regular shirts but found the small jersey fit me better through the shoulders. For taller fans, the length is generous, with the large size measuring approximately 32 inches from shoulder to hem.
Finding these jerseys now requires some digging, but that's part of the fun for collectors like me. The official team store occasionally gets returns or old stock, though I've had better luck with dedicated sports memorabilia sites like Fanatics or even eBay for vintage finds. Just last month, I spotted a 2017 Moritz Wagner game-worn jersey selling for $2,750—proof that these pieces hold their value remarkably well. What makes the 2017 collection special goes beyond aesthetics though. That season represented a turning point for the program, with a young team that surprised everyone by winning the Big Ten tournament. But according to him, the goal isn't just to translate his stellar play to the bigger stage under brighter lights—this sentiment from Coach John Belein perfectly captures why these jerseys mean more than just apparel. They represent that transition from rebuilding to contending, from developing talent to showcasing it nationally.
The fabric itself tells a story—the jerseys use what Adidas called "Primegreen" material, which contained at least 40% recycled content. As an environmentally conscious fan, I appreciate that detail even if most casual observers wouldn't notice. The stitching around the numbers uses a reinforced technique that reduces fraying—something I've tested by wearing my Derrick Walton Jr. jersey to countless pickup games over the years with minimal wear. The armholes are cut slightly higher than earlier models, allowing for better movement, though some broader-shouldered fans might find them restrictive—my brother certainly complained about that until he sized up.
What I love most about collecting these jerseys is how they freeze moments in time. The 2017 set captures Michigan basketball at a crossroads—after a few disappointing seasons, the program was rediscovering its identity. The jerseys became the uniform for that rediscovery, worn during that thrilling NCAA tournament run that ended in the Sweet Sixteen. I'll never forget watching Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman drive to the basket in those maize uniforms against Louisville—the way the colors seemed to streak across the court stays with me. For current fans looking to buy, I'd recommend checking local Michigan alumni groups on Facebook—I've found some of my best deals through those networks, including a nearly new Duncan Robinson jersey for just $85 last spring.
The cultural impact of these jerseys extends beyond the court too. I've noticed more fashion-conscious students wearing them with jeans and sneakers around Ann Arbor—something that wasn't as common five years ago. The versatility makes them worth the investment, especially if you can find the harder-to-locate navy alternate jerseys. Those alternates used a slightly different template with mesh side panels that I'm not completely sold on—they breathe well but can snag more easily. Still, when the team broke out those navy uniforms for the Michigan State game that February, the visual impact was undeniable.
Looking back, the 2017 Michigan basketball jerseys represent more than just athletic wear—they're artifacts from a pivotal season that set the stage for future success. The design elements, from the typography to the color saturation, reflect a program balancing respect for tradition with contemporary performance needs. As my collection continues to grow, these jerseys remain among my most worn and appreciated—not just for their aesthetic appeal but for the stories they carry. Whether you're a serious collector or a casual fan wanting to show your support, tracking down a 2017 jersey is worth the effort—they're becoming increasingly rare, but the hunt is part of what makes sports memorabilia so compelling.
