Michigan Basketball: Ranking the Wolverines' 5 Most Interesting Games in 2014-15

It's football season, but if you're a Michigan fan, you can't wait for coach John Beilein's Wolverines to take the court at the Crisler Center this winter.

Coming off an impressive run to the Elite Eight, Michigan returns a cast of heavy hitters that includes Caris LeVert, Zak Irvin and Derrick Walton, and it'll debut a crop of promising new talent that boasts Kameron Chatman and D.J. Wilson.

From Big Ten rivalries to nonconference showdowns, the 2014-15 schedule has a little something for everyone. 

This slideshow will count down the five most interesting games, as they're perceived now, based on history between the two teams and allure of the matchup. Timing and location will also play into the equation.

Here is the 2014-15 schedule, via MGoBlue. 

It's a national event, so the Progressive Legends Classic should be a great watch for everyone, not just Wolverines fans. If you love college hoops like I know you do, do yourself a favor and watch Michigan versus Oregon on Nov. 24. 

It's a football school versus a basketball school, and I don't think I have to specify which is which. Plus, you get to see two of the NCAA's most recognizable brands (there's that "brand" word again) take center stage in Brooklyn, a hoops mecca. 

Oregon's added a trio of new members to its staff. Going against Beilein, who has one of the top staffs in America, should immediately let the Ducks coaches know where they stand. Overall, it'll be a good test for everyone involved and an entertaining, and of course interesting, contest to watch. 

Individual matchup

It's Dwayne Benjamin versus everyone.

The Ducks' big man scored 25 points or more nine times in 2013-14. He's great on the boards and knows how to pass. He'll challenge Beilein's Xs and Os for two halves.

Now a junior, the 6'7", 200-pound former JUCO transfer is on track to make to an incredible impact on Oregon basketball.

Without Mitch McGary, Jordan Morgan and Glenn Robinson III, Michigan's young and developing frontcourt could get a quick gut check in Brooklyn. 

Here's a quick look at the nonconference slate:

Michigan Basketball Non-Con Hillsdale Bucknell Detroit Oregon VCU/Villanova Nicholls St Syracuse NJIT EMU Arizona SMU Coppin St

— Michigan Updates24/7 (@michigannews13) August 6, 2014

The 'Cuse is coming to Ann Arbor. I repeat: The 'Cuse is coming to Ann Arbor. 

This game appeals to everyone. Or least it should. John Beilein against Jim Boeheim?! Yes, please.

Boeheim, a living legend, has 948 career wins, second only to Duke's Mike Krzyzewski, who has 983. In terms of career accomplishments and prestige, Beilein isn't at the Boeheim or Coach K level at the moment, but he deserves a mention when discussing the best in the game.

The battle at Crisler Center will showcase a lot of talent on the floor. However, the guys on the sidelines will be the true stars. 

If you like coaching, this one's for you. Take notes! 

Plus these guys know each other, which makes things all the more exciting.

John Beilein is 1-9 vs Jim Boeheim, but the win came in the 2013 Final Four. Should be a fun ACC/B1G game http://t.co/L2oOws0dXY

— Dylan Burkhardt (@umhoops) May 1, 2014

Arizona is on the rise, as evidenced by appearances in the Elite Eight in 2011 and 2014. It's also advanced to the Sweet 16 eight times since the turn of the century. 

You guessed it: Dec. 13 in Tucson will be an early-March game played about two weeks before Christmas. Consider it as an early gift. 

The Wildcats won 72-70 this past season. This year's bout should be just as entertaining. 

According to 247Sports, Arizona had the No. 6-ranked 2014 class. Michigan had the No. 28-ranked haul. Two top-30 classes battling head-to-head makes this one a must-watch. 

Individual Matchup

Stanley Johnson versus Kameron Chatman puts SoCal preps on display. This should be a fantastic one-on-one since they're quite familiar with each other, as the following useful but dated tweet demonstrates. 

Daniel Hamilton (SJB), Stanley Johnson (Mater Dei) and Kameron Chatman (LB Poly) will participate #NIKE Global Challenge in D.C. next week

— Evan Budrovich (@evanbud) July 12, 2013

Michigan plays at Ohio State on Jan. 13 and returns to defend its turf on Feb. 22. It'll travel to Michigan State on Feb. 1 and return home Feb. 17. 

Not a whole lot of explanation is needed here. It's the Spartans and Buckeyes we're talking about—the Wolverines' two most hated rivals. The chippy feelings extend to every sport. The swim teams don't like each other. It's that deep. 

Individual matchups

These will be coaching showcases. Emotional showcases, at that. First off, you have Beilein versus Tom Izzo. Since 2010, Beilein's won six of eight. That's dominance. Four years, people. Four years.

John Beilein (6-6) joins Bo Ryan (14-11) & Thad Matta (10-10) as the only Big Ten coaches not to have a losing record vs. Tom Izzo.

— Drew Hallett (@DrewCHallett) February 23, 2014

Ahh, yes...the Thad Matta angle. Up until 2013-14, he had won eight of the prior 10 meetings with Michigan. There are signs suggesting that the Wolverines will even that trend, if not tilt it in their favor. 

Wisconsin is probably the team to beat this season. That's just a hunch.

The Badgers reached the 2014 Final Four and return a group of experienced and clutch players that makes the rest of the Big Ten jealous, including Josh Gasser, Nigel Hayes (so underrated), Frank Kaminsky and Traevon Jackson (ask Michigan State about his "clutchness"), among others.

Michigan meets Bo Ryan's boys just once in the regular season, so it has to make it count on Jan. 24. That'll be one look at a possible conference tournament final and maybe even something more meaningful come March. 

Individual Matchup

It's Frank Kaminsky versus everyone. I hate to take the easy way out, but it's true: Kaminsky will take on everyone. The 7'0", 242-pound senior shoots well from everywhere. He averaged 13.9 points and 6.3 boards per game. 

He can't be contained. And this past year was just the beginning, as he's one of a couple obvious favorites for Big Ten Player of the Year honors. 

Add in another possible POTY in Caris LeVert and an all-conference coaching clash, and we have ourselves a game.

14-15 Big Ten Preseason 1st-Team: Yogi Ferrell (IU), Caris LeVert (Mich),Terran Petteway (Neb), Branden Dawson (MSU), Frank Kaminsky (Wisky)

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) July 14, 2014

Follow Bleacher Report's Michigan Wolverines basketball writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81.