as a result of public and alumni demand for a basketball team, michigan fielded a team of members of the then-current student body and achieved a 1–4 record for the 1908–09 season. however, after three years of demanding a basketball program, the student body did not attend the games and the program was terminated due to low attendance. basketball returned in 1917 in what was considered the inaugural season of varsity basketball. the team was coached by elmer mitchell who instituted the intramural sports program at michigan. the team finished 6–12 overall (0–10, big ten). the following year mitchell led the team to a 16–8 (5–5) record.