Breaking Down New Michigan Wolverines Basketball Uniforms

The craze over new and updated uniforms continues to sweep the college sports landscape, and the Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team is the latest to join the frenzy.

Apparel company Adidas unveiled their new lightweight adizero uniforms for the Wolverines' 2012-13 college basketball season, according to Michigan’s official website.

While the appearance isn’t much different from the classic white uniforms Michigan wore last year, the Wolverines’ site claims the unis are “32 percent lighter than previous Michigan uniforms and are designed to reduce weight and add breathability to keep players lighter and faster on the court.”

As light as the jerseys may be, the claims of making players on the court fast are a bit far-fetched, but I can appreciate the breathability.

"Wow" Factor: 4 out of 10

At first glance, most fans will not see much of a difference between last year’s uniforms and the new adizero version. With the same "Michigan" word across the middle of the chest and the number below, the differences are very minimal.

That’s why the “Wow” factor is so low.

While there are the changes to weight and even subtle changes to the trim and the collar, there isn’t much here to get the casual fan to purchase this new jersey.

It’s better for the players, but certainly not flashy.

Design: 8 out of 10

While it may not be much different to look at, the new features this year that make it lighter will make this one of the most underrated uniform upgrades in college basketball in 2012.

The claims of making players faster are ludicrous, but the fact that their bodies can get more air via the increased breathability will help cool the players faster.

As much as the weight difference won’t make much of a difference in overall performance, any advantage helps—especially over the long haul of the college basketball season.

Overall Swag Grade: 6 out of 10

Despite being a huge improvement in terms of fabric and design for the players and their on-court comfortability, there isn’t enough change to this uniform to have it tip the "Swagometer" this time.

While Wolverines fans across Michigan won’t be able to keep their hands off the new gear, causal college basketball fans won’t think twice about passing on the unappealing unis.

Michigan fans don’t want the all-yellow uniform disaster back, but a more intriguing mix of the school colors would have been much more interesting than another predominantly white jersey.

Check back for more on the NCAA Basketball as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s College Basketball page to get your fill of college basketball.

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