Michigan Basketball: The Most Hated Player from Wolverines' Biggest Rivals

If you're a fan of Michigan basketball, surely you have disdain for many of the Wolverines' biggest rivals. Heck, you're probably not a true fan unless you have a deep-rooted hatred for some of those teams, and several players in particular.

Of course, some rivalries are bigger than others (read: Michigan State and Ohio State), but that doesn't mean Wolverines fans don't have hate for other players in the Big Ten.

Every player (listed alphabetically) in the following sideshow is someone each Wolverine fan probably despises. Whether it's their arrogance, brashness or the fact that they are a good player, the guys mentioned here will give Michigan fans headaches, and Wolverine fans will let them know about it when (if) they come to the Crisler Center.

Branden Dawson

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Branden Dawson is just someone you love to hate.

He's the classic guy you would love if he were on your team, but you despise him if he's not. Dawson is a relentless rebounder and is always tenacious on defense. He'll always come down with big board or make a crucial stop, and he's just always in your face. It all adds up to a recipe for hate.

While you can respect Dawson, you won't see many Michigan fans showing him love any time soon.

Dawson is a double-double waiting to happen, as he is coming off of a season in which he averaged 11.2 points and 8.3 rebounds. He'll no doubt be a force down low and a guy who will continue to tick off the Wolverine faithful to no end.

Sam Dekker, Wisconsin

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Wisconsin sure looks loaded and primed to contend for a Big Ten title this year after reaching the Final Four last year, and one player who will be at the forefront is Sam Dekker.

Dekker is coming off of a season in which he averaged 12.4 points and 6.1 rebounds while shooting .469 percent from the field, and he looks like a player primed for a big season this year. He may be the guy the Badgers turn to in the clutch. With each big shot he makes, he'll become even more hated in Ann Arbor.

Equipped with a vast array of skills, he's bound to rub Wolverine fans the wrong way all year.

Yogi Ferrell, Indiana

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At barely 6'0” with a knack for making big shots, Yogi Ferrell plays way bigger than his height. That is something that will continue to irritate all Wolverine fans.

Although Indiana struggled a bit last year, the Hoosiers are always persona non grata among Michigan fans. And as the leader of the Hoosiers, Ferrell will not be a welcome sight when Indiana plays Michigan this year.

As a diminutive, disruptive force, Ferrell is like a gnat you can't get rid of. And we all hate those, right?

Sam Thompson, Ohio State

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With his ability to cause havoc on defense and get out on the break, Sam Thompson is not the most beloved figure among Wolverine fans.

While perhaps not the best player on the Buckeyes, Thompson is one who'll get under your skin. With great athleticism to work with, sometimes Thompson will score on a momentum-changing dunk that will make you furious.

Taking into account the loss of Aaron Craft (who would have been the easy choice here if he had any more eligibility left), LaQuinton Ross and Lenzelle Smith Jr., Thompson will likely be the de facto leader for Ohio State, and Michigan fans will be certain to show him no love in his senior season.

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