On the eve of their first NCAA tournament appearance in a decade, the university of Michigan's staff and students should send former coach Tommy Amaker a heart-felt thank you note. Amaker came to a program in 2001 that was an absolute wreck. The team was on probation and had a tarnished reputation after the Chris Webber money laundering scandal. Talent on the team was at an all time low and so was the attendance. Amaker, if nothing else, restored integrity and pride to the Michigan basketball brand. Recruiting immediately improved, and the team slowly distanced itself from the ghost of the Fab Five era. Three 20 win seasons and a NIT championship later, Michigan became the type of program that would attract a coach with the pedigree of a John Beilein. I hope Coach Amaker watches the game tomorrow with his dancing shoes on as well, he deserves to.