All-21st Century Michigan teams: Here's who just missed the top 25

This is the final piece in a 10-part series from the Free Press celebrating the top players, teams and moments over the first 25 years of the 21st century. Come back tomorrow for the top 25 teams, and go to freep.com/sports to catch up on any you missed.

Welcome to the Free Press’ All-21st Century countdown of the 25 greatest teams from the state of Michigan over the past 25 years!

These are the college and pro teams that have made the biggest impact in Michigan over the 21st century, whether they were national champions, local heroes or simply a memorable group of players and coaches.

Of course, for there to be a top-25 list, there have to be some teams that just missed the cut. Here are our favorites among those, listed in chronological order, ahead of Sunday's 25 best

2005-06 Red Wings

Record: 58-16-8, lost in first round.

The 2005-06 Red Wings, one of the most talented Detroit teams in history, are a case study in the differences between regular-season and playoff hockey.

On one hand, the Red Wings' 58 wins from that season are the second-most in franchise history, while their 124 points basically lapped the field in the ‘05-’06 season. But their first-round loss to the eighth-seeded Edmonton Oilers? That itself makes it a season worth forgetting as much as it is worth celebrating. 

2005-06 Pistons

The record: 64-18, lost conference finals.

Turns out, the '05-06 Pistons had a similar season, setting the franchise record for wins (64, also leading the NBA) before bowing out to the Miami Heat in six games in the conference finals.

But at least the Pistons won two playoff series before that? And at least the Heat eventually won that year’s NBA title? It’s cold comfort for many fans, but the Pistons still played a season worth remembering.

2018-19 Michigan State basketball

The record: 32-7, lost in Final Four.

Compared to other Tom Izzo-led teams, the 2018-19 Spartans had relatively little star power. But the team’s 32 wins are tied for the second-most in program history, as Michigan State made it all the way to the Final Four in Minneapolis, eventually falling to national runner-up Texas Tech in the national semifinal.

2023-24 Oakland basketball

The record: 24-12, lost in second round of NCAA tournament.

Oakland Grizzlies men’s basketball has won only one NCAA tournament game in program history. But what an unforgettable March Madness it was. 

That was when the nation was introduced to Jack Gohlke, who sank 10 3-pointers as the 14th-seeded Grizzlies knocked out 3-seed Kentucky in a thrilling 80-76 win. Talk about a Cinderella performance, even if the Grizzlies' clock struck midnight two days later in an OT loss to eventual Final Four team North Carolina State..

2024-25 Pistons

The record: 44-38, lost in first round.

In the grand scheme of things, a Pistons team that finished six games over .500 and won just twice in the playoffs may not seem worth celebrating. But considering this team had a 30-win improvement from the season before, it made for a surprisingly fun season of DEEEE-TROIT BAAAAASKETBALLLLLL.

And if it turns out to be the start of something great for Cade Cunningham and company, that will only make the 2024-25 season look even better.

You can reach Christian at[email protected]

At the quarter-turn

June 1: Tigers.

June 8: Lions offense and defense.

June 15: MSU basketball.

June 22: U-M basketball.

June 29: MSU football offense and defense.

July 6: U-M football offense and defense.

July 13: Pistons.

July 20: Red Wings.

July 27: The best players.

Aug. 3: The best teams.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: All-21st Century Michigan teams: Here's who just missed the top 25