February 26, 2026
The University of Chicago’s basketball teams have been on a hot streak this season. While their recent wins couldn’t melt the snow that stranded them in New York after games against NYU, they do underscore the strength of UChicago’s Athletics program and the dedication of its student-athletes.
The men’s and women’s teams currently sit at No. 4 and No. 17, respectively, in the NCAA Division III rankings. One factor contributing to this year’s success was the teams’ preseason tour in China, which gave players more opportunities to practice and bond with one another, creating a strong foundation for the season ahead.
With the playoffs on the horizon, the coaches have turned their attention to strategy and recovery in practice. “As the season goes on, your preparation is more mental than physical,” explains Head Coach of the men’s basketball team Mike McGrath. “You have to spend a little less time on the floor and pay more attention to their health.”
In practice, coaches must also balance game-specific preparation with long-term athletic development. This includes individual workouts with players, particularly first-years who may not receive as much playing time, to ensure they continue improving week by week.
“We get into a rhythm where one day is solely focused on our players and improving the things we need to work on as a team,” says Michelle Bilek, Head Coach of the women’s basketball team. “Then our other two days of practice are focused on our opponents, preparation, and scheming.”
One obvious challenge student-athletes face is balancing their academic and team commitments. Bilek emphasized that establishing clear communication and trust with players is crucial to helping them navigate competing priorities.
“We’re in constant communication with our players about their academic side of things,” she explains. “We trust that they’re being honest. Our mindset is that if their health and academics aren’t strong, then basketball won’t be strong either.”
McGrath agreed with that philosophy, adding: “This isn’t ‘academics come first, wink, wink, let’s win games.’ This is academics come first–period.”
Being a Division III program gives coaches more space to focus on players’ personal development and well-being alongside game training. “We preach to our players that we want them to give more than they take,” McGrath says. “Give more to each other, give more to the program, and give more to campus than you take from it.”
“It feels less transactional, less business-like,” Bilek adds. “These athletes are here because they truly love UChicago, and they love basketball. They’re not getting paid. They’re not getting the limelight and fame that Division I athletes get.”
When asked how they measure success beyond wins and losses, both coaches pointed to the impact off the court. “We want them to leave our program feeling confident, empowered, and resilient as they go out into the world,” Bilek says. “We want this team to be something they feel connected to for the rest of their lives.” McGrath echoed the sentiment: “I want our players to feel connected to one another, to alumni, and to the basketball program long after they graduate. That lasting connection is a great source of pride for us.”
This outlook reflects UChicago Athletics’ commitment to helping students grow into well-rounded individuals, not just accomplished athletes. Which isn’t to say they don’t cherish the victories as well. When asked what he learned this season, McGrath added with excitement, “Winning’s really fun.”
Both teams return to the court Saturday, February 28, for a Top 25 showdown against Washington University in St. Louis. Go Maroons!