Dusty May’s appointment as head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team in March 2024 marked a pivotal moment for the program. With nearly two decades of collegiate coaching experience, May became the 18th coach in the team’s storied history.
In his inaugural season, May orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. The Wolverines, who had previously endured an 8-24 record, clinched the 2025 Big Ten Tournament Championship. This achievement made May the first coach in conference history to win the tournament in his debut season.
A significant factor in this resurgence was May’s adept use of the transfer portal to rebuild the roster. Notable additions included Tre Donaldson from Auburn, Rubin Jones from North Texas, Roddy Gayle Jr. from Ohio State, Danny Wolf from Yale, and Vladislav Goldin from Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Goldin, in particular, emerged as a standout player, leading the team with an average of 16.4 points per game and a 56.3% three-point shooting rate.
The Wolverines’ season culminated in a Sweet Sixteen appearance during the NCAA Tournament. Despite a valiant effort, they fell to top-seeded Auburn with a final score of 78-65. Nonetheless, this deep tournament run underscored the team’s resilience and the effective leadership of Coach May.
Reflecting on the swift transformation, Michigan’s athletic director, Warde Manuel, expressed astonishment at the rapid progress under May’s guidance. He acknowledged that while he anticipated improvement, the speed and extent of the team’s success exceeded expectations.
As the Wolverines look ahead, the foundation laid by Coach May, bolstered by strategic roster enhancements and a renewed team spirit, positions them favorably for continued success in collegiate basketball.
For a detailed recap of Dusty May’s first year at Michigan and the team’s Sweet Sixteen journey, you can watch the following video:
