Worrying about winning an introductory press conference isn’t one that many experienced head coaches worries about. But the new Michigan basketball coach, Dusty May, didn’t just win his win during his press conference on Tuesday afternoon — he blew it out of the water.
May is set to replace Juwan Howard at the helm and he has some work to do. The Wolverines currently have just a couple of players on their roster and May still has to figure out what he’s going to do with the staff in Ann Arbor. But Michigan fans should be excited and optimistic about how May will fill out the roster/staff after hearing his press conference on Tuesday.
Here are some quick notes on some of the topics that were talked about.
John Beilein:
During the opening statement, AD Warde Manuel confirmed that the former Michigan basketball coach had helped with the coaching search and had a hand in bringing Dusty May to Ann Arbor.
When May took the podium, he thanked Beilein “for providing great insight” about the University of Michigan. May said Beilein could have a role with the basketball program — “Whatever role he wants, I’m going to embrace it.” May said he has a ton of respect for Beilein and the two of them talked about what Beilein’s philosophies were in recruiting and about his winning culture when he coached the Wolverines.
On how he coaches and what system he runs:
May said his goal at Michigan is to “develop young people and win championships. That will never change. We want to win championships, but we want to be easy on the eyes and fun to watch. Watching Michigan basketball will be enjoyable.” May said he wants to win right away and will never throw in the towel.
He said he likes to play “modern basketball” that is “free-flowing”. There should never be walking up the court, or May will be saying something. He wants to see constant jogging, action, and plenty of 3-point shots. May joked that Michigan might take too many 3s.
Recruiting and NIL:
May clearly finds it important to recruit high school players to build relationships and to build roster continuity. But with the transfer portal open, May says Michigan will get high school kids and transfers. Says they will chase the top players, but they must fit Michigan — “Michigan has plenty to sell to top players” and “will be in the hunt for the best players that fit us.”
May says he “likes the direction Michigan is taking with NIL”. He said he spends 20-30 percent of his time focusing on NIL. He believes Michigan has the best aulmni base in America.
He says he knows he has a roster to fill and while he will be aggressive, he will be patient on filling those spots. Wants to do his homework and find the right players for Michigan and he wants to talk with current Wolverines (those that are in the portal and out of the portal).
May didn’t speculate on any of his former FAU players following him to Michigan — “As I know of, none of them are in the transfer portal.”
He says it’s important to put together a winning product in year one. He doesn’t want to “throw in the towel” this year. Says he wants Michigan to compete Day 1.
Importance of rivalry games:
May was asked about the Ohio State and Michigan State rivalry.
“When you grow up in Big Ten country, you’re well aware of the rivalries.” May was a graduate of Indiana and he says he fully understands what those games mean to Michigan.
