Dusty May Reflects on His First Year as Michigan’s Basketball Coach

Dusty May Reflects on His First Year as Michigan’s Basketball Coach

Last offseason, Dusty May took the helm as the head coach of the Michigan men’s basketball team after a successful six-season stint with Florida Atlantic University. At age 48, May faced the challenging landscape of the Big Ten, a conference known for its intensity and physicality.

In a recent interview on OutKick’s program hosted by Dan Dakich, May shared valuable insights he gained during his inaugural season in one of the nation’s premier basketball leagues. He revealed that the level of physical play exceeded his team’s expectations.

“It was even more physical and physically demanding than we anticipated,” May stated. He emphasized the need for players to adapt to the rugged style of play prevalent in the conference. All summer, whenever a player voiced concerns over fouls, May and his coaching staff would respond with, ‘We play in the Big Ten, you’ve got to play through it.’

Yet, May acknowledged a shortfall in preparation for the level of physicality expected in such a competitive setting. He asserted, “I don’t think we were as intentional enough at creating an environment of physicality every day.”

May pointed out that their training regimen lacked the appropriate intensity. He mentioned that players should have engaged in more contact drills, stating, “Everything we did should have had – there’s no freedom of movement. Just giving bodies on bodies at all times, we didn’t prepare our guys well enough.”

Despite his concerns regarding preparation, May also noted that his team’s strengths do not align with a physically dominant style. He revealed, “But also, we are not built that way. We have a lot of guys who are very skilled, and they’re finesse by nature.” May explained the recruitment strategy was focused on acquiring the best talent possible within a limited timeframe, rather than constructing a physically dominant roster.

Team Performance in the Big Ten

As his first season progresses, the Michigan Wolverines hold a record of 22-9, entering the Big Ten tournament with a sense of optimism. May expressed satisfaction with the foundational work laid during this transitional year.

“We laid a really strong foundation, we learned a lot, I learned an incredible amount, but those are the things that really jump out,” he reflected on the achievements of the season.

Upcoming Challenges in the Big Ten Tournament

Looking ahead, May aims to build upon this foundation as the Wolverines prepare for the upcoming Big Ten tournament. The team has earned the No. 3 seed and is set to play its first game on Friday at 9 p.m. ET. They will face off against the winner of the matchup between USC and Purdue.

The tournament represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Wolverines to display their strengths while addressing the areas of improvement identified throughout the season.

Final Thoughts on Season’s Lessons

As the Wolverines advance into the tournament, May’s reflection on their first year highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability. Understanding the need for a different approach to training and preparation will undoubtedly aid this team in future endeavors.

This season has not only tested the players but has also contributed to May’s development as a head coach in the competitive environment of the Big Ten. As he continues to adapt and refine his strategies, the coming weeks will be crucial in cementing the Wolverines’ reputation as a formidable force in collegiate basketball.

In summary, May’s insights provide a valuable perspective on coaching in a highly competitive landscape, emphasizing that success comes from learning, adapting, and laying a strong foundation for the future.