Dusty May’s recruiting strategy wasn’t fully outlined when he was officially introduced as Michigan’s new basketball coach on Tuesday. However, he had already identified Orchard Lake St. Mary’s five-star forward Trey McKenney as a crucial target. This became evident when he reached out to McKenney’s father on Monday night.
“It seems like Dusty recognized immediately that reaching out to Trey’s father was a priority,” said John McKenney to The Michigan Insider. “It was almost as if he had been advised by a few people, ‘don’t contact Trey first, contact his father first’… and I appreciate that. As a parent, you prefer them reaching out to you initially rather than reaching out directly to your child.
“He expressed his desire to establish a good relationship from the start, emphasizing that Trey is his main focus.”
May’s decision to choose Michigan over other opportunities, including Louisville, surprised many. Just days before, he was gearing up for the NCAA Tournament with Florida Atlantic University. Despite being seen as a top coaching candidate, May ultimately opted for Michigan after a meeting with key figures like Warde Manuel and John Beilein in Fort Lauderdale.
Reflecting on his choice, May explained, “Louisville is an incredible basketball institution, but Michigan felt like the right fit for me and my family. I’m someone who values intuition and fit, and from the beginning, Michigan seemed like the perfect match for us to achieve success in the way we prefer.”
May’s ties to Michigan, including a previous coaching stint at Eastern Michigan, added to the allure. He fondly remembered his time in Ypsilanti and noted how the community left a lasting impression on him.
While Michigan’s basketball tradition and recent success were appealing, May also appreciated the university’s emphasis on holistic development rather than solely focusing on basketball. He acknowledged the pride and unity among Michigan alumni and students, describing it as unique and inspiring.
May’s relentless drive to improve and his family’s support for his coaching career played a significant role in his decision. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Michigan’s basketball program and pledged to honor its rich legacy with integrity and respect.
Throughout his introduction, May reiterated his belief in the alignment between himself and Michigan’s values. He emphasized his commitment to continuing the program’s success while forging his own path. Despite the challenges ahead, May and his family eagerly anticipated their move to Michigan and looked forward to the journey ahead.
