May described his vision for the Wolverines’ appearance under his coaching, drawing upon his experience at Florida Atlantic to provide insights, which unsurprisingly shed light on his expectations michigan
As Florida Atlantic trailed by six points at Madison Square Garden, Dusty May pondered whether his team’s remarkable NCAA Tournament journey was coming to an end. In 2023, the Owls, buoyed by victories over Memphis, Fairleigh Dickinson, and Tennessee, found themselves unexpectedly in the Elite Eight, facing off against Kansas State in the iconic arena. However, in a stunning display of resilience, the Owls surged ahead during a pivotal stretch, embarking on a 15-1 run in less than six minutes. Their offensive efficiency was remarkable, averaging 1.5 points per possession and 14.4 seconds per possession, showcasing a diverse scoring arsenal that included precise 3-point shooting, agile drives to the basket, and contributions from all players on the court. This surge propelled Florida Atlantic to an eight-point lead, securing their place in the Final Four.
Exactly a year later, May stood before the audience at the Junge Center in Ann Arbor, adjacent to Michigan’s Crisler Center, having amassed an impressive 60-13 record over two seasons at FAU. Tasked with revitalizing a Michigan basketball program that had previously reached two national title games and seven Sweet Sixteens between 2013 and 2022 but had faltered with a 26-40 record over the last two seasons, May articulated his vision for the Wolverines under his leadership. Drawing from his experience at Florida Atlantic, May provided insights into his coaching philosophy.
“In terms of our style of play, our objective is to be both successful and entertaining,” remarked May during his address. “While our ultimate aim is to secure championships, we also strive to captivate fans with an attractive brand of basketball. When spectators watch us play, they should witness teamwork, efficiency on both ends of the court, and above all, a sense of unity. The finer tactical details will be ironed out later, but watching Michigan basketball should be an enjoyable experience.”
During his tenure at FAU, May’s teams exhibited distinct stylistic characteristics. Over the past five seasons, the Owls consistently ranked in the top 100 in various statistical categories, emphasizing a fast-paced, aggressive, and balanced offensive approach. May expressed his desire to bring this style of play to Ann Arbor, emphasizing a preference for a high-tempo game that keeps defenses on their toes.
“If we ever resort to a slow, deliberate approach, the players will hear about it from me,” May asserted. “Our gameplay should flow freely, maintaining a relentless pace to prevent opposing defenses from settling. While we emphasize modern basketball principles such as perimeter shooting and attacking the rim, our approach is grounded in the strengths of our top players and the complementary skills of the team as a whole. It’s akin to jazz – an improvisational style where players feed off each other’s movements and instincts.”
While FAU’s tactical approach varied depending on personnel, the common thread was a progressive offensive improvement under May’s guidance, as evidenced by their ascending rankings in adjusted offensive efficiency according to KenPom. Looking ahead, May envisions a Michigan team that excels in scoring, prioritizing offensive productivity.
“While specifics regarding our gameplay are yet to be determined, one thing is certain – we aim to play fast, with continuous action and minimal interruptions,” May stated. “Ideally, we’ll be putting up significant points on the scoreboard.”
Despite his reputation primarily as an offensive strategist, May acknowledged the importance of defensive prowess, albeit with mixed success in previous coaching endeavors. Nevertheless, FAU’s defensive achievements, including top rankings in assist rate allowed and opponent field-goal percentages, highlight May’s commitment to disruptive defensive tactics. He expressed a desire to maintain this disruptive defensive ethos at Michigan, potentially incorporating a blend of zone and man-to-man defenses to keep opponents guessing.
“Defensively, we aim to stand out from the crowd, employing disruptive strategies tailored to our personnel,” May explained. “We take pride in adopting unconventional approaches to keep opponents off balance and avoid predictability.”
Regarding expectations for Michigan’s future, May evoked the philosophy of his mentor, Bob Knight, emphasizing the pursuit of Big Ten championships as a pathway to national success.
“As Coach Knight used to say, ‘Competing for Big Ten championships equates to competing for national championships,'” May recalled. “Our goal is to raise Big Ten championship banners, signaling our intent to vie for national glory.”
