Dusty May won't be back as the Michigan basketball head coach.
That surprising revelation was reported on Monday morning, throwing the entire Michigan basketball program into a state of upheaval.
It's different from the football program in December, at least in terms of the reasoning, but the timing is just as poor. According to multiple reports, Michigan assistant Mike Boynton will take over as the interim head coach for the 2026-27 season.
That might have been the only option. Boynton has met with the players. Dusty May said well before this happened that he was an "elite" coach.
The former Oklahoma State head coach will have the chance to prove it next season in Ann Arbor, but he needs to retain these three players to have any chance of running it back as national champs.
Elliot Cadeau
Cadeau was the most important retention after the season, and he still is now. Michigan can't lose its head coach and the starting point guard who was the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.
Cadeau has to be the driving force for the Wolverines in 2026-27. He becomes even more important now. Lose him, and Michigan's title hopes are out the window.
Trey McKenney
Boynton is very close to Trey McKenney. He was there in Flint for Trey McKenney day recently. There are rumblings that the players wanted Boynton. McKenney and Cadeau are by far the most prominent voices. If one comes back, I'd expect the other to follow.
Many believe McKenney can take a leap into the Big Ten Player of the Year conversation. It would be a huge bummer to see that happen somewhere besides Ann Arbor.
The first order of business for Boynton is securing his starting guards.
Moustapha Thiam
The 7-foot-2 center from Cincinnati will be one to watch closely. Boynton played a key role on the recruiting trail, and he did land Cade Cunningham out of high school, so there is reason to believe can keep the roster intact.
Thiam will be an essential piece. He was good for the Bearcats, but if he can unlock his potential, there's a chance he could be Michigan's next lottery pick. Michigan basketball also doesn't have a ready-made replacement. Thiam is expected to anchor the defense with his gigantic frame, and shot-blocking ability, so losing him would be a massive blow.
Brandon McCoy is another. The good news is that most teams have filled their rosters and spent their NIL budgets. Outside of Boynton's connections to the current roster, that seems to be the only thing working in Michigan's favor.
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