Too much confidence or playing things smart?
That's what plenty of people are debating when it comes to Michigan head coach Dusty May at the Final Four. Long before the Wolverines and Wildcats took the hardwood, May was spotted courtside by Jeff Goodman watching UConn and Illinois closely, getting some scouting in.
Dusty May is not at a loss of confidence ahead of Final Four game with Arizona
After all, May could potentially end up facing off against either the Huskies or Fighting Illini on Monday night. On one hand, people are bashing May for doing this instead of getting in some last-minute prep to take on the Wildcats. On the other hand, other people think it was wise. While Kenny Smith was ready to rip May at halftime, Charles Barkley praised May for his decision. Fans agree, right?
Dusty May here courtside scouting the first half of this game.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 4, 2026
Haven’t seen too many head coaches in the second semifinal do this. pic.twitter.com/hu3XaqrWOZ
Charles Barkley was quick to defend Dusty May for scouting Illinois and UConn at the Final Four
"Ernie (Johnson), I actually agree with Coach May," Barkley said with conviction. "Watching these teams on tape and watching them in person is night and day. He's like, yeah, I can sit at home and watch it - there's so much stuff that happens in a game and you see it on tape, but if you see it in person, you're watching different things."
It's easy to agree with Barkley there. May wanted to make sure he didn't miss anything with his scouting, which is why he had a pen in hand and was taking some quality notes. Are we just going to sit here and pretend May didn't study Arizona ahead of Saturday night? Come on.
This also, in our opinion, is not a showing of disrespect to the Wildcats. Throughout the week, May has said nothing but good things about Tommy Lloyd and his program. If anything, May is just making sure he's extra ready for what's to come if his team does end up battling on Monday night.
Yes, other people don't see things that way and they're allowed to have their own opinions. As does May, who, win or lose, will be quick to defend his pre-game decision as well if he's asked about things. Again, we don't think he did anything wrong here and Michigan haters are simply blowing things out of proportion. Barkley ended up being the voice of reason here, which was great to see.