Dusty May's journey from a student manager under Bob Knight at Indiana to leading Michigan to the top of the Big Ten standings is nothing short of remarkable.
Taking over a Michigan squad that was coming off its worst season in program history, May was tasked with not just rebuilding but redefining what Michigan Basketball was. His first season as head coach has seen Michigan rise from the ashes to leading the conference.
Taking over a Michigan basketball team that was at its lowest point in years, May walked into a locker room with one familiar face. Bringing in 11 new players, including transfers and recruits, it would seem May had his hands full. But he denied the odds, setting new levels of expectations for this program. Expectations that will be followed in the years and years forward of him coaching this program.
Dusty May is the Coach of the Year in College Basketball
The success of this season cannot be overstated. Michigan basketball has six quadrant one wins, with the most recent coming against #7 Purdue last night. They're a lock to make the NCAA tournament at this point, with the potential to climb to as high as a 2 seed one would have to believe.
The only knock against Dusty in this run would be the lack of discipline among his players. Or maybe not so fast. Yes, there have been far too many turnovers and as we have seen with Vlad Goldin last night, sometimes a lack of effort. But each time this team has faced adversity they've bounced back. This all speaks to who Coach May is and how he can position his players for success in the worst of times.
May has brought something special back to Michigan, and that's pride and dignity. He's not just coaching a basketball team. He's providing a transformational, not transactional, experience. He's changing young men for the rest of their lives, whether that be in the NBA or in a respected field.
Dusty May has taken a program on the brink and made it shine brighter than anyone, including myself, could have expected. His first year at Michigan has been nothing but class, something the previous coaching staff cannot say. With his background, his success, and the clear impact he's had on these young athletes, there's a strong case for him to be the Coach of the Year. May's journey is a powerful reminder of what it means to be a Michigan Man.