One of the main things said by all the players who have chosen to stay at Michigan after the Dusty May exit, which is basically the entire roster, is that they trust Mike Boynton is the man for the job. The decision to make Boynton the interim head coach, and then give him a two-year deal with the full title, was a tactical one, knowing he is the guy with a lot of relationships with the players in the building.
Boynton was key in recruiting all of them, known as one of Michigan's best recruiters under Dusty May, and now he is making those decisions as the head honcho. Boynton's first offer to a future prospect as the head coach is one that should make Michigan fans happy, as it comes at the dismay of rival Tom Izzo.
Four-star 2028 point guard Mateen Cleaves Jr., the son of Michigan State legend Mateen Cleaves, only has three so far: Michigan State, Rutgers, and now Michigan.
The first offer extended by new #Michigan HC Mike Boynton Jr. goes to Glendale (AZ) Dream City Christian 2028 four-star PG Mateen Cleaves Jr.
— Brice Marich (@BriceMarich) July 12, 2026
He's the son of former Michigan State legend and national champion, Mateen Cleaves.https://t.co/HGRNTtK5td pic.twitter.com/oPdzLHCmMX
Mateen Cleaves is remembered extremely fondly in East Lansing as a big part of the 2000 National Championship team. Cleaves was once recruited heavily by Michigan, but a scandal with a Wolverines booster off campus has Cleaves choosing in-state rival Michigan State over Michigan.
Cleaves went on to be a three-time captain with the Spartans, won a championship, and was named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. He was also named Big Ten Player of the Year twice, led the conference in assists, and is Michigan State's all-time leader in steals with 193. He was drafted No. 14 overall by the Detroit Pistons and spent a few years in the league, and his number is officially retired in East Lansing.
Mike Boynton's offer to Mateen Cleaves Jr. will have tom Izzo's blood boiling
While the rivalry with Ohio State burns the hottest on the football field, Michigan's rivalry with Michigan State is at its highest on the hardwood. Michigan and Michigan State have been trading blows on the basketball court for years, with Tom Izzo always leading the way for the Spartans.
Last season, the rivalry really came to a head when Jeremy Fears Jr. had a couple of dirty plays against the Wolverines, and Dusty May wasn't shy about calling it out. Now, that job falls squarely on the shoulders of Boynton, who is familiar with this matchup.
Boynton is taking his shots early by offering Cleaves Jr., who may only have three offers now, but that number is bound to grow. The Glendale, Arizona native is ranked as the No. 37 player overall in the Class of 2028, the No. 6 point guard and No. 3 player in his home state, according to 247Sports Composite rankings.
If Boynton can land a commitment from Cleaves Jr., it will be quite the first shot at Michigan State from the new head coach. Fans will also love stealing a Michigan State legacy right from under the nose of Izzo.
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