Tommy Lloyd's high praise makes Dusty May's Coach of the Year snub hurt a little less

With just one last game left in the college basketball season, it is time for the 2025-2026 Naismith Awards, and while some seemed obvious, others not so much. Michigan had players and coaches up for the awards, as Yaxel Lendeborg was in the running for Player of the Year and Dusty May for Coach of the Year.

Neither Lendeborg nor May brought home the hardware, but their minds are on a different trophy they hope to be hoisting Monday night. Either way, Tommy Lloyd was given the Naismith Coach of the Year award, and while Lloyd has had a great season, it felt like a bit of a snub for May.

While the snub doesn't feel great for May, Lloyd, when receiving his award, made sure to know who he believed deserved the award.

"Dusty's done such an incredible job, and you guys are going to think it's crazy, but when they send this award, I got Dusty’s home address on it. He’s deserving to be the Coach of the Year," Lloyd said.

Even Tommy Lloyd can't deny Dusty May's coaching dominance

There was no way that Lloyd couldn't say anything about May in his speech, especially after the dominance Michigan showed over Arizona in the Final Four. May showed that he was ready for whatever Arizona had to throw at them, and Lloyd would probably even admit he was outcoached in that game.

May has done what seemed impossible for the last two seasons at Michigan. He took a team that was 8-24 two years ago and made them a team that was in the Sweet 16 last season and is now competing in the National Championship this season.

For May not to have won the Coach of the Year award in either of the last two seasons is a serious snub. It is not that Lloyd didn't deserve the award, but May has done everything for Michigan that fans wanted out of him for the last two years, and he certainly deserves the recognition.