Overhauled Michigan ready for reveal starting with Cleveland St.
U-M's new men's basketball head coach Dusty May speaks during introductory press conference at Junge Family Champions Center in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Michigan has so many changes within its basketball program since last season, it's almost as if the Wolverines swapped programs with another school.
Head coach Juwan Howard was fired after an 8-24 season and replaced by former Florida Atlantic coach Dusty May. The roster, revamped with a flurry of incoming transfers and freshmen, features 11 newcomers.
The new-look Wolverines will open their season against Cleveland State on Monday in Ann Arbor, Mich.
May admits he has no idea what to expect from this group.
"The staple of our program will be what type of pace we're playing with, how we're moving the basketball, do we look like we enjoy sharing it? And then defensively are we playing with great force and energy and passion?" May said. "Those things, we'll be able to look on the court and see if that's the case. The last thing is how long are we able to sustain those things? But when you bring in this many guys, we're going to be a work in progress until January or February."
Tre Donaldson, an Auburn transfer, will likely start at point guard. Vladislav Goldin (Florida Atlantic), Danny Wolf (Yale) and returnee Will Tschetter are among the top options in the frontcourt.
Roddy Gayle, who transferred from archrival Ohio State, could be the team's top offensive threat. Freshman guard L.J. Cason will provide a spark off the bench.
Cleveland State finished 21-15 last season. The Vikings were knocked out by eventual champion Oakland in the Horizon League semifinals, then participated in the CBI tournament.
The Vikings were picked to finish seventh in the league this season. Senior Tevin Smith (8.1 points, 4.0 assists) is the top returnee.
"Our guys that have played, their expectation now is to play in the postseason," Vikings coach Daniyal Robinson said. "They know what that feels like. And so, that helps when the new guys come in, they see the standard is set."
--Field Level Media
Why Jalen Brunson Should Fear Both the Cavaliers and Pistons
Cavaliers Facing Elimination Again in Game 7 Against Pistons
Canadiens vs. Sabres Game 6 Betting Picks and Predictions
Three NBA Teams Closer to a Rebuild Than Fans Realize
- NBA Playoff Best Bets: Cavaliers vs Pistons and Spurs vs Timberwolves Picks
- PGA Championship Picks: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and More
- Wednesday MLB Best Bets: Jacob Misiorowski Strikeout Prop Leads Card
- Cavaliers vs. Pistons Game 5 Best Betting Picks, Predictions
- Best Betting Picks for Spurs vs. Timberwolves Game 5
- MLB Picks Today: Best Bets and Props for Tuesday May 12th's Slate
- NBA Playoff Bet Picks: Spurs vs. Timberwolves & Knicks vs. 76ers Predictions

