Michigan Basketball News: Dusty May opens up about his transition period, Juwan Howard's support

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Dusty May, the new head coach of Michigan men's basketball, has settled into his role in Ann Arbor with notable encouragement from Juwan Howard, his predecessor. Since taking over, May has expressed a deep appreciation for the university's rich basketball heritage and is committed to enhancing the program's legacy.

May has been warmly received by the Michigan community, including former players and fans who are eager to see the direction he will take with the team. His approach respects the contributions of past players, acknowledging that their efforts have been foundational to the program's success. "He's a former player here, and so this is his program. As a former player, this is their program; I'm just a steward," May said in an exclusive interview with The Michigan Insider. "I'm just here to help it be the best it can be. But they're the ones that laid it on the line for this place — so if you're a former player for Michigan, this is yours. It is not mine. And those guys are all welcome."

Juwan Howard, who left Michigan to pursue other opportunities after coaching the team to significant achievements, including an Elite Eight appearance, has shown great support for May. Howard's backing comes from a place of loyalty to the university, underscoring his desire for the basketball program to thrive under new leadership. "I had good conversations with Coach Howard. That's the first thing he said: He said, 'I'm a Michigan man, and I want Michigan to do well. And if you're the coach, then I'm going to support you. And if you need anything, let me know.' And so that shows that once again, the level of professionalism and humility," May recounted.

May also touched on the challenges Howard faced in his final season, suggesting that such difficulties are part of the coaching landscape. "It wasn't like Coach Howard forgot to coach. Circumstances happen in this profession that sometimes are avoidable. And sometimes they aren't, it doesn't really matter. But it's the way you go on with your life," he said. Looking ahead, May is optimistic about Howard's prospects in his future endeavors, possibly in the NBA. "I wouldn't be shocked to see him as an NBA head coach within the next 18 months or 24 months," he predicted.

In his new role, May is grateful for the opportunity to lead Michigan's storied basketball program. "That's the power of this place, that it's bigger than all of us. I'm very, very grateful to be sitting here with this Block M on me because it means a lot to so many people. And we're gonna do the best we can to put another banner up in Crisler," he emphasized. May is focused on achieving success and adding to the university's illustrious basketball history by aiming to hang new championship banners at Crisler Center.