Dusty May Believes Michigan Basketball Can be Consistent National Title Contender

The Wolverines' head coach is committed to keeping the program among the nation's elite.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:37pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Michigan basketball game or celebration, with sharp, overlapping planes of maize, blue, and red colors representing the team's dynamic energy and coach Dusty May's vision for the program.Dusty May's commitment to building a Michigan basketball dynasty is reflected in the program's fractured, yet energetic visual identity.Ann Arbor Today

Dusty May, the head coach of the Michigan basketball team, believes the Wolverines can be consistent national title contenders after leading the program to its second national championship in program history. Despite speculation about his future, May has expressed his commitment to staying at Michigan, citing his desire to see his son Eli graduate from the university and the feeling of having found a true home in Ann Arbor.

Why it matters

Michigan's basketball program has experienced a resurgence under Dusty May's leadership, winning its second national title in program history. May's comments about his long-term commitment to the Wolverines provide stability and optimism for the team's future as they look to build on their recent success and establish themselves as a consistent national powerhouse.

The details

Dusty May, 49, has been the head coach of the Michigan basketball team since 2021. In his five seasons at the helm, he has led the Wolverines to two Final Four appearances and the program's second national championship, the first coming in 1989. Despite speculation about May potentially leaving for other opportunities, such as the recent opening at the University of North Carolina, the coach has expressed his desire to remain at Michigan, citing his son Eli's enrollment at the university and the feeling of having found a true home in Ann Arbor.

  • May and the Michigan basketball program won the national championship in 2026.
  • The transfer portal opened on April 8, 2026, just days after Michigan's title victory.

The players

Dusty May

The 49-year-old head coach of the Michigan basketball team, who has led the Wolverines to two national championship appearances and one title in his five seasons at the helm.

Eli May

Dusty May's son, who is currently a sophomore student manager for the Michigan basketball team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think for all of those Michigan fans—they have nothing to worry about. Eli (May's son) is a sophomore in college right now and I can't see any scenario where I would take my son away from graduating from the University of Michigan and sharing this experience (Eli is a student manager with the team).”

— Dusty May, Head Coach, Michigan Basketball

“We moved around a lot when we were young, Rich, and to find a place we've settled in and that feels like home—and we've very honored to be a part of this pace. If there's ever a time where we don't feel like we can get it done here, that's when it's time to go. Otherwise, I think we can be consistent national championship contenders. And I love it at Michigan—very very proud to represent all of you.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach, Michigan Basketball

What’s next

The Michigan basketball team will look to build on their recent national championship victory and establish themselves as a consistent contender for the title in the coming seasons.

The takeaway

Dusty May's commitment to staying at Michigan and his belief that the Wolverines can be a consistent national title contender provides stability and optimism for the program's future. Michigan's recent championship victory has reinvigorated the fan base, and May's words suggest the team is poised to maintain their status as one of the top programs in college basketball.