The decision to leave Michigan wasn’t an easy one for Dusty May.
May shared that in his first public comments since Monday’s stunning news that he was heading to the NBA to become head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.
In a statement released on social media Tuesday, May said it was an honor to coach at Michigan for two years but the Mavericks job was “something I felt I needed to pursue.”
May thanked the Michigan community in his farewell post and added he’ll cherish the memories he’s made the past two seasons, a remarkable stretch that included 64 wins, a Big Ten tournament title, a Big Ten regular-season title and the program’s first national championship since 1989.
Here is May’s statement in full:
“Before we start this next chapter, I just wanted to say thank you.
“When my family and I came to Ann Arbor two years ago, we hoped we could help bring Michigan Basketball back to where it belongs. I never could have imagined how special these last two seasons would be.
“You embraced us from day one. You packed Crisler, traveled all over the country, and supported our players through every high and low. The memories we made together — from winning the Big Ten to cutting down the nets in Indianapolis — are ones my family and I will carry with us forever.
“What I’ll miss most are the people. The players, coaches, staff, students, alumni and fans who care so deeply about this place. Michigan is special because of all of you.
“This wasn’t an easy decision. An opportunity came along that was right for my family and something I felt I needed to pursue, but that doesn’t change how much these last two years have meant to us. Ann Arbor became home, and we’ll always be grateful for the relationships and memories that came from our time here.
“Thank you for trusting us, believing in us and making these last two years so much fun. It was an honor to coach at Michigan and wear the Block M.
“We’ll always be grateful. Go Blue!”
Earlier Tuesday, the Mavericks announced the official hiring of May, making him the first college head coach to jump to the NBA since former Michigan coach John Beilein went to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2019.
In a statement Tuesday, where he named Mike Boynton Jr. as interim head coach, Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel thanked May for returning the program to the national stage.
“While we are disappointed to see Dusty leave Michigan, we are deeply grateful to the May family for the lasting impact they have made on our program and our university,” Manuel said. “In just two seasons, Dusty restored Michigan basketball to national prominence and led our Wolverines through one of the greatest chapters in program history, culminating in our first national championship in 37 years. His leadership, vision, and belief in our student-athletes helped create a culture of excellence that made the entire Michigan community proud.
“We thank Dusty for his commitment to our program and the University of Michigan, and we wish him, Anna, and their family continued success as he begins this next chapter with the Dallas Mavericks.”
jhawkins@detroitnews.com
@jamesbhawkins
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Dusty May on leaving Michigan for NBA: ‘This wasn’t an easy decision’
Reporting by James Hawkins, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By James Hawkins, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
