ATLAS, Mich. — While the sudden change of Dusty May leaving Michigan basketball for the NBA had star guard Trey McKenney somewhat sullen, he’s still optimistic about the trajectory of the program. And that’s due, in large part, to what May built in his short two years in Ann Arbor.
With assistant coach Mike Boynton set to be named interim Wolverines coach, there will be at least one familiar face steering the program, though it’s unclear who May could poach to bring with him to Dallas. Michigan already had lost an assistant in Justin Joyner, who took over the Oregon State team this offseason, but it’s unclear if Akeem Miskdeen, Kyle Church, or Drew Williamson will stay or go.
As far as McKenney sees it, the more who were a part of the national championship, the better. Because it wasn’t solely just May pulling the strings as much as it was a group effort.
“I think last year was just a blueprint,” McKenney said. “It gave us a close look of what it takes to be able to get a national championship, and how to do it, and how to go about it the right way. But I mean, Coach May, he didn’t do it all by himself. I mean, the assistant coaches were in the room steering the scout. They held the scouts, and they held a lot of the practices, defensively, offensively, whatever that was. I think they had a tremendous impact, the same impact as he had on our program, but it just wasn’t seen because they wanted a head coach, I think. So I think we’re in good hands, and I think the program will be just fine.”
Ultimately, McKenney has faith in those who May surrounded himself and the team with. Because of that, he feels like the maize and blue are still in an advantageous situation.
“I think just the people he’s brought to this university, and I’m at ease because I know the staff and the people we have around our program, and they’re amazing people,” McKenney said. “And they’re gonna make an impact on this program right away. So that just keeps me at ease with this whole situation.”
But it’s not just the coaches staying or leaving that’s of importance. McKenney is aware that some players could end up departing the program with May off to the NBA. After all, the players in Ann Arbor or who have recently arrived in town fully expected to have Dusty May as the team’s head coach. With him now gone, they signed up for something that looks different than their prior expectations.
As such, McKenney and point guard Elliot Cadeau are staying and aren’t just sitting on their hands. They’re working to convince their current teammates that it’s in everyone’s best interest for them to stick around and see the transition through.
“Me and Elliot and a few other guys are definitely trying to find the best way to go about this and try to keep the group as close as possible in these few days,” McKenney said. “Cuz we know there’s a lot of uncertainty and a lot of stuff floating around in the air. But I think we’ll do a pretty good job of just trying to keep whoever wants to be around, around, and maybe some people will go their own ways. But just to have some people in the locker room that just are gonna believe in this group, and believe in the coaches, and just believe in the people that put their time and effort into it.”
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Trey McKenney sees Michigan basketball ‘blueprint’ despite May exit
Reporting by Isaiah Hole, Wolverines Wire / Wolverines Wire
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By Isaiah Hole, Wolverines Wire | USA TODAY Network
