1 month ago
Michigan basketball will be down two starters for its matchup with Lithuania's B-team on Monday, Aug 24.
Shooting guard Trey McKenney and center Moustapha Thiam were not listed among the starters when the lineup came out shortly before tip off and a person with knowledge told the Free Press both "will sit out with minor injuries."
Quinn Costello and Oscar Goodman will start in their places.
Thiam left U-M's 96-84 loss to Lithuania on Sunday, when Elliot Cadeau went for a loose ball on an attempted offensive rebound and rolled up on Thiam's lower right leg, which appeared to hyperextend. Thiam went down in pain for a few moments before he was helped off the floor by Mike Boynton Jr. and trainer Chris Williams.
Here’s the play where Michigan center Moustapha Thiam was injured against Lithuania pic.twitter.com/PAYXOMSn9E
#shooting
Shooting guard Trey McKenney and center Moustapha Thiam were not listed among the starters when the lineup came out shortly before tip off and a person with knowledge told the Free Press both "will sit out with minor injuries."
Quinn Costello and Oscar Goodman will start in their places.
Thiam left U-M's 96-84 loss to Lithuania on Sunday, when Elliot Cadeau went for a loose ball on an attempted offensive rebound and rolled up on Thiam's lower right leg, which appeared to hyperextend. Thiam went down in pain for a few moments before he was helped off the floor by Mike Boynton Jr. and trainer Chris Williams.
Here’s the play where Michigan center Moustapha Thiam was injured against Lithuania pic.twitter.com/PAYXOMSn9E
#shooting
2 months ago
GRAND RAPIDS - Jenny Boynton was at her parents' house in Holland last month when she got some big news.
Her husband, Mike Boynton Jr., was just named head coach of the University of Michigan basketball team.
"I love it," she said. "We joked when this became a possibility … I started wearing blue around the house to hint that this is where we needed to be.'"
Boynton - whose maiden name is Jenny Hill - graduated from West Ottawa High School in 2000. She played volleyball and basketball for the Panthers. She would go on to play volleyball at Virginia Tech.
How did the Boynton's meet?
#boynton #jenny #volleyball #mike
Her husband, Mike Boynton Jr., was just named head coach of the University of Michigan basketball team.
"I love it," she said. "We joked when this became a possibility … I started wearing blue around the house to hint that this is where we needed to be.'"
Boynton - whose maiden name is Jenny Hill - graduated from West Ottawa High School in 2000. She played volleyball and basketball for the Panthers. She would go on to play volleyball at Virginia Tech.
How did the Boynton's meet?
#boynton #jenny #volleyball #mike
2 months ago
Mike Boynton Jr. is going outside the college ranks to fill another position on his inaugural coaching staff at Michigan.
The Wolverines are set to hire Dylan Murphy, who most recently was head coach of the NBA G League's Osceola Magic, as an **** istant coach.
Elfus Sports Management, which represents Murphy, shared the news on social media Friday night.
Murphy has spent the past eight years as a member of the NBA's Orlando Magic organization and the last three as head coach of Orlando's affiliate club. He guided the Osceola Magic to first-place finishes in the Eastern Conference each season and to the G League Finals in 2025.
Prior to that, he was an **** istant coach with the Orlando Magic for three seasons (2020-23) and served as the team's basketball operations **** yst from 2018-20.
#Magic #murphy #head #mike
The Wolverines are set to hire Dylan Murphy, who most recently was head coach of the NBA G League's Osceola Magic, as an **** istant coach.
Elfus Sports Management, which represents Murphy, shared the news on social media Friday night.
Murphy has spent the past eight years as a member of the NBA's Orlando Magic organization and the last three as head coach of Orlando's affiliate club. He guided the Osceola Magic to first-place finishes in the Eastern Conference each season and to the G League Finals in 2025.
Prior to that, he was an **** istant coach with the Orlando Magic for three seasons (2020-23) and served as the team's basketball operations **** yst from 2018-20.
#Magic #murphy #head #mike
2 months ago
Michigan basketball continues to round out its coaching staff, this time with an outside-the-college-game hire.
The Wolverines are set to add Dylan Murphy, who most recently was coach of the Osceola Magic of the NBA G League, as an **** istant coach, a person with knowledge of the move confirmed to the Detroit Free Press.
Before Murphy was coach in Osceola for the past three seasons, he was an **** istant with the Orlando Magic (2020-23) for three years and served as the team's basketball operations **** yst from 2018-20. Murphy, who led the team to two first-place finishes in the Eastern Conference in three seasons, was also named the G League coach of the month in March 2025.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Michigan basketball set to add Louisville to 2026-27 schedule
"It's a work in progress," Michigan coach Mike Boynton Jr. said of rounding out the staff earlier in the week. "There's a process here that we have to go through. We're following that process now, but I feel very confident that we're going to be able to put together some really [good] experience from a wide variety of backgrounds that could bring different things to the table."
#Basketball #Magic #we 're #staff
The Wolverines are set to add Dylan Murphy, who most recently was coach of the Osceola Magic of the NBA G League, as an **** istant coach, a person with knowledge of the move confirmed to the Detroit Free Press.
Before Murphy was coach in Osceola for the past three seasons, he was an **** istant with the Orlando Magic (2020-23) for three years and served as the team's basketball operations **** yst from 2018-20. Murphy, who led the team to two first-place finishes in the Eastern Conference in three seasons, was also named the G League coach of the month in March 2025.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Michigan basketball set to add Louisville to 2026-27 schedule
"It's a work in progress," Michigan coach Mike Boynton Jr. said of rounding out the staff earlier in the week. "There's a process here that we have to go through. We're following that process now, but I feel very confident that we're going to be able to put together some really [good] experience from a wide variety of backgrounds that could bring different things to the table."
#Basketball #Magic #we 're #staff
2 months ago
Michigan basketball continues to round out its coaching staff, this time with an outside-the-college-game hire.
The Wolverines are set to add Dylan Murphy, who most recently was coach of the Osceola Magic of the NBA G League, as an ***** istant coach, a person with knowledge of the move confirmed to the Detroit Free Press.
Before Murphy was coach in Osceola for the past three seasons, he was an ***** istant with the Orlando Magic (2020-23) for three years and served as the team's basketball operations ***** yst from 2018-20. Murphy, who led the team to two first-place finishes in the Eastern Conference in three seasons, was also named the G League coach of the month in March 2025.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Michigan basketball set to add Louisville to 2026-27 schedule
"It's a work in progress," Michigan coach Mike Boynton Jr. said of rounding out the staff earlier in the week. "There's a process here that we have to go through. We're following that process now, but I feel very confident that we're going to be able to put together some really [good] experience from a wide variety of backgrounds that could bring different things to the table."
#Basketball #league #we 're
The Wolverines are set to add Dylan Murphy, who most recently was coach of the Osceola Magic of the NBA G League, as an ***** istant coach, a person with knowledge of the move confirmed to the Detroit Free Press.
Before Murphy was coach in Osceola for the past three seasons, he was an ***** istant with the Orlando Magic (2020-23) for three years and served as the team's basketball operations ***** yst from 2018-20. Murphy, who led the team to two first-place finishes in the Eastern Conference in three seasons, was also named the G League coach of the month in March 2025.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Michigan basketball set to add Louisville to 2026-27 schedule
"It's a work in progress," Michigan coach Mike Boynton Jr. said of rounding out the staff earlier in the week. "There's a process here that we have to go through. We're following that process now, but I feel very confident that we're going to be able to put together some really [good] experience from a wide variety of backgrounds that could bring different things to the table."
#Basketball #league #we 're
2 months ago
A month after the whirlwind series of events that led to Dusty May becoming the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, new Michigan head coach Mike Boynton Jr. is speaking on how things went down.
In an interview with the Field of 68 on Thursday, Boynton said that he knew that May was considering leaving following the Wolverines' victory in the NCAA championship, but that the two of them didn't have a conversation about next steps until the day before May took the job. May's hire was officially announced by Dallas on Tuesday, June 23.
Boynton said that they'd had an inkling that there would be a leadership change at Michigan, as May's "name came up for pretty much every job, all spring, at every level," Boynton said. That included then-open positions at North Carolina, the Chicago Bulls and the Orlando Magic, which were all subsequently filled.
Boynton, who spent seven seasons as the head coach at Oklahoma State, added that he was "sensitive" about trying to pry into what was going on with May.
"I really didn't know, and I really wasn't all that interested in finding out, because I didn't want him to feel like I was just another guy trying to seek information," Boynton said.
#trying
In an interview with the Field of 68 on Thursday, Boynton said that he knew that May was considering leaving following the Wolverines' victory in the NCAA championship, but that the two of them didn't have a conversation about next steps until the day before May took the job. May's hire was officially announced by Dallas on Tuesday, June 23.
Boynton said that they'd had an inkling that there would be a leadership change at Michigan, as May's "name came up for pretty much every job, all spring, at every level," Boynton said. That included then-open positions at North Carolina, the Chicago Bulls and the Orlando Magic, which were all subsequently filled.
Boynton, who spent seven seasons as the head coach at Oklahoma State, added that he was "sensitive" about trying to pry into what was going on with May.
"I really didn't know, and I really wasn't all that interested in finding out, because I didn't want him to feel like I was just another guy trying to seek information," Boynton said.
#trying
2 months ago
Michigan basketball managed to hold onto most of its roster, but not everyone chose to stay in Ann Arbor under new head coach Mike Boynton Jr.
The Wolverines lost one player to the transfer portal in backup point guard LJ Cason, who had torn his ACL in the Illinois game this past season. Expected to be out for the majority, if not all, of the upcoming season, Cason was going to redshirt for the maize and blue before the NCAA's five-for-five ruling came down. But when Dusty May left Michigan for the NBA, Cason was the last player to decide if he was staying or going, and ultimately chose to leave.
Cason entered the transfer portal, and on Tuesday, he ultimately opted to go to Miami, as reported by Rivals' Joe Tipton.
Cason is the second player in as many years to leave Ann Arbor for Coral Gables. Starting point guard in May's first season coaching the maize and blue, Tre Donaldson, also transferred to the Hurricanes.
A huge spark off the bench, Cason was expected to be the starting point guard of the future for the Wolverines. He improved from scoring 4.3 points per game as a true freshman to 8.4 points per game in his sophomore year. He has three years of eligibility remaining now that five-for-five is enacted.
#point #wolverines
The Wolverines lost one player to the transfer portal in backup point guard LJ Cason, who had torn his ACL in the Illinois game this past season. Expected to be out for the majority, if not all, of the upcoming season, Cason was going to redshirt for the maize and blue before the NCAA's five-for-five ruling came down. But when Dusty May left Michigan for the NBA, Cason was the last player to decide if he was staying or going, and ultimately chose to leave.
Cason entered the transfer portal, and on Tuesday, he ultimately opted to go to Miami, as reported by Rivals' Joe Tipton.
Cason is the second player in as many years to leave Ann Arbor for Coral Gables. Starting point guard in May's first season coaching the maize and blue, Tre Donaldson, also transferred to the Hurricanes.
A huge spark off the bench, Cason was expected to be the starting point guard of the future for the Wolverines. He improved from scoring 4.3 points per game as a true freshman to 8.4 points per game in his sophomore year. He has three years of eligibility remaining now that five-for-five is enacted.
#point #wolverines
2 months ago
Michigan basketball's offseason has largely been defined by continuity under new head coach Mike Boynton. The Wolverines retained nearly their entire roster after Dusty May's departure and kept most of the coaching staff intact.
One notable exception has now found his next home.
Former Michigan point guard L.J. Cason announced Tuesday that he is transferring to Miami, ending a brief stay in the transfer portal and beginning the next chapter of his college career back in his home state of Florida.
Cason officially entered the NCAA transfer portal on Monday. Less than 24 hours later, his decision was made.
The sophomore guard will continue his career with the Hurricanes, returning to the state where his basketball journey began.
#michigan #next #transfer #mike
One notable exception has now found his next home.
Former Michigan point guard L.J. Cason announced Tuesday that he is transferring to Miami, ending a brief stay in the transfer portal and beginning the next chapter of his college career back in his home state of Florida.
Cason officially entered the NCAA transfer portal on Monday. Less than 24 hours later, his decision was made.
The sophomore guard will continue his career with the Hurricanes, returning to the state where his basketball journey began.
#michigan #next #transfer #mike
2 months ago
L.J. Cason is headed home.
Cason, the the former Michigan guard from Lakeland, Florida, announced Tuesday he is transferring to Miami (Florida).
Cason spent two seasons at Michigan, after committing to Florida Atlantic, where Dusty May was head coach. He followed May to Michigan, where he cracked the rotation as a freshman and was a key contributor as a sophomore. As the team's backup point guard, he averaged 8.4 points and 2.4 ******* ists in 18.6 minutes and shot 40.2% from 3-point range across 28 games last season.
Cason was playing his best basketball and was having a breakout campaign when he went down with a torn ACL in late February. He held off having surgery until April 9 — three days after Michigan beat UConn in the national ******* le game — so he could still be with the team during the NCAA Tournament.
Cason was the lone holdover Michigan was unable to hang on to following May's departure to the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. The other 13 players on the roster previously announced their plans to stay at Michigan for the 2026-27 season and play for former ******* istant Mike Boynton Jr., who agreed to a two-year deal as the Wolverines' head coach this month.
#coach
Cason, the the former Michigan guard from Lakeland, Florida, announced Tuesday he is transferring to Miami (Florida).
Cason spent two seasons at Michigan, after committing to Florida Atlantic, where Dusty May was head coach. He followed May to Michigan, where he cracked the rotation as a freshman and was a key contributor as a sophomore. As the team's backup point guard, he averaged 8.4 points and 2.4 ******* ists in 18.6 minutes and shot 40.2% from 3-point range across 28 games last season.
Cason was playing his best basketball and was having a breakout campaign when he went down with a torn ACL in late February. He held off having surgery until April 9 — three days after Michigan beat UConn in the national ******* le game — so he could still be with the team during the NCAA Tournament.
Cason was the lone holdover Michigan was unable to hang on to following May's departure to the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. The other 13 players on the roster previously announced their plans to stay at Michigan for the 2026-27 season and play for former ******* istant Mike Boynton Jr., who agreed to a two-year deal as the Wolverines' head coach this month.
#coach
2 months ago
Michigan men's basketball point guard L.J. Cason officially entered his name into the transfer portal on July 20. Just one day later, he has a new college basketball home.
The Florida native is taking his talents back to his home state, as he is set to transfer to the University of Miami.
Cason was a three-star prospect and originally committed to Florida Atlantic in the 2024 recruiting class before Dusty May left for Michigan. He followed May to Ann Arbor and found immediate success as a true freshman, playing in all 30 games off the bench. He averaged 4.3 points, 1.4 rebounds and one ****** ist in 11.8 minutes per game his first year in college.
He took another step forward this past year, playing in 28 games and averaging 8.4 points, 2.4 ****** ists and 1.9 rebounds in 18.6 minutes per game. Cason was playing really well midseason prior to his season-ending ACL injury at Illinois on Feb. 27, the night the Wolverines clinched the Big Ten regular-season championship.
Head coach Mike Boynton Jr. and company will now be tasked with coming up with a plan to distribute minutes at the point guard position for the 2026-27 season. Cason was reportedly eyeing a late-season return from his ACL tear, but now that he is officially gone, developing a plan with the remaining guys on the roster should be a priority. Elliot Cadeau is locked in as the starter, while Trey McKenney and Brandon McCoy Jr. will also likely ply a factor handling the ball. The Wolverines also welcome in another true freshman in Joseph Hartman who might be able to earn some minutes at point guard as well.
#season #Florida #wolverines
The Florida native is taking his talents back to his home state, as he is set to transfer to the University of Miami.
Cason was a three-star prospect and originally committed to Florida Atlantic in the 2024 recruiting class before Dusty May left for Michigan. He followed May to Ann Arbor and found immediate success as a true freshman, playing in all 30 games off the bench. He averaged 4.3 points, 1.4 rebounds and one ****** ist in 11.8 minutes per game his first year in college.
He took another step forward this past year, playing in 28 games and averaging 8.4 points, 2.4 ****** ists and 1.9 rebounds in 18.6 minutes per game. Cason was playing really well midseason prior to his season-ending ACL injury at Illinois on Feb. 27, the night the Wolverines clinched the Big Ten regular-season championship.
Head coach Mike Boynton Jr. and company will now be tasked with coming up with a plan to distribute minutes at the point guard position for the 2026-27 season. Cason was reportedly eyeing a late-season return from his ACL tear, but now that he is officially gone, developing a plan with the remaining guys on the roster should be a priority. Elliot Cadeau is locked in as the starter, while Trey McKenney and Brandon McCoy Jr. will also likely ply a factor handling the ball. The Wolverines also welcome in another true freshman in Joseph Hartman who might be able to earn some minutes at point guard as well.
#season #Florida #wolverines
2 months ago
Mike Boynton Jr. is set to lose his first player since being named head coach, as Michigan point guard L.J. Cason intends on entering the transfer portal upon its opening for every player on the Wolverines’ roster.
Cason came to Michigan as a lowly regarded three-star prospect out of Lakeland, Florida. Former head coach Dusty May landed his commitment at Florida Atlantic prior to him leaving for the Michigan job, so Cason followed him to Ann Arbor. He contributed right away as a true freshman, playing in all 30 games coming off the bench for the Wolverines. Cason averaged 4.3 points, 1.4 rebounds, one ***** ist in 11.8 minutes per game.
He took a major step forward as a sophomore in the national championship-winning 2025-26 season, playing in 28 games (off the bench once again) and averaging 8.4 points, 2.4 ***** ists and 1.9 rebounds in 18.6 minutes per game. Cason was on a midseason heater — including putting up a career-high 18 points at Northwestern on Feb. 11 — prior to his season-ending torn ACL injury that he suffered in the Big Ten regular-season championship-clinching win at Illinois on Feb. 27.
Cason may have only played in seven more minutes per game between his freshman and sophomore years, but his shooting percentage significantly improved. This past season, Cason shot 50.3 percent from the field (81-for-161) and 40.2 percent from beyond the arc (33-for-82), more than doubling his three-point total as a freshman.
Prior to May leaving for the Dallas Mavericks, there was a plan in place for Cason to redshirt during the 2026-27 season. However, the 5-in-5 rule that passed by the NCAA earlier this summer enabled him to possibly be able to return for the upcoming season. This rule gives college athletes five years to compete from the time they turn 19 years old or graduate from high school, whichever happens first. This is set to end redshirting altogether and, in turn, let Cason return from injury sooner than once expected.
Cason came to Michigan as a lowly regarded three-star prospect out of Lakeland, Florida. Former head coach Dusty May landed his commitment at Florida Atlantic prior to him leaving for the Michigan job, so Cason followed him to Ann Arbor. He contributed right away as a true freshman, playing in all 30 games coming off the bench for the Wolverines. Cason averaged 4.3 points, 1.4 rebounds, one ***** ist in 11.8 minutes per game.
He took a major step forward as a sophomore in the national championship-winning 2025-26 season, playing in 28 games (off the bench once again) and averaging 8.4 points, 2.4 ***** ists and 1.9 rebounds in 18.6 minutes per game. Cason was on a midseason heater — including putting up a career-high 18 points at Northwestern on Feb. 11 — prior to his season-ending torn ACL injury that he suffered in the Big Ten regular-season championship-clinching win at Illinois on Feb. 27.
Cason may have only played in seven more minutes per game between his freshman and sophomore years, but his shooting percentage significantly improved. This past season, Cason shot 50.3 percent from the field (81-for-161) and 40.2 percent from beyond the arc (33-for-82), more than doubling his three-point total as a freshman.
Prior to May leaving for the Dallas Mavericks, there was a plan in place for Cason to redshirt during the 2026-27 season. However, the 5-in-5 rule that passed by the NCAA earlier this summer enabled him to possibly be able to return for the upcoming season. This rule gives college athletes five years to compete from the time they turn 19 years old or graduate from high school, whichever happens first. This is set to end redshirting altogether and, in turn, let Cason return from injury sooner than once expected.
2 months ago
Mike Boynton Jr. has added some head coaching experience to his Michigan staff.
ESPN's Pete Thamel reported on Monday afternoon that the Wolverines are hiring Brown coach Mike Martin as an ****** istant. Martin, who is 44, has been the head coach at his alma mater since 2012 and holds a 171-202 record.
He did not lead the Bears to an NCAA tournament bid in his 13 seasons in Providence, though he did turn in five winning seasons and led Brown to a CIT bid in 2014 and a CBI bid in 2019. That season, he was also named the Ivy League's Coach of the Year.
Now, he'll provide some experience on staff for Boynton, who enters his first season as head coach after he was elevated following Dusty May's departure. Boynton managed to maintain nearly all of Michigan's roster despite the June coaching change, and now, he's shoring up his new staff.
The Wolverines retained much of their staff but saw some key changes. ****** istant Justin Joyner became the head coach at Oregon State, while Drew Williamson followed May to Dallas as an ****** istant. Akeem Miskdeen is still listed as a member of the Wolverines coaching staff, as is general manager Kyle Church.
ESPN's Pete Thamel reported on Monday afternoon that the Wolverines are hiring Brown coach Mike Martin as an ****** istant. Martin, who is 44, has been the head coach at his alma mater since 2012 and holds a 171-202 record.
He did not lead the Bears to an NCAA tournament bid in his 13 seasons in Providence, though he did turn in five winning seasons and led Brown to a CIT bid in 2014 and a CBI bid in 2019. That season, he was also named the Ivy League's Coach of the Year.
Now, he'll provide some experience on staff for Boynton, who enters his first season as head coach after he was elevated following Dusty May's departure. Boynton managed to maintain nearly all of Michigan's roster despite the June coaching change, and now, he's shoring up his new staff.
The Wolverines retained much of their staff but saw some key changes. ****** istant Justin Joyner became the head coach at Oregon State, while Drew Williamson followed May to Dallas as an ****** istant. Akeem Miskdeen is still listed as a member of the Wolverines coaching staff, as is general manager Kyle Church.
2 months ago
Mike Boynton Jr. has made his first move as Michigan basketball coach.
The Wolverines are hiring longtime Brown head coach Mike Martin to fill an ******* istant coaching role, a person with knowledge of the situation but not permitted to speak publicly on the matter told the Free Press on Monday, July 13.
The 44-year-old Martin was Brown coach for 14 seasons (including 2020-21, skipped by Ivy League teams), hired by the Bears a few weeks before he turned 30. He was named Ivy League Coach of the Year in 2019 and is the first of possibly multiple staffers who could join Boynton and company after a summer of coaching turnover.
HONOR ROLL: Michigan legend Glen Rice named to Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame
Boynton was officially hired as U-M coach on Friday, less than three weeks after ex-coach Dusty May left for the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. May took ******* istant Drew Williamson and Mody Maor, who was expected to join U-M's staff for the 2026-27 season from ******* an but was never formally announced.
The Wolverines are hiring longtime Brown head coach Mike Martin to fill an ******* istant coaching role, a person with knowledge of the situation but not permitted to speak publicly on the matter told the Free Press on Monday, July 13.
The 44-year-old Martin was Brown coach for 14 seasons (including 2020-21, skipped by Ivy League teams), hired by the Bears a few weeks before he turned 30. He was named Ivy League Coach of the Year in 2019 and is the first of possibly multiple staffers who could join Boynton and company after a summer of coaching turnover.
HONOR ROLL: Michigan legend Glen Rice named to Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame
Boynton was officially hired as U-M coach on Friday, less than three weeks after ex-coach Dusty May left for the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. May took ******* istant Drew Williamson and Mody Maor, who was expected to join U-M's staff for the 2026-27 season from ******* an but was never formally announced.
3 months ago
College basketball today is fueled by talent, NIL, and transfer portals, but nothing moves the needle quite like a fierce, deep-rooted rivalry. If there were any doubts about how new University of Michigan men's basketball head coach Mike Boynton Jr. plans to approach the legendary intra-state war with Michigan State, those doubts were emphatically erased today.
In his first major recruiting chess move since officially signing a two-year contract to succeed Dusty May—who departed for the NBA's Dallas Mavericks after leading the Wolverines to the 2026 national championship—Boynton has thrown a dynamite stick right into the heart of East Lansing. The very first scholarship offer extended under the Boynton era has gone to Glendale (AZ) Dream City Christian four-star point guard Mateen Cleaves Jr.
Yes, that Mateen Cleaves.
A Direct Shot Across the Bow
To understand the sheer audacity of this move, one must understand the history embedded in the name printed on the back of the jersey. Mateen Cleaves Sr. is not just a former college basketball player; he is the definitive icon of Michigan State basketball. A three-time All-American, two-time Big Ten Player of the Year, and the ferocious, smiling point guard who led Tom Izzo to his first and only national championship in 2000, the elder Cleaves is Spartan royalty. His jersey hangs proudly in the Breslin Center rafters.
In his first major recruiting chess move since officially signing a two-year contract to succeed Dusty May—who departed for the NBA's Dallas Mavericks after leading the Wolverines to the 2026 national championship—Boynton has thrown a dynamite stick right into the heart of East Lansing. The very first scholarship offer extended under the Boynton era has gone to Glendale (AZ) Dream City Christian four-star point guard Mateen Cleaves Jr.
Yes, that Mateen Cleaves.
A Direct Shot Across the Bow
To understand the sheer audacity of this move, one must understand the history embedded in the name printed on the back of the jersey. Mateen Cleaves Sr. is not just a former college basketball player; he is the definitive icon of Michigan State basketball. A three-time All-American, two-time Big Ten Player of the Year, and the ferocious, smiling point guard who led Tom Izzo to his first and only national championship in 2000, the elder Cleaves is Spartan royalty. His jersey hangs proudly in the Breslin Center rafters.
3 months ago
The Wolverines began last season’s national championship campaign with a home game against the Golden Grizzlies.
The two teams are going to run it back again — same date, same place.
Michigan will kick off its national ******* le defense and the Mike Boynton Jr. era by hosting Oakland in the 2026-27 season opener on Nov. 3 at Crisler Center, according to a signed game contract obtained by The Detroit News through a Freedom of Information Act request.
This marks the third consecutive year the two in-state programs will square off. Two seasons ago, Michigan beat Oakland in a charity exhibition at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Last season, the Wolverines dominated in a 121-78 rout in Ann Arbor.
Overall, it’ll be the 11th all-time meeting between the two programs during the regular season. Michigan holds a 9-1 edge in the series, has won the past eight matchups and is 7-0 in games played at Crisler Center, though Oakland nearly pulled off the upset in an overtime loss in Ann Arbor in November 2020.
The two teams are going to run it back again — same date, same place.
Michigan will kick off its national ******* le defense and the Mike Boynton Jr. era by hosting Oakland in the 2026-27 season opener on Nov. 3 at Crisler Center, according to a signed game contract obtained by The Detroit News through a Freedom of Information Act request.
This marks the third consecutive year the two in-state programs will square off. Two seasons ago, Michigan beat Oakland in a charity exhibition at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Last season, the Wolverines dominated in a 121-78 rout in Ann Arbor.
Overall, it’ll be the 11th all-time meeting between the two programs during the regular season. Michigan holds a 9-1 edge in the series, has won the past eight matchups and is 7-0 in games played at Crisler Center, though Oakland nearly pulled off the upset in an overtime loss in Ann Arbor in November 2020.
3 months ago
By keeping most of Michigan's team intact this offseason, it appears interim head coach Mike Boynton has earned the trust of the University and been awarded a two-year deal.
It has been less than a month since Dusty May left Michigan after winning a national championship and took a job in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks. The University moved quickly to name Boynton the interim at the time, and he was handed the difficult task of retaining the roster that May had built, which many consider one of the strongest in the country and once again a Big Ten favorite.
Ohio State fans kept tabs on the story as no one likes it when their arch-rivals succeed, much less at the level that the Wolverines had done. With May in charge, it seemed like the Wolverines had the potential to be a thorn in the side of Ohio State for years to come. With Boynton, the future is unclear. Boynton, 44, is best known for his seven-year run as head coach at Oklahoma State. He went 119-109 with the Cowboys, highlighted by a 21-9 record in 2020-21.
After going 12-20 in 2023-24, Oklahoma State decided to part ways with its head coach, and he resurfaced as an ******* istant coach in Ann Arbor.
It would be safe to ******* ume that Boynton's ability to keep most of the roster intact is one of the reasons he was awarded the new contract. But after coming off a national championship season, the margin of error that will be afforded him may be slim.
It has been less than a month since Dusty May left Michigan after winning a national championship and took a job in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks. The University moved quickly to name Boynton the interim at the time, and he was handed the difficult task of retaining the roster that May had built, which many consider one of the strongest in the country and once again a Big Ten favorite.
Ohio State fans kept tabs on the story as no one likes it when their arch-rivals succeed, much less at the level that the Wolverines had done. With May in charge, it seemed like the Wolverines had the potential to be a thorn in the side of Ohio State for years to come. With Boynton, the future is unclear. Boynton, 44, is best known for his seven-year run as head coach at Oklahoma State. He went 119-109 with the Cowboys, highlighted by a 21-9 record in 2020-21.
After going 12-20 in 2023-24, Oklahoma State decided to part ways with its head coach, and he resurfaced as an ******* istant coach in Ann Arbor.
It would be safe to ******* ume that Boynton's ability to keep most of the roster intact is one of the reasons he was awarded the new contract. But after coming off a national championship season, the margin of error that will be afforded him may be slim.
3 months ago
Michigan officially ushered in a new era on Friday by naming Mike Boynton Jr. the program's next head men's basketball coach. It didn't take long for two of the biggest names in Wolverines basketball to weigh in on the decision.
Former Michigan head coach Dusty May, now leading the Dallas Mavericks, and legendary former Wolverines coach John Beilein both offered glowing endorsements of Boynton, expressing confidence that the program remains in excellent hands.
May, who spent the past two seasons rebuilding Michigan into a national championship program before leaving for the NBA, praised Boynton for the impact he has already made in Ann Arbor.
"You couldn't ask for a better person to lead Michigan basketball," May said. "Mike has poured everything he has into this program from the day he got here. He's an outstanding coach, an even better person, and our players believe in him because they see the work he puts in every single day."
May also expressed his excitement for Boynton and his family as they begin this next chapter.
Former Michigan head coach Dusty May, now leading the Dallas Mavericks, and legendary former Wolverines coach John Beilein both offered glowing endorsements of Boynton, expressing confidence that the program remains in excellent hands.
May, who spent the past two seasons rebuilding Michigan into a national championship program before leaving for the NBA, praised Boynton for the impact he has already made in Ann Arbor.
"You couldn't ask for a better person to lead Michigan basketball," May said. "Mike has poured everything he has into this program from the day he got here. He's an outstanding coach, an even better person, and our players believe in him because they see the work he puts in every single day."
May also expressed his excitement for Boynton and his family as they begin this next chapter.
3 months ago
Michigan basketball removed the interim tag from Mike Boynton Jr.'s ***** le and officially named him the head coach on Friday, July 10.
He will begin with a two-year contract, according to a release sent out by the program.
"Mike is a veteran ***** istant with strong head coaching experience and a clear understanding of the standard we expect at Michigan," athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement. "Over the past two seasons, he has been an invaluable member of our staff, bringing stability, leadership and perspective during an important period of success.
"Our players and staff believe in his vision, are committed to his leadership and are excited for the opportunity to pursue great success together this season."
Boynton was named the interim just days after Dusty May abruptly left the program to take the job as head coach of the Dallas Mavericks and in the weeks since has spent his time re-recruiting the Michigan roster. To this point, 13 of the 14 scholarship players have reaffirmed their commitment to the Wolverines, with junior guard L.J. Cason as the final piece to make a decision.
He will begin with a two-year contract, according to a release sent out by the program.
"Mike is a veteran ***** istant with strong head coaching experience and a clear understanding of the standard we expect at Michigan," athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement. "Over the past two seasons, he has been an invaluable member of our staff, bringing stability, leadership and perspective during an important period of success.
"Our players and staff believe in his vision, are committed to his leadership and are excited for the opportunity to pursue great success together this season."
Boynton was named the interim just days after Dusty May abruptly left the program to take the job as head coach of the Dallas Mavericks and in the weeks since has spent his time re-recruiting the Michigan roster. To this point, 13 of the 14 scholarship players have reaffirmed their commitment to the Wolverines, with junior guard L.J. Cason as the final piece to make a decision.
3 months ago
Michigan basketball has gotten a big commitment from one of its final players still deciding about where to play in 2026-27 after Dusty May's departure.
Quinn Costello, a McDonald's All-American incoming freshman from Newman, Massachusetts (The Newman School), shared on his social media that he has reaffirmed his commitment to the Wolverines and will stay at U-M despite the departure of May.
Costello, who ranked the No. 32 player in the nation and the No. 6 power forward in the country, per 247Sports' composite rankings, was a major part of U-M's elite freshman recruiting class. Michigan will now bring in all six freshmen who originally committed to U-M, which made it the No. 1 class in the Big Ten and No. 4 crop in the country.
"It's been awesome to watch," Costello said in a conversation with the Free Press in January of U-M's start to the year. "To see what they've been able to accomplish, the teams they're blowing out. ... Looks like they're having a ton of fun out there and I'm excited to be a part of it."
Interim coach Mike Boynton Jr. and company have been perfect to this point, as all 13 players who have made a decision about the upcoming season have chosen to stay in Ann Arbor.
Quinn Costello, a McDonald's All-American incoming freshman from Newman, Massachusetts (The Newman School), shared on his social media that he has reaffirmed his commitment to the Wolverines and will stay at U-M despite the departure of May.
Costello, who ranked the No. 32 player in the nation and the No. 6 power forward in the country, per 247Sports' composite rankings, was a major part of U-M's elite freshman recruiting class. Michigan will now bring in all six freshmen who originally committed to U-M, which made it the No. 1 class in the Big Ten and No. 4 crop in the country.
"It's been awesome to watch," Costello said in a conversation with the Free Press in January of U-M's start to the year. "To see what they've been able to accomplish, the teams they're blowing out. ... Looks like they're having a ton of fun out there and I'm excited to be a part of it."
Interim coach Mike Boynton Jr. and company have been perfect to this point, as all 13 players who have made a decision about the upcoming season have chosen to stay in Ann Arbor.
3 months ago
We have heard directly from another Michigan basketball player since a sudden coaching change June 22.
Among those who have already reaffirmed their commitment, incoming graduate transfer Jalen Reed − a wing from LSU − is the first transfer to speak publicly after coach Dusty May's departure to coach the NBA's Dallas Mavericks.
Reed explained the team's emotions after the the move was announced, when he recently sat down with the program's radio play-by-play voice Brian Boesch on an episode of "Defend The Block" podcast.
“I’ve just been really impressed with how much guys are in the gym and how much guys really believe in each other and believe in this team," Reed said. "It was easy for when Dusty left for everybody to kind of split and splinter, but everybody said, ‘When we woke up this morning, before the news broke, we thought we were a championship team – and nothing has really changed but Dusty’s left.'"
U-M named former **** istant coach Mike Boynton Jr. as its interim coach and thus far, 12 of the 14 scholarship players have publicly reaffirmed their status with the program. The lone exceptions are junior point guard L.J. Cason (coming off an ACL injury) and incoming freshman McDonald's All-American Quinn Costello.
Among those who have already reaffirmed their commitment, incoming graduate transfer Jalen Reed − a wing from LSU − is the first transfer to speak publicly after coach Dusty May's departure to coach the NBA's Dallas Mavericks.
Reed explained the team's emotions after the the move was announced, when he recently sat down with the program's radio play-by-play voice Brian Boesch on an episode of "Defend The Block" podcast.
“I’ve just been really impressed with how much guys are in the gym and how much guys really believe in each other and believe in this team," Reed said. "It was easy for when Dusty left for everybody to kind of split and splinter, but everybody said, ‘When we woke up this morning, before the news broke, we thought we were a championship team – and nothing has really changed but Dusty’s left.'"
U-M named former **** istant coach Mike Boynton Jr. as its interim coach and thus far, 12 of the 14 scholarship players have publicly reaffirmed their status with the program. The lone exceptions are junior point guard L.J. Cason (coming off an ACL injury) and incoming freshman McDonald's All-American Quinn Costello.
3 months ago
It’s another day with more reports that Michigan basketball will keep a few of more of its players on the roster despite the departure of Dusty May. Today, multiple reports said fans should expect center Marcus Moller, guard/forward Ricky Liburd, and forward Oscar Goodman on the roster for the 2026-2027 season.
Earlier today, Rivals’ Joe Tipton shared that freshman Marcus Moller is expected to stay at Michigan. He’s a 7-foot-3 center who signed with the Wolverines as part of the class of 2026. He’s been committed to the program for nearly a year, and Michigan stuck with him even after he announced a cancer diagnosis. He was the first player in Michigan’s 2026 class to commit.
This afternoon, it was reported by Brice Marich that forward Oscar Goodman would be back for the season, too. Goodman was a redshirt freshman on Michigan’s national championship-winning squad. He wasn’t the largest contributor on the team, finishing with 86 minutes, 10 shots, and going 0-for-6 on 3-pointers. He finished 2-of-5 on free throws. But his decision to stay shows continuity on the roster and buy-in from the program when it comes to interim coach Mike Boynton.
Ricky Liburd didn’t have any stats from his freshman season at Michigan since he decided to redshirt, but it’s once again a good sign that Boynton is keeping the guys on the roster despite the departure of Dusty May. John Rothstein posted the news earlier today and shared that Liburd could be a breakout player in Ann Arbor once the season starts.
What are your thoughts on the latest players sticking with the Wolverines? Let us know in the comments!
Earlier today, Rivals’ Joe Tipton shared that freshman Marcus Moller is expected to stay at Michigan. He’s a 7-foot-3 center who signed with the Wolverines as part of the class of 2026. He’s been committed to the program for nearly a year, and Michigan stuck with him even after he announced a cancer diagnosis. He was the first player in Michigan’s 2026 class to commit.
This afternoon, it was reported by Brice Marich that forward Oscar Goodman would be back for the season, too. Goodman was a redshirt freshman on Michigan’s national championship-winning squad. He wasn’t the largest contributor on the team, finishing with 86 minutes, 10 shots, and going 0-for-6 on 3-pointers. He finished 2-of-5 on free throws. But his decision to stay shows continuity on the roster and buy-in from the program when it comes to interim coach Mike Boynton.
Ricky Liburd didn’t have any stats from his freshman season at Michigan since he decided to redshirt, but it’s once again a good sign that Boynton is keeping the guys on the roster despite the departure of Dusty May. John Rothstein posted the news earlier today and shared that Liburd could be a breakout player in Ann Arbor once the season starts.
What are your thoughts on the latest players sticking with the Wolverines? Let us know in the comments!
3 months ago
Michigan basketball has moved another step closer toward keeping its entire roster intact after Dusty May’s departure.
Incoming freshman Marcus Moller, a 7-foot-3 center from Denmark, and redshirt sophomore guard Ricky Liburd are reportedly sticking with the Wolverines amid the program’s coaching change.
Moller and Liburd are the 10th and 11th Michigan players who’ve pledged to stay after May left for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and Mike Boynton Jr. was named interim head coach. That list includes fellow freshmen Malachi Brown, Lincoln Cosby, Joseph Hartman and Brandon McCoy Jr.; transfers J.P. Estrella, Moustapha Thiam and Jalen Reed; and returners Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney.
Moller was the first of six commits in Michigan’s 2026 recruiting class that’s ranked fourth nationally by 247Sports. At 7-3, he’ll match former center Aday Mara as the tallest player in program history.
“Marcus is a connector. He plays for his teammates, talks on defense and embraces preparation. He really plays with a poise beyond his years,” May said in a statement when Moller signed with the program in November.
Incoming freshman Marcus Moller, a 7-foot-3 center from Denmark, and redshirt sophomore guard Ricky Liburd are reportedly sticking with the Wolverines amid the program’s coaching change.
Moller and Liburd are the 10th and 11th Michigan players who’ve pledged to stay after May left for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and Mike Boynton Jr. was named interim head coach. That list includes fellow freshmen Malachi Brown, Lincoln Cosby, Joseph Hartman and Brandon McCoy Jr.; transfers J.P. Estrella, Moustapha Thiam and Jalen Reed; and returners Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney.
Moller was the first of six commits in Michigan’s 2026 recruiting class that’s ranked fourth nationally by 247Sports. At 7-3, he’ll match former center Aday Mara as the tallest player in program history.
“Marcus is a connector. He plays for his teammates, talks on defense and embraces preparation. He really plays with a poise beyond his years,” May said in a statement when Moller signed with the program in November.
3 months ago
Another Michigan basketball player is staying in the fold.
Marcus Moller, a 7-foot-3 incoming freshman center from Denmark, will stay with the program despite the departures of coach Dusty May, according to a report by On3's Joe Tipton. Mike Boynton Jr. was named interim coach in the days following May's departure to the Dallas Mavericks, and he's kept the vast majority of the team intact.
Moller, one of six freshmen who signed with the Wolverines, is now the fifth newcomer to announce he's staying with Michigan, joining five-star Brandon McCoy Jr., four-star Joseph Hartman, four-star Lincoln Cosby and three-star Malachi Brown. The last freshman who has not announced is McDonald's All-American Quinn Costello.
Michigan also got good news in recent weeks from what's projected to be its starting lineup, with Elliot Cadeau, Trey McKenney, J.P. Estrella and Moustapha Thiam (alongside McCoy) all stating they will stay with the program for the 2026-27 season. The same goes for LSU transfer big man Jalen Reed.
U-M is just waiting on word from Costello and three returning pieces: L.J. Cason (who is coming off of a torn ACL), Oscar Goodman and Ricky Liburd.
Marcus Moller, a 7-foot-3 incoming freshman center from Denmark, will stay with the program despite the departures of coach Dusty May, according to a report by On3's Joe Tipton. Mike Boynton Jr. was named interim coach in the days following May's departure to the Dallas Mavericks, and he's kept the vast majority of the team intact.
Moller, one of six freshmen who signed with the Wolverines, is now the fifth newcomer to announce he's staying with Michigan, joining five-star Brandon McCoy Jr., four-star Joseph Hartman, four-star Lincoln Cosby and three-star Malachi Brown. The last freshman who has not announced is McDonald's All-American Quinn Costello.
Michigan also got good news in recent weeks from what's projected to be its starting lineup, with Elliot Cadeau, Trey McKenney, J.P. Estrella and Moustapha Thiam (alongside McCoy) all stating they will stay with the program for the 2026-27 season. The same goes for LSU transfer big man Jalen Reed.
U-M is just waiting on word from Costello and three returning pieces: L.J. Cason (who is coming off of a torn ACL), Oscar Goodman and Ricky Liburd.
3 months ago
Michigan basketball continues to receive encouraging news as it prepares for life after Dusty May.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Brandon McCoy Jr., who is the No. 10 recruit in the nation, has decided to remain with the Wolverines, giving interim head coach Mike Boynton another major offseason victory.
“Brandon McCoy Jr. is staying at Michigan, per ESPN sources,” Thamel posted on social media. “The momentum continues for Mike Boynton keeping together what’s regarded as a Top 5 roster for 2026-27.”
McCoy’s decision is another significant development for a program that faced uncertainty following May’s departure to become the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.
Instead of watching players leave through the transfer portal, Michigan has seen several key contributors and highly regarded newcomers publicly reaffirm their commitment to the program.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Brandon McCoy Jr., who is the No. 10 recruit in the nation, has decided to remain with the Wolverines, giving interim head coach Mike Boynton another major offseason victory.
“Brandon McCoy Jr. is staying at Michigan, per ESPN sources,” Thamel posted on social media. “The momentum continues for Mike Boynton keeping together what’s regarded as a Top 5 roster for 2026-27.”
McCoy’s decision is another significant development for a program that faced uncertainty following May’s departure to become the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.
Instead of watching players leave through the transfer portal, Michigan has seen several key contributors and highly regarded newcomers publicly reaffirm their commitment to the program.
3 months ago
Michigan basketball is reportedly retaining a big transfer.
According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Tennessee transfer J.P. Estrella plans on staying with Michigan next season despite the departure of former U-M coach Dusty May. Per Thamel, Estrella "quickly bonded" with U-M interim coach Mike Boynton, whom the University officially appointed as the interim on June 23.
Estrella's re-commitment follows that of 7-foot-2 Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam, who according to On3's Joe Tipton said he would stay in Michigan on June 30.
According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Tennessee transfer J.P. Estrella plans on staying with Michigan next season despite the departure of former U-M coach Dusty May. Per Thamel, Estrella "quickly bonded" with U-M interim coach Mike Boynton, whom the University officially appointed as the interim on June 23.
Estrella's re-commitment follows that of 7-foot-2 Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam, who according to On3's Joe Tipton said he would stay in Michigan on June 30.
3 months ago
Michigan basketball is reportedly retaining a big transfer.
According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Tennessee transfer J.P. Estrella plans on staying with Michigan next season despite the departure of former U-M coach Dusty May. Per Thamel, Estrella "quickly bonded" with U-M interim coach Mike Boynton, whom the University officially appointed as the interim on June 23.
Estrella's re-commitment follows that of 7-foot-2 Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam, who according to On3's Joe Tipton said he would stay in Michigan on June 30.
Estrella averaged 10 points and 5.4 rebounds per game over 33 games as a junior with Tennessee in 2025-26, spending his first three seasons in Knoxville before transferring to Michigan. He and Thiam were part of a three-person transfer class brought in by May following the Wolverines' national championship in April.
But with May leaving for the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, it opened an opportunity for Michigan players to transfer elsewhere. So far, however, Michigan has gotten further commitments from many of its most important players, including senior point guard Elliot Cadeau and sophomore shooting guard Trey McKenney.
According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Tennessee transfer J.P. Estrella plans on staying with Michigan next season despite the departure of former U-M coach Dusty May. Per Thamel, Estrella "quickly bonded" with U-M interim coach Mike Boynton, whom the University officially appointed as the interim on June 23.
Estrella's re-commitment follows that of 7-foot-2 Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam, who according to On3's Joe Tipton said he would stay in Michigan on June 30.
Estrella averaged 10 points and 5.4 rebounds per game over 33 games as a junior with Tennessee in 2025-26, spending his first three seasons in Knoxville before transferring to Michigan. He and Thiam were part of a three-person transfer class brought in by May following the Wolverines' national championship in April.
But with May leaving for the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, it opened an opportunity for Michigan players to transfer elsewhere. So far, however, Michigan has gotten further commitments from many of its most important players, including senior point guard Elliot Cadeau and sophomore shooting guard Trey McKenney.
3 months ago
Michigan Basketball got some much-needed good news on the roster retention front, as center Moustapha Thiam will remain with the Wolverines for the 2026-27 season despite Dusty May’s departure to the Dallas Mavericks.
Thiam was one of the most coveted big men in the transfer portal this offseason. His decision to stay in Ann Arbor is a significant early win for interim head coach Mike Boynton Jr., who has spent the past week meeting with players, their agents and their families in an effort to keep the defending championship roster intact.
Thiam’s commitment to staying at Michigan cannot be overstated. With Aday Mara, Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr. all now in the NBA, the Wolverines lost their entire starting front court in one offseason. Thiam was brought in specifically to help fill that void, and his decision to stick around gives Michigan a legitimate anchor in the post heading into next season.
He brings the kind of size (7-foot-2, 250 pounds) and skillset that allows Michigan to continue running the style of offense May built over the past two seasons. Without Thiam, the Wolverines would have been scrambling to find a starting 5 at a time of year when the options are severely limited. Tennessee transfer JP Estrella likely would be the next guy up, but he also has not reaffirmed his commitment to the program as of this writing.
Thiam’s announcement is the latest positive development for Boynton and Michigan in what has been a turbulent week since May’s departure. The Wolverines have already secured verbal commitments from guards Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney, the two most important players on the roster, and now Thiam becomes the first of the transfer class to publicly commit to staying.
Thiam was one of the most coveted big men in the transfer portal this offseason. His decision to stay in Ann Arbor is a significant early win for interim head coach Mike Boynton Jr., who has spent the past week meeting with players, their agents and their families in an effort to keep the defending championship roster intact.
Thiam’s commitment to staying at Michigan cannot be overstated. With Aday Mara, Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr. all now in the NBA, the Wolverines lost their entire starting front court in one offseason. Thiam was brought in specifically to help fill that void, and his decision to stick around gives Michigan a legitimate anchor in the post heading into next season.
He brings the kind of size (7-foot-2, 250 pounds) and skillset that allows Michigan to continue running the style of offense May built over the past two seasons. Without Thiam, the Wolverines would have been scrambling to find a starting 5 at a time of year when the options are severely limited. Tennessee transfer JP Estrella likely would be the next guy up, but he also has not reaffirmed his commitment to the program as of this writing.
Thiam’s announcement is the latest positive development for Boynton and Michigan in what has been a turbulent week since May’s departure. The Wolverines have already secured verbal commitments from guards Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney, the two most important players on the roster, and now Thiam becomes the first of the transfer class to publicly commit to staying.
3 months ago
Michigan basketball wasn't supposed to be in turmoil, and while it can't fully be called that just yet, it is experiencing unexpected sudden change.
Just like in 2024 with football, after Jim Harbaugh won a national championship, he ultimately decided to pursue a pro-coaching career, with then-basketball head coach Juwan Howard being fired. Now, with Sherrone Moore having been fired on the football side, Dusty May has departed the program to coach the Dallas Mavericks, a shocking move not just to the populace but to the players themselves.
In the interim, ***** istant Mike Boynton has been named the interim. The former Oklahoma State head coach didn't have a great record with the Cowboys, but according to The Athletic, he's pitching Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel on removing that interim tag well before a game has even been played.
Interim Michigan coach Mike Boynton is hoping for a ***** le change in the next few days.
When Dusty May left for the Dallas Mavericks on Monday in a move that sent shockwaves across college basketball, Boynton, one of May’s ***** istants the past two seasons, met immediately with athletic director Warde Manuel and was asked to “hold it down” as Manuel figured out next steps. (...)
Just like in 2024 with football, after Jim Harbaugh won a national championship, he ultimately decided to pursue a pro-coaching career, with then-basketball head coach Juwan Howard being fired. Now, with Sherrone Moore having been fired on the football side, Dusty May has departed the program to coach the Dallas Mavericks, a shocking move not just to the populace but to the players themselves.
In the interim, ***** istant Mike Boynton has been named the interim. The former Oklahoma State head coach didn't have a great record with the Cowboys, but according to The Athletic, he's pitching Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel on removing that interim tag well before a game has even been played.
Interim Michigan coach Mike Boynton is hoping for a ***** le change in the next few days.
When Dusty May left for the Dallas Mavericks on Monday in a move that sent shockwaves across college basketball, Boynton, one of May’s ***** istants the past two seasons, met immediately with athletic director Warde Manuel and was asked to “hold it down” as Manuel figured out next steps. (...)
3 months ago
Michigan basketball didn't look far to find a temporary leader for the program during a whirlwind week.
Mike Boynton Jr. was named interim head coach by athletic director Warde Manuel on Tuesday, a day after news broke of Dusty May's departure for the NBA's Dallas Mavericks.
"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to continue to lead us," Boynton told BTN's Andy Katz on Tuesday night at the NBA Draft, where Morez Johnson Jr. (No. 9 overall pick), Yaxel Lendeborg (No. 11 pick) and Aday Mara (No. 12 pick) were selected in the first round.
In a statement on Tuesday, Manuel called Boynton, May's top ***** istant coach the past two seasons, "the right person" to promote "in an interim capacity," though it's unclear for how long. Manuel didn't mention a commitment to making Boynton, 44, the permanent head coach nor if a coaching search was being conducted to find May's replacement.
More: Dusty May on leaving Michigan for NBA: 'This wasn't an easy decision'
Mike Boynton Jr. was named interim head coach by athletic director Warde Manuel on Tuesday, a day after news broke of Dusty May's departure for the NBA's Dallas Mavericks.
"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to continue to lead us," Boynton told BTN's Andy Katz on Tuesday night at the NBA Draft, where Morez Johnson Jr. (No. 9 overall pick), Yaxel Lendeborg (No. 11 pick) and Aday Mara (No. 12 pick) were selected in the first round.
In a statement on Tuesday, Manuel called Boynton, May's top ***** istant coach the past two seasons, "the right person" to promote "in an interim capacity," though it's unclear for how long. Manuel didn't mention a commitment to making Boynton, 44, the permanent head coach nor if a coaching search was being conducted to find May's replacement.
More: Dusty May on leaving Michigan for NBA: 'This wasn't an easy decision'
3 months ago
Dusty May knew the game, embraced the game and played it brilliantly. In two stirring seasons at Michigan, he balanced the transactional aspects of a rapidly changing sport and became a coaching star. A coveted star.
May made an indelible mark at UM, capping a 37-3 season with a national championship, the Wolverines' first in 37 years. And once the whirlwind of opportunities started, it wasn't going to stop. At least not until Monday, when May left Michigan to coach the NBA's Dallas Mavericks.
It's a crushing blow for the Wolverines, but they knew the cost of success in college basketball's current climate. It's a fitting final transaction for May, and the only major surprise is the timing, two months after the season, and after recruiting and portal signings. His top ******* istant, Mike Boynton Jr., will likely take over as an interim, which gives the Wolverines a chance at a workable transition, with the roster already rebuilt and pegged as a top-five team next season.
May had a new contract agreement with UM but hadn't yet signed it. The way it appears, that was at least semi-intentional, as he was frequently mentioned as a candidate for the NBA, just like his players, Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. I doubt this was strictly a money issue, although he'll be handsomely compensated in Dallas. But if there's more that AD Warde Manuel could have done, we need to hear it.
Just as Jim Harbaugh departed after the 2023 football national championship for a multitude of reasons — NFL lure, ongoing scandal, pending punishment — May apparently had aspirations that Manuel couldn't fulfill. (No, Harbaugh was never staying at UM amid the NCAA sanctions). May's contract has already been redone once, and with Big Ten and national ******* les, his pay topped $5 million this past season. He hauled in a top-five recruiting class and a top-12 portal class, so sustainability and security certainly weren't issues.
May made an indelible mark at UM, capping a 37-3 season with a national championship, the Wolverines' first in 37 years. And once the whirlwind of opportunities started, it wasn't going to stop. At least not until Monday, when May left Michigan to coach the NBA's Dallas Mavericks.
It's a crushing blow for the Wolverines, but they knew the cost of success in college basketball's current climate. It's a fitting final transaction for May, and the only major surprise is the timing, two months after the season, and after recruiting and portal signings. His top ******* istant, Mike Boynton Jr., will likely take over as an interim, which gives the Wolverines a chance at a workable transition, with the roster already rebuilt and pegged as a top-five team next season.
May had a new contract agreement with UM but hadn't yet signed it. The way it appears, that was at least semi-intentional, as he was frequently mentioned as a candidate for the NBA, just like his players, Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. I doubt this was strictly a money issue, although he'll be handsomely compensated in Dallas. But if there's more that AD Warde Manuel could have done, we need to hear it.
Just as Jim Harbaugh departed after the 2023 football national championship for a multitude of reasons — NFL lure, ongoing scandal, pending punishment — May apparently had aspirations that Manuel couldn't fulfill. (No, Harbaugh was never staying at UM amid the NCAA sanctions). May's contract has already been redone once, and with Big Ten and national ******* les, his pay topped $5 million this past season. He hauled in a top-five recruiting class and a top-12 portal class, so sustainability and security certainly weren't issues.
