As the summer winds down, the University of Michigan men’s basketball team is wrapping up its offseason training with a renewed sense of focus, energy, and potential. Under the guidance of new head coach Dusty May, who took over the reins earlier this year, the Wolverines have embraced an intensive summer program aimed at building chemistry, refining fundamentals, and re-establishing a winning culture in Ann Arbor.
“Our guys have shown a really great work capacity,” Coach May said during a recent update. “They’ve been willing to push themselves physically and mentally, and that’s a great foundation to build on.”
After a rocky 2024 season, Michigan entered the summer with a clear agenda: rebuild the culture, establish accountability, and mold a team that competes on every possession. Summer workouts have provided the perfect platform for the coaching staff to instill these values. From early morning lifts to high-intensity skill development sessions and team bonding activities, the Wolverines are laying the groundwork for what they hope will be a turnaround campaign.
A mix of returning players, incoming transfers, and freshmen has made this summer particularly important. Leadership from veterans like Dug McDaniel and Tarris Reed Jr. has helped integrate the new faces, including key transfer additions expected to make an immediate impact. Coach May emphasized the importance of player-led leadership, noting that it has been instrumental in building trust within the group.
“Every day, you see someone stepping up, whether it’s vocally or by example,” May said. “That’s the kind of internal leadership championship teams need.”
Player development has been a major point of emphasis. With a new coaching staff bringing fresh perspectives and philosophies, players are being challenged to expand their games and adopt new roles. There’s also a heavy focus on conditioning and pace of play—both hallmarks of May’s style during his successful run at Florida Atlantic.
In addition to physical development, mental toughness and discipline have been key themes. The coaching staff has introduced team-building exercises and competitive drills that force players to communicate, stay locked in under pressure, and hold one another accountable. This holistic approach is designed to prepare the Wolverines for the grind of Big Ten play and to create a cohesive unit capable of navigating adversity.
While it’s too early to predict where Michigan will land in the conference standings, the signs coming out of summer are encouraging. The energy in the program feels different—more focused, more committed, more intentional.
“We’re not trying to fast-forward anything,” said May. “But we are seeing progress every day. That’s the most important thing right now.”
As the team prepares for fall practices and the start of the 2025–26 season, there’s a sense of cautious optimism brewing in Ann Arbor. With hard work already defining their summer, the Wolverines hope it becomes the defining trait of their season ahead.
