Dusty May has a keen sense for the exhilarating atmosphere in college basketball when Michigan and Michigan State vie for supremacy in the Big Ten. This season is shaping up to be a classic, with Michigan currently sitting at No. 20 in the rankings, boasting a 13-3 overall record and a perfect 5-0 in conference play. Michigan State, meanwhile, holds the No. 12 spot nationally with a 14-2 mark and is also undefeated in the Big Ten.
It’s a tight race to the top of the standings, and May acknowledges the tension, even though Tom Izzo’s Spartans aren’t on Michigan’s schedule until February. “We’re keeping tabs on everyone in the Big Ten,” May commented. “Naturally, we cross paths and hear a lot about them, especially when they’re performing at such a high level. It’s great for college basketball to have both teams competing at the top. As long as we’re in the mix, we don’t really mind where the Spartans are. It definitely spices things up and elevates basketball in Michigan.”
May is also eager to see young players experience the electric environments these matchups create. “Those are positives, but right now, my focus isn’t on Michigan State. With so many more games ahead, we’re zeroed in on Minnesota first, then turning to Northwestern, and Purdue after that. But all eyes are on Minnesota right now.”
Under May’s leadership, Michigan is riding a five-game winning streak, which includes significant conference victories against the likes of USC, UCLA, and Washington. Next on the agenda is a road game at Minnesota this Thursday, followed by a Sunday showdown with Northwestern back in Ann Arbor.
May, now in his first season coaching the Wolverines, arrived from Florida Atlantic, where he made a name for himself over six seasons by posting a 126-69 record and leading the team to a memorable Final Four run in 2023. FAU’s recent first-round exit from the NCAA Tournament didn’t deter many from predicting May’s immediate influence on Michigan. While the Wolverines needed some rebuilding, they’ve quickly emerged as a top 20 team and legitimate contenders for the Big Ten crown.
