In a thrilling shake-up, the Dallas Mavericks are on the brink of securing Michigan's Dusty May as their new head coach, according to an insider tip shared with The Associated Press. May, who recently led the Wolverines to their first NCAA championship since 1989, is set to transition from college basketball to guide the Mavericks in the NBA.
The news, reported by an anonymous source, comes hot on the heels of the Mavericks' decision to part ways with Jason Kidd. The buzz is that May will step in just as Masai Ujiri takes the helm as the Mavericks' president of basketball operations.
Dusty May's tenure with Michigan was nothing short of spectacular. He catapulted the Wolverines to NCAA glory with a gripping 69-63 triumph over UConn, wrapping up the season with a stellar 34-3 record. His strategic prowess was on full display as Michigan became the first team to notch over 90 points in five straight tournament games.
“I've gained so much knowledge from him,” says Yaxel Lendeborg, a Michigan alum expected to shine in the upcoming NBA draft. “Dusty's run at Michigan mirrored professional play in more ways than one.”
“I was a fan of Dusty’s when he was at FAU. After playing for him, I’m a bigger fan. I have so much respect for Dusty May, I can’t even tell you.”
May's climb in the coaching world has been meteoric. Before his Michigan stint, he led Florida Atlantic to a historic Final Four appearance in 2023, boasting an impressive 35-4 record.
As he prepares to join the Mavericks, May is greeted by a promising roster featuring Cooper Flagg, the 2025 No. 1 overall draft pick and reigning Rookie of the Year. The team also anticipates the return of seasoned star Kyrie Irving, who is bouncing back from a sidelining ACL injury.
May's coaching journey began humbly at Murray State and spanned roles at UAB, Louisiana Tech, and Florida. His college career closed on an incredible note, with a 124-26 record in four seasons, placing him among the elite in college basketball coaching.
With a strong foundation laid at Michigan and FAU, Dusty May is ready to infuse the Mavericks with a winning spirit, hoping to bring the same magic to the NBA that he did in college basketball.