Michigan has so many changes within its basketball program since last season, it’s almost as if the Wolverines swapped programs with another school.
Head coach Juwan Howard was fired after an 8-24 season and replaced by former Florida Atlantic coach Dusty May. The roster, revamped with a flurry of incoming transfers and freshmen, features 11 newcomers.
The new-look Wolverines will open their season against Cleveland State on Monday in Ann Arbor, Mich.
May admits he has no idea what to expect from this group.
“The staple of our program will be what type of pace we’re playing with, how we’re moving the basketball, do we look like we enjoy sharing it? And then defensively are we playing with great force and energy and passion?” May said. “Those things, we’ll be able to look on the court and see if that’s the case. The last thing is how long are we able to sustain those things? But when you bring in this many guys, we’re going to be a work in progress until January or February.”
Tre Donaldson, an Auburn transfer, will likely start at point guard. Vladislav Goldin (Florida Atlantic), Danny Wolf (Yale) and returnee Will Tschetter are among the top options in the frontcourt.
Roddy Gayle, who transferred from archrival Ohio State, could be the team’s top offensive threat. Freshman guard L.J. Cason will provide a spark off the bench.
Cleveland State finished 21-15 last season. The Vikings were knocked out by eventual champion Oakland in the Horizon League semifinals, then participated in the CBI tournament.
The Vikings were picked to finish seventh in the league this season. Senior Tevin Smith (8.1 points, 4.0 assists) is the top returnee.
“Our guys that have played, their expectation now is to play in the postseason,” Vikings coach Daniyal Robinson said. “They know what that feels like. And so, that helps when the new guys come in, they see the standard is set.”
–Field Level Media
