Dusty May snapped Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball nearly 40-year national championship drought, leading the program to a hard-fought victory over UConn Huskies men’s basketball. After the win, May pointed to something beyond strategy as a key factor, “love.”
“First of all, I want to thank all the people that poured into everyone in our locker room. We’re not here without the love, support and coaching from everybody before us,” May told Tracy Wolfson of CBS Sports following the NCAA Division I tournament final.
While emotion played a role, execution on the court was just as critical. May emphasized Michigan‘s balance throughout the season, noting their ability to respond when one phase struggled. “These guys have done it all year. When one side of the ball was letting us down, the other side picked us up,” he said.
May matches rare John Beilein-era feat with back-to-back elite seasons
Dusty May didn’t just win a national championship, he also accomplished something not seen since the John Beilein era, putting together consecutive standout seasons with Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball.
“These guys have done it all year. When one side of the ball was letting us down, the other side picked us up.”@umichbball‘s Dusty May on his team’s championship-level defense all season pic.twitter.com/umh3YyiqND
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 7, 2026
Beilein last achieved that between the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, highlighted by consistent success at the top of the conference. May has now mirrored that impact in his first two years, winning the conference tournament title in his debut season and following it up with both a regular-season conference championship and a national title.
Beilein left a lasting legacy at Michigan, and May has acknowledged that their connection continues to play a role behind the scenes. The former Wolverines head coach spent 12 years leading the program and reached two national championship games.
“We talk regularly. He’s always conscious about it—he knows when my off days are, he knows when to call. He’s sat in this seat, so he knows how many directions you’re being pulled,” May told On3. “I enjoy it every single time. He sends me texts, we talk, he sends great nuggets—just reminders of what to be looking out for.”
