Michigan

Dusty May declares lightly utilized freshman a key component to this year’s success

Published

1 year ago

February 18, 2025

Dusty May declares lightly utilized freshman a key component to this year’s success

Michigan basketball has been on an impressive run lately, winning six straight games and sitting alone atop the Big Ten standings. Head coach Dusty May has his team playing their best basketball of the season, with a strong collective effort on both ends of the floor. Leading the charge are their two dominant 7-footers: Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin. Wolf is the only player in the Big Ten averaging a double-double, showcasing his ability to dominate the paint and provide a consistent scoring and rebounding presence. Goldin, on the other hand, is a constant scoring threat, capable of dropping 20+ points any time he steps on the court, giving Michigan a formidable frontcourt that many Big Ten teams do not have an answer for.

Dusty May on Michigan freshman Phat Phat Brooks:
“We need him this year. There’s gonna be a game when we’re gonna need him to come in and help us win a possession, help us win a couple possessions, and that’s the importance of being on a team.”
Story: https://t.co/s2N6JRlDEp pic.twitter.com/9LzMOsro7P
— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) February 18, 2025
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Point guard Tre Donaldson has also played a crucial role in the team’s success. His ability to manage the offense and mitigate turnovers, which had been a problem earlier in the season, has been a key factor in the Wolverines’ recent surge. Donaldson’s decision-making has allowed Michigan to play more efficiently and control the tempo of games. He also has the ability to stretch the defense with his 3-point prowess which opens up the inside for Goldin.

Michigan guard Phat Phat Brooks (8) defends Cleveland State guard Chase Robinson (22) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

While the veterans have carried the load on the court, Coach May recently gave a special shoutout to a little-used freshman from Grand Rapids, Michigan—Phat Phat Brooks. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 190 pounds, Brooks may not see much playing time this season, but his potential is undeniable. Currently, he is playing a vital role with the scout team, pushing Michigan’s starters in practice. Coach May recognizes Brooks’ future importance to the program, and his development will be a key factor in Michigan’s long-term success. While his impact may not be immediate, Brooks is expected to be a major contributor for Michigan basketball in the coming years.

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Michigan

Trey McKenney to return to Michigan Basketball next season, per report

Published

7 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Trey McKenney to return to Michigan Basketball next season, per report

In the middle of what’s been an incredible season for the Michigan men’s basketball team, Dusty May and the program are now confirmed to be bringing back a big contributor for next season. According to a report from Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press, freshman guard Trey McKenney is set to be back with the Wolverines next year.

“We’re going to have a really talented team next year,” McKenney told Garcia. “I came in with a role this year and I think my role would definitely expand next year, so I’m definitely looking forward to coming back.”

McKenney joined the program this offseason as a prized five-star recruit in the Wolverines’ 2025 recruiting class. So far he’s lived up to the billing, coming off the bench to average 9.7 points per game, but shooting an impressive 38.5 percent from three-point range this year. He has already asserted himself as one of the team’s best shooters.

In addition to his offensive game, he’s gotten after it on the defensive end as well and has been regularly on the floor to close games this season. We’ve seen McKenney’s role slowly grow, especially in the absence of fellow guard L.J. Cason, who has missed the last month and is set to miss all of next season with an ACL tear.

By cementing his status with the program, McKenney is a great foundation for what the team hopes to build next season. He’ll likely step into a starting role as the Michigan’s shooting guard, while May and company also look to get players like Elliot Cadeau, Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara back in the fold.

Michigan will get a shot to fill out the rest of its roster when the transfer portal opens up on April 7, just one day after the National Championship.

For now though, McKenney and the Wolverines will focus on punching their ticket to the Final Four for the first time since 2018 by defeating Tennessee on Sunday afternoon.

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Michigan

Michigan women’s basketball vs. Louisville in Sweet 16: Time, TV, stream

Published

19 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Michigan women’s basketball vs. Louisville in Sweet 16: Time, TV, stream

When the Sweet 16 continues on Saturday during the 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament, Michigan women’s basketball (27-6) will continue its climb to reach the Final Four for the first time.

The Wolverines, who earned the No. 2 seed in the Fort Worth 3 Region, are playing in the program’s third Sweet 16 under head coach Kim Barnes Arico.

“We committed to Michigan to do this, and we committed to Coach Arico to do it for her and for each other,” Michigan guard Olivia Olson said. “We’re accomplishing the goals we set out to, and we’re not done yet. So we’re going to keep having fun with it and keep preparing.”

Michigan will take on No. 3 Louisville Cardinals (29-7) at 12:30 p.m. ET Saturday at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

“This is my first time going to the Sweet 16, all of our first times, so I think the feeling of, we’re still dancing, we’re still playing basketball, it’s a great feeling,” Louisville guard Taj Roberts said.

The winner from Saturday’s matchup will play in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Tournament on Monday, March 30, for the right to advance to the Final Four.

What time is Michigan vs. Louisville?

Date: Saturday, March 28
Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
Location: Dickies Arena (Fort Worth, Texas)

The Michigan Wolverines will play the Louisville Cardinals in the Sweet 16 round of the 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 28, at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

Michigan vs. Louisville: TV, streaming

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Morez Johnson Jr. NBA mock draft projection: Where Michigan star is expected to land

Published

1 day ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Morez Johnson Jr. NBA mock draft projection: Where Michigan star is expected to land

The 2026 men’s NCAA Tournament is down to its Sweet 16 and we’ll have a Final Four by Sunday evening. For half of the college stars taking the court this weekend, it’s one final opportuniy to impress NBA teams with their play at full game speed when the lights are brightest as this year’s draft class comes into focus.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY’s latest mock draft, Michigan’s Morez Johnson Jr. is expected to go in the first round. Here’s how USA TODAY currently projects the big man’s draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN’s projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Morez Johnson Jr. 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 25 overall, Los Angeles Lakers

Kalbrosky’s Analysis:

Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best, most underrated two-way players in the NCAA. He is a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson’s shooting form at the free throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should find minutes at the next level.

See USA TODAY’s full mock draft here