One of the most fascinating parts of writing recaps during a head coach’s first season is learning what he’s about on the fly. You can watch old game film, Synergy clips, clinic videos, and read everything ever written, but there’s a level of understanding that comes from watching every possession the new man in charge coaches.
Michigan has won plenty of games in Dusty May’s first season. We’ve already learned quite a bit, but this win felt illuminating in ways others haven’t.
There are dozens of fascinating subplots about how May’s team plays. At the end of the day, though, it feels like May’s philosophy comes down to some philosophical pillars. One of the most obvious ones is his trust in his guys.
I don’t think that will ever be more obvious than May dialing up after timeout sets for Roddy Gayle Jr. twice in the final four minutes of an 86-83 road win at Ohio State.
This game meant everything to Gayle, who transferred to Michigan this offseason. His season hasn’t gone as planned—moving to the bench this month—but he’s a player that May recruited to be one of, if not the, best players on the roster. He’s a guy this team needs to reach its ceiling. And he was in the middle of one of the most individually toxic road environments you could concoct as a former Buckeye returning to Columbus in a maize and blue uniform.
Gayle was 1-for-6 from the floor when May dialed up the first set. He hadn’t made a shot from the floor since the 14:07 mark of the first half and was booed on every touch. It didn’t matter; his head coach dialed up a cutting dunk in crunch time.
Gayle missed a tip dunk with 2:15 to play, which led to Ohio State tying the game and May calling a timeout. May’s response? Go back to his guy. The Wolverines ran a set that Gayle has been excellent out of all year, and he got downhill for a layup.
On Sunday, the goal was to go to Columbus, win a basketball game, and remain in first place in the Big Ten. At the same time, the goal is always to build a group that trusts each other, themselves, and their coaches. These are the sort of moments that build that trust.
College basketball is a sport that depends on everything working in unison, not just at the same time, but at the right time. For Michigan, May, and Gayle, this was one step closer to that goal.
Dusty May Promo!
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