Before the Michigan and Oakland basketball teams could even step on the court, it was already a back-and-forth affair. After the NCAA reneged a statement made during the Final Four NCAA Coaches meeting that declared Division I exhibitions possible, Wolverines’ coach Dusty May and Golden Grizzlies head man Greg Kampe had to find an alternative solution to their previously-scheduled exhibition contest.
“Dusty actually texted me and said, ‘Do you still want to try and get around it?’ ” Kampe said on Thursday. “And I said, hell yeah. And we put our minds together and came up with, well, let’s do it, but let’s do it to a charity.”
Thus, despite a hiccup from the NCAA, the Michigan vs. Oakland exhibition game benefiting Forgotten Harvest was officially on the books.
It’s an opportunity for the Wolverines to spy a first look at what a completely reshaped roster will look like against live opposition. For the Golden Grizzlies, a chance to face a high-major opponent after their darling March Madness moment last season. Together, each coach reaffirmed on Thursday their commitment to growing the game in Southeast Michigan and benefitting Forgotten Harvest, a non-profit food rescue organization.
Ahead of Sunday’s matchup, May made it a point to emphasize the importance of exhibition work for his group. Mentioning that he wished the game could’ve come even sooner, and that he was disappointed he couldn’t extend the clock like a secret scrimmage, May explained that he enjoys tricky matchup combinations in exhibition bouts.
Facing an Oakland team that runs an infamous zone, a new-look Maize and Blue group may have its work cut out over the weekend.
“We thought the zone, obviously they do a great job of trying to get you out of your rhythm,” May said. “They’re different shots, different spots, different rhythm shots than you’re going to get most of your other games.”
Dusty May Promo!
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