Head Coach Dusty May Said Team Has ‘High Ceiling’ After Win Over Miami (Ohio)

Michigan men’s basketball (3-1) took care of Miami of Ohio (2-2) with a 94-67 win on Monday. Four Wolverines scored in double-figures, led by guard Nimari Burnett with 18 points. Point guard Tre Donaldson led the team in minutes and posted 16 points, four assists and two rebounds. Both Burnett and Donaldson finished the game with just one turnover.

The Wolverines have been among the most efficient teams in the country since the regular season tipped off. Michigan is ranked 7th in effective field goal percentage with a mark of 64.4%. The Wolverines shot 58% from the field and 48% from three on Monday night. 

Dusty May After Win Over Miami (Ohio)

Head coach Dusty May spoke to the media after the win over Miami (Ohio) and talked about the potential of his team.

“I think the thing that excites me and our staff the most is that we don’t feel like we’re playing very well, up to our standards,” May said. “We don’t feel like we’re playing anywhere near as well as we’re going to. So that’s what makes it exciting, that we have such a high ceiling with this group.”

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May had a bit more to say when it came to how the team could improve. 

“What keeps me up at night is the same thing (that’s) been a theme since day one – (Miami) only got eight offensive rebounds tonight,” May said. “We’re the sixth biggest team in the country, so we have to be a dominant defensive rebounding team. And then if we just don’t give them easy baskets because of our turnovers, and our pace will improve, our decision making will improve, we just got to stay the course and be patient yet aware of what needs to be fixed.”

What Will This Team Be Known For?

If Michigan had to be given an identity through four games, it would be a team that can shoot well and play defense, but turns the ball over way too often. Fortunately for the Wolverines, identities don’t need to be formed in the first few weeks of the season. May said he wants his team to be unselfish.

“A team that takes care of the basketball, that really plays for each other, they cut for each other, they screen for each other, they pass to the open man, and they play with incredible amounts of passion and tenacity,” May said. “Usually we’re easy to please. If we’re playing extremely hard and we’re very connected as a group, we can live with the mistakes. 

“Well maybe we can’t live with them, but we’re going to keep fighting the good fight and keep getting better every day. No team is going to be perfect this time of year, so once again it comes down to, can you fix your issues and solve the problems? If we’re still doing this in January (or) February then we haven’t done a very good job as a staff.”

Michigan is set to host Tarleton State (1-4) next on Thursday.

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