Dusty May joined the Michigan Wolverines in 2024 after a six-year run with the Florida Atlantic Owls, which was also his first stint as a head coach. May knew the responsibility he had at Michigan and immediately went to work.
One of the biggest names he brought in to the Wolverines camp was Illinois Fighting Illini’s Morez Johnson Jr. The 6’9 power forward played just one season for Illinois. He only started in 8 games and averaged 7 points.
May knew the potential he had and believed that under his guidance, Johnson could become a great player. In June 2025, two months after joining the Wolverines, Johnson had a conversation with Krysten Peek at the USA Basketball practice facility.
When asked what he was looking forward to in the next season, especially because Michigan had a great team, Johnson told her about his NCAA Tournament dream.
“We got such a great squad. I’m looking forward to competing every day in practice. I think that is where it all going to start. Building a relationship with those guys off the court, so we could be our best on the court, and I’m looking forward to making a run in the playoffs. At least get to the Final Four. But the goal is the National Championship,” he said.
Peek asked Johnson to reveal what Dusty May’s reaction was when he first told him that he was coming to Michigan.
“Let’s go,” he said. “On FaceTime, I remember, he was excited, that’s my guy right there. The staff is just great. I love those guys.”
Johnson also spoke on Yaxel Lendeborg’s decision to stay in Michigan despite having a great draft combine. The main objective for the Michigan squad was to win a championship, and today, by defeating the UConn Huskies 69-63, they achieved that.
Dusty May on Winning the National Title
The Wolverines were in control of the game from the beginning, but the Huskies never allowed them to take a huge lead. At halftime, the Wolverines were 33-29. But simply making it a close game wasn’t enough.
Dusty May’s team stayed ahead of UConn throughout and eventually won by six points. After winning the national title, May said that it was an unbelievable feeling.
“If you had told me that we would be shooting this poorly, get dominated on the glass, and still found a way to win, I don’t know if I would have believed you. This team has just found a way all season. Love, trust, and respect among themselves,” he said.
This was Michigan’s second NCAA title win, their first one since 1989. It was also the first NCAA title win by a Big Ten conference team since 2000.
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