Michigan’s men’s basketball program is navigating its first season under new head coach Mike Boynton Jr., who took over after Dusty May accepted an NBA position. The transition brings both uncertainty and opportunity as the Wolverines look to preserve the momentum built over recent years.
Roster Continuity and Emerging Leaders
Boynton Jr. emphasized the difficulty of keeping the squad intact after May’s exit, noting that the team has successfully rebuffed Transfer Portal overtures. Central to that effort are rising voices Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney, who are stepping into leadership roles during the offseason.
Staff Reinforcements and Strategic Hires
To complement the coaching staff, Michigan announced the addition of Mike Martin as an assistant coach and is finalizing the recruitment of another assistant along with a new Director of Basketball Operations. Strength and conditioning veteran Matt Aldred, widely regarded as one of the nation’s best, will continue to guide player development. The analytics department also sees a boost, with Jacob Kohn, whose challenge‑success rate topped the conference last season, remaining on staff.
Additional hires include Brian Boesch, LJ Cason, Akeem Miskdeen, Kyle Church and Brandon Gilbert, who will assume various operational and support roles, enriching the program’s depth.
Looking Ahead
Boynton Jr. is targeting this week to lock in the 2026‑27 non‑conference schedule, which includes an overseas trip to Europe next month. The itinerary is designed to test the team against diverse styles of play and to foster cohesion before the regular season begins. With a blend of experienced leadership and fresh perspectives, the Wolverines aim to contend in the Big Ten and beyond.