Wolverines Soar in Dusty May's Debut, Crushing Oakland in Charity Exhibition

The Dusty May era at Michigan began with a resounding victory, as the Wolverines cruised to a 92-48 win over Oakland in a charity exhibition at Little Caesars Arena. The event benefitted Forgotten Harvest, an organization that combats food insecurity in metro Detroit.

Unleashing a Versatile and Dominant Offensive Showcase

A Balanced Scoring Attack

Michigan's offensive prowess was on full display, with five players scoring in double digits. Will Tschetter and Roddy Gayle Jr. led the way with 13 points each, while Sam Walters, Vladislav Goldin, and Danny Wolf all contributed 11 or more points. The Wolverines' depth and scoring distribution were a stark contrast to their struggles last season, when they lacked consistent production from their reserves.

Dominating the Glass and Bench Contributions

Michigan's size and physicality were evident throughout the game, as they out-rebounded Oakland 51-32. The Wolverines' bench also played a significant role, scoring 43 points compared to just 8 for the Golden Grizzlies. This balanced attack and team-oriented approach showcased the versatility and depth of the Wolverines' roster.

Efficient Ball Movement and Unselfish Play

The Wolverines' offense was characterized by excellent ball movement, with 12 assists on their 18 made field goals in the first half. Eight of the nine players who saw the court scored, demonstrating the team's unselfish and collaborative approach. The Wolverines' ability to find open teammates and create high-percentage shots was a testament to their offensive cohesion and execution.

Showcasing Size and Versatility

Michigan's size and versatility were on full display, with the Wolverines starting a pair of 7-footers in Goldin and Wolf. Even when they went with a smaller lineup, they still had the length and skill of 6-foot-10 Sam Walters and 6-foot-8 Will Tschetter controlling the frontcourt. This size advantage allowed the Wolverines to dominate the paint, with Goldin's four first-half dunks serving as a prime example.

Freshman Spark and Defensive Intensity

Freshman LJ Cason provided a spark off the bench, showcasing his confidence and potential with a drive and tough layup, followed by a steal on the ensuing inbounds. Cason's hustle and energy were a highlight, as he dove for a loose ball in the second half, much to the delight of head coach Dusty May and the Michigan bench.

Embracing an Entertaining and Enjoyable Style of Play

Dusty May's vision for an "enjoyable to watch" brand of basketball was on full display. The Wolverines started the game with an alley-oop and played a fast, free-flowing style that had the crowd engaged. Even Goldin's missed one-handed dunk attempt in the second half was met with laughter, as the Wolverines seemed to be having fun and embracing the entertaining nature of their performance.The Dusty May era at Michigan has begun with a resounding statement, as the Wolverines showcased their offensive firepower, defensive intensity, and a style of play that promises to captivate fans throughout the season.