In just two seasons at the helm of Michigan men’s basketball, Dusty May has leaned heavily on the transfer portal-and the results are starting to speak for themselves.
Every Wolverine who’s started multiple games under May has arrived via transfer. This year’s starting five includes four players brought in during May’s tenure and one holdover from the previous regime: graduate guard Nimari Burnett.
That’s not just a trend-it’s a blueprint. And while some rival fans, especially those in East Lansing, have taken aim at Michigan’s transfer-heavy approach, May isn’t shying away from the strategy.
In fact, he’s doubling down.
Coming off a statement win over then-No. 10 Michigan State, May addressed the criticism head-on.
Spartan fans had taken to calling Michigan’s roster a group of “mercenaries,” implying that the Wolverines were more interested in NIL payouts than school pride. But May was quick to push back on that narrative.
“I know people outside of our tribe will call our guys these derogatory names, mercenaries and whatnot,” May said Monday. “We have a group of guys that love playing with each other. They appreciate Michigan, and when you see how connected they are, I don’t know how you would classify them as guys playing just for money when they all sacrificed a great deal of money to do what they’re doing together.”
That sacrifice is more than just talk. Take graduate forward Yaxel Lendeborg, for example.
He had a legitimate shot at going pro last offseason but chose to return to college and join May’s program instead. Sure, NIL money is part of the modern college basketball landscape, but May’s point is clear: this group didn’t come together just to cash checks.
They came to win-and they’re doing it.
May admitted the “mercenary” label stings, especially as he’s built this team with intention and purpose.
“Especially in year two,” he said when asked if he takes it personally. “I think everyone would rather us just come in and sign a bunch of freshmen and lose and try to grow it organically, but our job from day one was to win, and so we brought in a balanced class.”
That balance includes two freshman classes of four recruits each, alongside 10 transfers across two seasons. It’s not that May is ignoring high school recruiting-he’s just not waiting around for a roster to mature while wins slip away. And so far, the portal has delivered.
Last season, transfers like Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin were major catalysts in Michigan’s turnaround. This year, the Wolverines’ top four scorers are all offseason additions via the portal. That kind of instant impact is rare, and it’s a big reason why Michigan has surged into the national conversation.
Still, May isn’t neglecting player development. Sophomore guard L.J.
Cason and freshman guard Trey McKenney have both carved out meaningful roles, while redshirt freshman forward Oscar Goodman is showing signs of future promise. But as May sees it, those young players can’t carry a top-5 team on their own-not yet.
That’s where the transfers come in.
Lendeborg, in particular, has been everything Michigan hoped for and more. He’s not just putting up numbers; he’s helping set the tone for the entire program.
“I’ve never been around anyone like him and I’m incredibly appreciative of how much he cares about his teammates as well,” May said. “I’ll say it again, he doesn’t act like a mercenary every day. He acts like he’s completely engrossed and embedded in our program, our culture and winning for others.”
That word-culture-has been a consistent theme for May this season. It’s not just coach-speak.
The Wolverines have played like a team that genuinely enjoys being on the floor together. That kind of chemistry doesn’t happen by accident, especially with a roster full of newcomers.
Offensively, the cohesion came fast. Michigan scored 100 or more points in seven of its first 12 games, with the transfers quickly learning how to complement each other’s skill sets.
Defensively, they’ve been even more impressive. The Wolverines are executing a switch-heavy scheme that demands constant communication and trust-and they’re doing it at an elite level, currently boasting the No. 1 defense in the country according to KenPom.
That’s not something you fake. That’s the product of buy-in, belief, and a locker room that’s pulling in the same direction.
Looking ahead, Michigan’s roster could see more turnover. Several key players have NBA potential, and May’s next recruiting class is already locked in with four incoming freshmen.
Whether the transfer portal remains a central piece of the puzzle is still to be seen. But one thing is certain: May isn’t apologizing for how he’s built this team.
This isn’t a group of mercenaries. It’s a team that’s bought into the vision, sacrificed for each other, and turned Michigan into a contender. And if that’s what the transfer portal can do when used right, it’s hard to argue with the results.