In early April, freshman point guard Trey McKenney hit without a doubt the largest shot of his basketball career. The young guard iced the National Championship on a night when the shots weren’t falling for the Wolverines. That shot alone elevates him to a high tier in Michigan basketball lore.
However, what’s happened since is nearly as impressive. On June 22, Dusty May’s departure for the Dallas Mavericks was announced. Later that day, McKenney took to social media to express his feelings on the situation.
McKenney was the first Wolverine to both formally and informally announce he would return to Ann Arbor despite May’s departure. Along with fellow guard Elliot Cadeau, McKenney has been a catalyst in keeping the roster intact. In the NIL and transfer portal era, this is nearly unheard of. Generally when a coach leaves a college basketball program, it is open season on the roster. But the exact opposite has happened in Ann Arbor.
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McKenney was not without his fair share of suitors. Following May’s departure, more than five schools reached out to express interest in McKenney. However, he quickly made it known he wasn’t going anywhere, according to his father in an interview.
I know my kid, my kid is a loyal person to his core. If he picks something, he’s gonna stick to it until he can’t anymore. That’s just how he’s wired.
On top of that, McKenney is expected to be a major breakout candidate next season. Despite coming off the bench for the 2025-26 Wolverines, he was one of the best three-point shooters in the conference. He played with a poise and demeanor that isn’t often seen out of true freshmen. He’s even showing up on nearly 2027 NBA mock drafts, with some having him as high as the middle of the first round.
Only two teams in Michigan men’s basketball history have won the National Championship. That puts every contributor squarely on legend watch when it comes to program history. While Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. were only here for a year, McKenney has the opportunity to win even more as a Wolverine.
If McKenney goes on another deep NCAA Tournament run this season, it’s possible for him to become one of the greatest Michigan men’s basketball players of all time.
