Coming off an historic season that saw the University of Michigan secure its first national title since 1989, head coach Dusty May continues to elevate his profile—and the prestige of the Wolverine program. On Friday, USA Basketball announced that May has been selected as a court coach for the 2026 USA Basketball Men’s U18 National Team Training Camp.
The camp, scheduled to begin on May 21 at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, will serve as the selection ground for the 12-member team that will represent the United States at the 2026 FIBA U18 Men’s AmeriCup in Leon, Mexico.
A Growing Legacy for Dusty May
For Dusty May, the invitation to join the USA Basketball ranks is a testament to his meteoric rise as one of the elite tactical minds in college basketball. In just two seasons in Ann Arbor, May has completely revitalized Michigan basketball, compiling a staggering 64–13 record and leading the team to a 37–3 finish this past season.
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Serving as a court coach alongside fellow veterans like Dennis Gates (Missouri), Greg Kampe (Oakland), and Ritchie McKay (Liberty), May will work under the leadership of head coach Anthony Grant (Dayton). For May, this role offers several personal and professional benefits:
• Tactical Exchange: Working with other elite coaches allows for a “think tank” environment where May can sharpen his own offensive and defensive philosophies.
• National Recognition: Association with USA Basketball is the highest honor in American coaching, further solidifying May’s reputation as a top-tier developer of talent.
• International Exposure: Though his primary role is at the training camp, being part of the selection process provides a unique perspective on the international game and FIBA-style play.
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What This Means for Michigan Basketball
While the personal accolade for May is significant, the ripple effects for the Michigan Wolverines program are arguably even more impactful.
1. The Ultimate Recruiting Tool
In the modern era of the transfer portal and high-stakes high school recruiting, “brand” is everything. May’s presence at a camp featuring 35 of the top U18 players in the country is invaluable. He will be on the floor, whistle in hand, coaching the very athletes that Michigan is recruiting for future seasons. The ability to tell a recruit, “I’ve coached you at the highest level of USA Basketball,” is a powerful closer in a living room.
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2. Skill Development
May’s philosophy has always centered around a “player-centered environment” focused on decision-making. By working with the best young talent in the country, May can bring back new drills, scouting techniques, and developmental insights to the Crisler Center. This ensures that Michigan remains at the cutting edge of player development.
3. Cementing “Michigan” as a Powerhouse Brand
The optics of a Michigan coach representing the national team, especially immediately following a National Championship win and a new contract extension, sends a clear message: Michigan is back at the summit of college basketball. It reinforces that the program is led by a coach who is respected not just by his peers in the Big Ten, but by the gatekeepers of the national game.
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As the Wolverines prepare for the 2026-27 season, Dusty May’s involvement with USA Basketball serves as a victory lap for a coach who has seemingly done everything right since arriving in Ann Arbor. With a national title already under his belt, May’s summer in Colorado Springs is more than just a coaching stint—it is a signal that the Michigan era is only just beginning.
