Eli Brooks Urges Michigan Players to Stay After 2-Year Dusty May Exit

Q: After winning a championship, why did coach Dusty May abandon Michigan's program for the NBA?

Dusty May left Michigan for the Dallas Mavericks because the NBA job offered a better professional fit and, by his own account, relief from the growing strain of modern college basketball. May said the Mavericks opportunity “checked all the boxes,” especially because of the people running the organization. He was drawn to the revamped Dallas front office and the chance to coach at the NBA level with an established roster. That made the move more than a simple pay or prestige decision; it was, in his view, the right basketball situation. At the same time, May had become increasingly frustrated with the college environment. He and Michigan officials pointed to the pressures created by the transfer portal and NIL, which have turned roster management into a year-round grind. May said college coaching now involves less actual teaching and team-building than it once did, and Michigan president Domenico Grasso said both men agreed college sports are “headed in the wrong direction.” There were also practical factors. May cited quality-of-life benefits in Dallas, including easier travel for his family, and the move came while a new Michigan contract announced after the championship had not yet been signed. So, despite just winning a national title, May’s departure was driven by a combination of NBA appeal, confidence in the Mavericks’ leadership, and disillusionment with the instability of today’s college game.

2 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 30

Eli Brooks told Michigan’s current roster to “trust the system” after coach Dusty May left Ann Arbor for the Dallas Mavericks following two standout seasons.
Brooks argued the program’s pull outlasts any one coach, saying Michigan still offers top facilities, broad opportunities and the expectation of another strong hire.
His advice draws on his own transition from John Beilein to Juwan Howard: Brooks considered leaving, stayed, then started 30 games in his first season under Howard.
Michigan already has return commitments from Trey McKenney and Elliot Cadeau, while several other players have not yet publicly announced their plans for next season.