When Dusty May took over as Michigan’s head coach, he knew there would be challenges. The Wolverines were coming off a rough stretch, and fixing the team’s turnover issues has proven to be one of the toughest tasks on his plate. Despite leaning on his staff, film study, and even former coaches, Michigan still struggles to protect the basketball—and now, there may be one more call he needs to make.
The Turnover Problem: A Season-Long Concern
From the very start of the season, turnovers have been a glaring weakness for Michigan. Sloppy passes, poor decision-making, and a lack of composure in critical moments have cost the Wolverines dearly in close games.
May has tried everything to solve the issue:
- Tweaking the offense to create simpler reads
- Focusing on fundamentals in practice
- Studying film to identify patterns
- Encouraging players to slow down and make the right play
Yet, the problem persists.
Through the midway point of the season, Michigan ranks near the bottom of the Big Ten in turnover margin, giving the ball away at an alarming rate. That’s not a recipe for success—especially in a conference where defensive pressure is relentless and every possession matters.
Who Has May Leaned on for Advice?
May has not been shy about seeking guidance from those he trusts.
- His Coaching Staff – Assistant coaches have worked tirelessly with players on ball security and decision-making, but progress has been slow.
- Film Study – The Wolverines have spent hours dissecting turnover-heavy games to pinpoint the problem, but eliminating bad habits is easier said than done.
- Conversations with Coaching Mentors – May has spoken with coaches he’s worked with in the past, including those from his time at Florida Atlantic and beyond, to get insights on how to keep players composed under pressure.
Still, one voice is missing from these conversations.
One More Call to Make: The Juwan Howard Factor
There’s one person Dusty May hasn’t publicly mentioned in his search for answers: Juwan Howard.
Howard, who spent five seasons as Michigan’s head coach, was relieved of his duties after the Wolverines endured back-to-back disappointing seasons. But regardless of his final record, Howard was known for coaching a disciplined, structured offense—and Michigan rarely had the kind of turnover crisis it does now.
Would May be willing to pick up the phone and seek insight from his predecessor?
Howard’s time at Michigan had its ups and downs, but he understood how to run an efficient offense at the college level. His experience in player development and offensive sets might be exactly what May needs to hear.
Of course, pride and circumstances could make that difficult. May is trying to establish his own identity at Michigan, and reaching out to a recently fired head coach is not always the easiest move for a new leader. But the best coaches know that winning comes before ego, and if May truly wants to turn this program around, exploring every option—including a conversation with Howard—might be worth considering.
What Happens Next?
Michigan’s turnover struggles won’t fix themselves overnight, but if May can make the right adjustments, there’s still time to salvage the season.
- Player discipline needs to improve – Simple mistakes, like lazy passes and careless dribbling, need to be eliminated immediately.
- More structured sets – Michigan might benefit from more defined offensive plays that take decision-making pressure off younger players.
- Leadership needs to step up – Whether it’s a veteran point guard or May himself, someone must take control and demand better ball security.
Dusty May has already sought advice from many smart basketball minds, but sometimes, the answer is closer than you think.
If he truly wants to fix Michigan’s turnover issues, making one more call—even if it’s to a familiar name from the past—could be the key to unlocking a more disciplined, efficient Wolverines team.