Dusty May, a former student manager at Indiana University (IU), returned to Assembly Hall on February 8, 2025, but this time, he wasn’t there in a supporting role. Instead, May, now the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, was leading his team against the Hoosiers in a crucial Big Ten matchup. His return to the place where he spent significant time as a student manager was a surreal moment, adding layers of nostalgia and emotion to the game.

May’s connection to IU runs deep, having been a part of the team during the 1990s, where he worked alongside then-coach Bob Knight’s staff. As a student manager, May gained invaluable experience, learning from some of the best basketball minds in the country. His role was to assist with various team logistics and operations, but his passion for the game, combined with his sharp basketball IQ, helped him stand out. It was this foundation that set him on the path to becoming a coach, and over the years, May’s career evolved dramatically. He first made a name for himself as an assistant coach at places like Louisiana Tech before being appointed as the head coach of Florida Atlantic University (FAU). In his time at FAU, he turned the program into a powerhouse, culminating in an appearance in the NCAA Tournament’s Final Four in 2023.

When Michigan hired him in 2024, it was clear that May’s rise from student manager to one of the brightest minds in college basketball had come full circle. Leading Michigan against IU, his alma mater in a way, was a personal moment in his coaching career. May’s presence on the other side of the court was symbolic—an embodiment of hard work, growth, and the cyclical nature of basketball.

The game itself carried an air of excitement, as fans in the Assembly Hall eagerly anticipated May’s return. Though he was no longer wearing the IU gear, his past connection to the school was undeniable. The Hoosiers, led by head coach Mike Woodson, were looking to defend their home court, while Michigan sought to improve its standing in the Big Ten race under May’s leadership. The matchup was more than just a game; it was a clash of history and legacy, with both teams showcasing talent and ambition.

As the game unfolded, May’s calm demeanor and strategic approach were evident, much like when he was working behind the scenes at IU. The crowd at Assembly Hall appreciated the journey May had undertaken, respecting the work and dedication that brought him back to a place he once called home.