Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers: This mantra echoes through the halls of Crisler Center as Michigan head coach Dusty May leads his team through an impressive season. On February 3, just two days after securing their second victory in a now four-game winning streak, May addressed the media in a conference that highlighted the Wolverines’ undefeated home record ahead of a crucial matchup against No. 7 Purdue.
As he reached the halfway point of his inaugural season, May’s efforts to reshape the roster and instill a winning mindset have begun to pay off. Fans, once disheartened by the team’s decline under former coach Juwan Howard, are now flocking to games, reminiscent of the early days when success was a given. Initially predicted to finish ninth in the Big Ten, the Wolverines now boast a commendable record of 16-5 overall and 9-2 in conference play, tied with Purdue for the second-fewest losses in the league, trailing only the undefeated Spartans. The resurgence has sparked renewed hopes among the fan base, who are eager for a return to national prominence.
During the media session, a significant question arose: What are the keys to winning in the competitive Big Ten? May’s reply was straightforward: “Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers.” He emphasized the importance of analyzing their mistakes on film and working collaboratively to improve their offensive execution.
As the regular season approaches its final month, the Wolverines continue to showcase a unique style of basketball, ranking 23rd in offensive efficiency while also being the 332nd most turnover-prone team in the nation, according to KenPom metrics. The paradox is striking: they are one of the most effective offensive units yet struggle significantly with ball control, a situation that has not been seen in the KenPom era since 1997. The Wolverines are currently turning the ball over on 20.5% of their possessions, an alarming statistic that raises eyebrows among analysts.
Ken Pomeroy, the creator of KenPom.com, highlighted this anomaly, noting that no team has managed to finish in the top 20 for offensive efficiency while also ranking outside the top 300 in turnover rate. May’s squad is breaking new ground in this regard, demonstrating that success can come despite significant challenges.
The Wolverines’ offensive strategy, which operates at the fourth-fastest pace in the Big Ten, contributes to their turnover issues. With a point guard like Donaldson, who averages 2.3 turnovers per game, and a frontcourt featuring seven-footers Wolf and Goldin, the team often finds itself in high-pressure situations. Despite these challenges, their shot selection remains sound, with a significant portion of their attempts coming from high-percentage areas.
After a recent victory against Oregon, May commented on the team’s intensity and effort, acknowledging the need for improvement to achieve their championship aspirations. However, the silly mistakes and lapses in judgment from his players have been a source of frustration as they approach the final stretch of the season. In their five losses this year, the Wolverines have averaged 15.6 turnovers per game, slightly above their overall average, underscoring the need for greater discipline.
This season has been a learning experience for May, who is essentially constructing a new team after the departure of Howard. His previous experience at Florida Atlantic, where his first team also struggled with turnovers, suggests that building a winning program takes time. As he continues to refine his approach, both the players and fans remain hopeful for a successful conclusion to the season.
