STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – No. 2-ranked Michigan Wolverines head basketball coach Dusty May is preparing the team for their third true road game of the season following their 96-66 victory over the USC Trojans inside the Crisler Center.
While they have played several neutral-site games, May is eager to see if the team can improve their performance on opponents’ home courts when they’ll take on the Penn State Nittany Lions on Tuesday (Jan. 6) at 7 p.m.
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Reflecting on last season’s road games in the Big Ten, May said, “Each road game we were at a different stage, and so it’s tough to say we learned this or we learned that.”
May noted the strong start at Wisconsin gave the team confidence, but later games showed the need for better mental preparation and depth.
Discipline and preparation
May emphasized the importance of discipline and preparation on the road, saying, “Every team’s much, much different at home for obvious reasons.”
In building more margin for error this season, May acknowledged improvements in rebounding and turnover reduction.
“I’m not sure we could afford to turn the ball over,” May said, praising the team’s intentional effort to correct early mistakes.
Roddy Gayle
Discussing player Roddy Gayle Jr.‘s role in the team’s zone defense, May called him “a very good playmaker” and “the most valuable sixth man in all of college basketball.”
Gayle Jr.’s energy and decision-making provide a key boost whether the team is doing well or needs a spark.
Skipping ahead
When asked about skipping ahead to later parts of the season, May said he prefers to focus on the present.
“I don’t want to wish away one minute,” May said, emphasizing the importance of appreciating daily progress and preparation.
Undefeated status
Regarding the team’s unbeaten status and ranking, May said, “We’re still the hunter,” and that motivation varies among players.
“It doesn’t really matter what motivates our guys as long as they’re motivated to improve,” May said.
Free-throw shooting
Regarding free-throw struggles by some players, May explained that pressure and overthinking are factors for a player like Aday Mara.
“He’s got a beautiful stroke. He’s going to make them,” May said about Mara working to improve.
Preparation
May also highlighted the value of watching other games for preparation.
“Sometimes it’s just a reminder of how fast player X runs,” May said, noting the importance of mental notes and information.
Guys like Morez Johnson Jr. have impressed May with their work ethic and consistency.
“He’s one of my favorite players I’ve ever coached in such a short period,” May said, praising Johnson Jr.’s openness to improvement.
Johnson Jr. put on a great performance vs. USC, recording a career-high 29 points in the victory.
Rez’s big week earns him Big Ten Player of the Week 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/f4TYtoWgkY
— Michigan Men's Basketball (@umichbball) January 5, 2026
Close games
On the desire for close games to challenge the team, May said, “No, I don’t really want to be in one-possession games,” citing the risks of losing momentum in tight contests.
Injuries
Injuries remain a factor, with Nimari Burnett practicing fully and Yaxel Lendeborg a game-time decision.
Burnett received stitches in his face during the USC game, and Lendeborg had a sore calf in the matchup.
Penn State
May described Penn State as a team with good speed and shooting potential, posing challenges on both ends of the floor.
He recalled last year’s close game and the impact of Yanic Konan Niederhauser, now in the NBA with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Fight complacency
Fighting complacency has not been an issue, May said, crediting the team’s competitive nature and depth.
“Our guys don’t have any margin of error,” May said.
Rebounding
May is pleased with the team’s field goal percentage defense but wants to improve rebounding.
“We should be elite when it comes to rebounding the ball,” May said.
Shotting efficiency
May expressed confidence in the team’s shooting and efficiency, noting there is still room for growth.
“We do feel like we’re getting better and more efficient,” May said.