The Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team underwent a massive roster overhaul for the 2024 season following the arrival of head coach Dusty May. After a difficult 8-24 campaign, the program wiped the slate clean, bringing in a wave of high-impact NCAA transfer portal additions and elite freshmen. This comprehensive breakdown covers the key players, expected rotational roles, and structural depth chart that shaped the team.
The 2024 Roster Construction and Portal Additions
Dusty May built the core of this squad by blending experienced Division I transfers with seasoned returners and fresh talent. The program needed immediate size, floor spacing, and defensive toughness to compete in a brutal Big Ten conference.
Key transfers arrived from major programs across the country. Center Vladislav Goldin followed May from Florida Atlantic, bringing elite rim protection and interior scoring standing at 7-foot-1. Forward Danny Wolf transferred in from Yale, offering rare playmaking skills, shooting touch, and size at 7-foot.
In the backcourt, guard Roddy Gayle Jr. joined from Ohio State, bringing dynamic slashing ability. Guard Tre Donaldson arrived from Auburn to anchor point guard duties, while guard Rubin Jones transferred from North Texas to provide defensive grit and perimeter shooting. Forward Sam Walters also came aboard from Alabama to stretch the floor with his length.
Projected Starting Five and Key Rotation
The 2024-25 starting lineup leveraged high-IQ playmakers and veteran physical presence.
- Point Guard: Tre Donaldson ran the offense, using his SEC experience to control tempo and create for teammates.
- Shooting Guard: Rubin Jones provided perimeter defense and secondary ball handling alongside returning wing players.
- Small Forward: Nimari Burnett returned as a crucial glue guy, offering lockdown perimeter defense and reliable catch-and-shoot three-pointers.
- Power Forward: Danny Wolf slotted into the frontcourt, pulling opposing big men away from the basket with his perimeter passing.
- Center: Vladislav Goldin anchored the paint as the primary low-post scorer and defensive stopper.
The primary rotation featured significant bench contributions. Guard Roddy Gayle Jr. served as a high-energy spark plug off the bench, capable of scoring in bunches. Forward Will Tschetter returned to provide toughness, physical rebounding, and efficient three-point shooting as a stretch big man. Freshmen guards like L.J. Cason also earned situational minutes to spell the starting backcourt.
Complete Player Roster Breakdown
The official 15-man roster balanced veteran leadership with incoming youth.
- Danny Wolf (Junior, Forward/Center, 7-0) — Elite passing big man from Yale who created mismatch issues for opponents.
- Vladislav Goldin (Graduate Student, Center, 7-1) — Imposing interior presence with high shooting efficiency near the rim.
- Tre Donaldson (Junior, Guard, 6-3) — Steady floor general with strong defensive instincts.
- Roddy Gayle Jr. (Junior, Guard, 6-4) — Athletic guard who excelled in transition and driving to the basket.
- Nimari Burnett (Graduate Student, Guard, 6-5) — Veteran wing known for defensive versatility and clutch shooting.
- Will Tschetter (Redshirt Junior, Forward, 6-8) — Fan-favorite stretch forward with high energy.
- Rubin Jones (Graduate Student, Guard, 6-5) — Experienced guard focused on perimeter defense and leadership.
- Sam Walters (Sophomore, Forward, 6-10) — Sharp-shooting forward with great length.
- L.J. Cason (Freshman, Guard, 6-2) — Explosive young scorer from Florida.
- Phat Phat Brooks (Freshman, Guard, 6-3) — Local product and former Michigan Mr. Basketball finalist.
- Justin Pippen (Freshman, Guard, 6-4) — High-IQ guard with strong passing vision.
- Jace Howard (Graduate Student, Forward, 6-7) — Veteran leader providing locker-room stability.
- Harrison Hochberg (Sophomore, Forward, 6-7) — Hard-working forward adding frontcourt depth.
- Ian Burns (Senior, Guard, 6-6) — Experienced wing player and reliable teammate.
- Charlie May (Junior, Guard, 6-5) — Walk-on guard supporting practice preparation.
Coaching Staff and Program Vision
Dusty May assembled an entirely new coaching staff to implement a modern, pace-and-space offensive system. Assistants like Mike Boynton brought head-coaching experience from Oklahoma State, while other staff members focused heavily on player development and analytics.
The tactical shift moved away from traditional slow-paced sets toward a modern NBA-style approach. Offensively, the system relied heavily on high pick-and-rolls initiated by Wolf and Donaldson, utilizing Goldin's screening gravity to open up shooters on the perimeter. Defensively, May prioritized switching versatility and rim protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the major departures from the previous roster?
The program experienced significant turnover after the coaching change. Key guards like Dug McDaniel transferred to Kansas State, and center Tarris Reed Jr. transferred to UConn. Several seniors also graduated, clearing the scholarship space needed for May's new transfer class.
How tall is the frontcourt rotation?
The frontcourt featured exceptional size. Vladislav Goldin stood at 7-foot-1, Danny Wolf measured 7-foot, and Sam Walters stretched the floor at 6-foot-10, making Michigan one of the tallest teams in the Big Ten.
Where did Dusty May coach before Michigan?
Before taking over the Wolverines, Dusty May spent six seasons as the head coach at Florida Atlantic, highlighted by a historic run to the Final Four during the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
What are walk-ons on this roster?
The team carried three walk-ons to fill out the 15-man roster limits, including players like Ian Burns and Charlie May, who provided depth in daily practice sessions.
