WOW! The college basketball world is completely stunned at the moment, as fans across the nation just learned that Michigan's head coach, Dusty May, is leaving the Wolverines to take the head coaching position with the Dallas Mavericks.
May was with Michigan for two seasons and quickly made Michigan a dominant powerhouse in college basketball. The Wolverines posted an impressive 64-13 record under May, including consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and the 2026 National Championship.
Michigan is trending as another Final Four and National Title contender, but with May leaving, Michigan players have the opportunity to transfer. The Cardinals already have a top team in the nation, but Louisville basketball fans are beginning to dream. So, with May leaving, here are three Michigan players Louisville fans have their eyes on.
Jalen Reed
Louisville was looking to make a major splash with 5-star transfer Milan Momcilovic, but Kentucky unfortunately beat them to it. Now that May has left Michigan, it is worth monitoring LSU transfer Jalen Reed. The 4-star transfer committed to the Wolverines after spending his first four years with the Tigers.
Louisville fans wanted more frontcourt depth, and while Reed would likely come off the bench, he would be a big-time addition to the Cardinals' frontcourt. Reed was a 4-star transfer who ranked as high as No. 163 overall in the portal and No. 33 among power forwards. He is a former 4-star recruit out of high school, ranking No. 77 in the 2022 class. Reed has played just 14 games combined over the past two seasons, but in his last full year, he averaged 11.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
J.P. Estrella
Louisville basketball made some big additions this offseason, especially in their frontcourt, but the Cardinals fans have their eyes on another true power forward. With May leaving, Louisville fans are eyeing Tennessee transfer J.P. Estrella, as the 6-foot-11, 245-pound transfer was one of the best big men in the portal.
The dream is to pair Estrella and Flory Bidunga in the Cardinals' frontcourt and to bring 4-star transfer Alvaro Folgueiras off the bench alongside 5-star center Obinna Ekezie Jr. Depth and physicality are what win National Championships, and if Estrella hits the portal, the Cardinals' fans are hoping Kelsey gets involved. Last season with the Volunteers, Estrella averaged 10 points and 5.4 rebounds in 18 minutes, and he ranked as high as No. 23 overall and No. 7 among power forwards in the Transfer Portal.
Brandon McCoy Jr.
The No. 1 player all Cardinals fans have their eyes on is the former 5-star 2026 recruit, Brandon McCoy Jr. The unanimous 5-star recruit is Michigan's top commitment in the 2026 recruiting class and is expected to make an immediate impact this upcoming season.
It would be a massive update if McCoy plans to transfer, but a coaching change can lead to chaos. The 5-star guard is one of the top shooting guards in the 2026 recruiting class, ranked as high as No. 10 in the nation and No. 2 among shooting guards.
The Cardinals were trying to land 5-star transfer John Blackwell, but Duke landed the Wisconsin transfer over the Cardinals. Now that May is leaving Michigan, Louisville fans are looking to build a super team, and McCoy is the top dream target.
Also read:Â Vegas oddsmakers send clear message on Louisville basketball's 2027 title chances
For all the latest news and updates on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.
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