Reports: Dusty May set to add two assistant coaches to Michigan basketball staff

The coaching staff under new Michigan basketball coach Dusty May is starting to take shape.

Akeem Miskdeen, an assistant at Georgia who worked with May at Florida Atlantic, and Mike Boynton Jr., the former head coach at Oklahoma State, are expected to join May’s staff as assistant coaches, according to multiple reports.

The moves were first reported by The Athletic and CBS Sports, respectively.

Miskdeen has been a high-major assistant coach since 2011 and provides May with a familiar face on the sideline. Miskdeen served as an assistant during May’s first three seasons at Florida Atlantic, where he helped lay the foundation in Boca Raton and played a part in the Owls posting three consecutive winning seasons for the first time since the program made the move to Division I in 1993.

From there, Miskdeen went on to spend three seasons in the SEC, following head coach Mike White from Florida to Georgia, where he has worked the past two seasons. May also served under White at Florida before he landed his first head-coaching job at FAU.

Before the most recent stops, Miskdeen spent five seasons at Hampton (2011-16), two at Kent State (2016-18) and helped coach teams to three consecutive NCAA Tournament berths in 2015, 2016 (with Hampton) and 2017.

Like Miskdeen, Boynton also carries significant college coaching experience. Boynton led Oklahoma State to a 119-109 record during his seven-year tenure before he was fired on March 14 after a 12-20 finish this past season.

Boynton’s teams generally have had a strong defensive identity. From 2020-23, he coached three units that finished the season ranked in the top 20 nationally in KenPom.com’s adjusted defensive efficiency, including a No. 4 ranking in the 2021-22 season.

Boynton and Miskdeen both have had success on the recruiting trail. Boynton landed No. 1 overall recruit and top NBA Draft pick Cade Cunningham, who powered the Cowboys to their lone NCAA Tournament appearance during Boynton’s time at the helm. Miskdeen was the primary recruiter for Johnell Davis, who starred at FAU the past three seasons.

Miskdeen was also the primary recruiter for former Michigan commit Khani Rooths while at Georgia. Miskdeen’s ties could help the Wolverines reel in Rooths, who hasn’t ruled out pledging back to Michigan, and Davis, who entered the transfer portal while also declaring for the NBA Draft this week.

With Boynton and Miskdeen reportedly set to come to Michigan and help shape the program's turnaround, that leaves May with one more assistant spot to fill on his staff.

jhawkins@detroitnews.com

@jamesbhawkins