Michigan’s Dusty May Faces Close Friend, Saint Louis’ Josh Schertz, in NCAA Tournament Round of 32
BUFFALO, N.Y. – The second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on , features a compelling matchup between the top-seeded Michigan Wolverines and the ninth-seeded Saint Louis Billikens. Beyond the stakes – a coveted Sweet Sixteen berth – this contest carries a unique narrative: a clash between two head coaches, Dusty May and Josh Schertz, bound by a deep and unusual level of professional trust and mutual respect.
The relationship between May and Schertz extends far beyond the typical collegial exchange between opposing coaches. They routinely share practice film and even playbooks, a practice May himself admits is “probably very unusual.” This level of openness isn’t born of convenience, but of years cultivating a shared understanding of the game. “There’s a group of us that share – and actually, he and I – we’re close enough where I don’t even call him,” May explained. “I’ll shoot his video guy, or he’ll shoot my video guy a text and say, ‘Can you send me last week’s workouts?’ We’re toying with this, we’re thinking about this concept. It might just spur an idea.”
Both teams demonstrated offensive firepower in their first-round victories. Saint Louis dismantled Georgia with a dominant 102-77 performance, although Michigan cruised past Howard, 101-80. The high-scoring nature of both teams suggests Saturday’s game, scheduled for 12:10 p.m. ET on CBS, could be another offensive showcase. May anticipates a strategic battle, characterizing the matchup as “a great chess match” given the similar philosophies he and Schertz employ.
The roots of May and Schertz’s connection trace back to their time coaching at different levels. Schertz was building a successful program at Division II Lincoln Memorial, while May was establishing himself at Florida Atlantic. May initially reached out while scouting a player transferring from Lincoln Memorial, and was immediately impressed by the level of preparation and execution he observed. That initial observation sparked a dialogue that evolved into a sustained exchange of ideas.
Their bond deepened over time, culminating in a ten-hour session in May’s office where the two coaches simply discussed the game. “I loved it when he was at a Division II, we were different levels, and I was down in Boca Raton, because this would never happen where we had to compete against each other,” May said, reflecting on the freedom their differing levels afforded them to collaborate openly.
Now, however, competition is unavoidable. Despite the potential awkwardness of facing a close friend with so much on the line, May expressed a pragmatic acceptance. “If we’re going to lose, I want to lose to a guy that does it at the level that he and they do it. And hopefully we don’t, but if we do, then you want to do it to somebody who you’re going to be better for it.”
Schertz echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the unique support system May provides. “It’s always nice when you have somebody who’s in the same chair as you,” he said. “It’s hard. Sometimes being a head coach can be lonely. … [May has] been an incredible resource for me.” Schertz is in his second season with Saint Louis and making his first appearance in the NCAA Division I tournament, highlighting the value of the mentorship he’s received from May.
The unusual dynamic between the two coaches adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling tournament matchup. While both teams are focused on advancing to the Sweet Sixteen, the game represents more than just a win or a loss. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration, the value of mentorship, and the enduring friendships that can flourish even amidst the intense competition of college basketball. The game will be a showcase of two programs built on similar principles, led by two coaches who have openly shared their knowledge and pushed each other to improve – a rare and compelling narrative in the high-stakes world of March Madness.
May, now in his second year at Michigan, has quickly established himself as a rising star in the coaching ranks. His ability to build a cohesive and high-performing team has been instrumental in the Wolverines’ success. Schertz, meanwhile, is making his mark at Saint Louis, transforming the Billikens into a formidable offensive force. Saturday’s game will be a significant test for both coaches, and a fascinating demonstration of how their shared philosophies translate onto the court.