Trey McKenney is ready to lead Michigan. Go Blue Hoops Episode 41

[Hail Media Group presents Go Blue Hoops, where Michigan basketball’s past, present, and future all come together in one show. Hosted by former Wolverine great, 10-year NBA veteran, and longtime ESPN and NBC college basketball analyst Tim McCormick. Each episode goes beyond the box scores from championship memories and recruiting stories to sharp breakdowns of the season ahead. Insight, legacy, Michigan basketball. This is Go Blue Hoops.

Hey everybody, the Go Blue Hoops podcast is brought to you by the leaders and the best at Michigan Medicine. There’s a difference between an answer and a Michigan answer. To find your Michigan answer, visit michiganers.org. I’m also really want to thank our other sponsor, OLIPOP. Um, I drink it all the time.

I love it. It’s prebiotic. uh has plant fiber. It’s much healthier, less sugar than other drinks that you have. So, check out OLIPOP.

So, welcome to today’s version of the Go Blue Hoops podcast, episode number 41. Um, and this is one in which you may want to encourage your buddies to check this out. Um, I’m going to update all of the players from Michigan that are in the summer league. Um, I am also going to give an update on where the program is right now. And most importantly, our Michigan man interview features national champ Trey McKenney.

And trust me, he is fascinating. All right, first off, the future of this basketball program is becoming more and more clear, and I’m getting excited about what I think this team can do next year. They have the potential to compete at the top of the Big Ten, get to the NCAA tournament and advance. I was fired up last July when I watched the team work out, thinking about the chance that they were going to be as good as anybody in college basketball. I’m starting to believe that this team has the talent and the character to be able to be just as competitive as Michigan was last year.

I’m not saying record-wise, but they can be darn good. Uh, let’s go through it. The Dusty May departure happened at a challenging time to say the least. The potential to lose every single player to the transfer portal if this wasn’t handled carefully, that was real. And if you’re looking at that, you go from national champion to last place in the Big Ten.

Um, if you like Michigan basketball, you should be thrilled and elated. this could have gone south in a hurry. Instead, Michigan is looking at a loaded roster and the players that are back are committed to winning basketball games. So, I think that the potential is real and it’s something to be excited about. So, let’s start a little bit and talk about the coach.

Mike Boynton had the interim tag this week taken off. It was removed. This is his team and program and every opportunity to succeed is right at his fingertips. Let me tell you a little bit about Mike Boynton. He’s an elite recruiter.

Uh he had a major hand in bringing Yaxel and Morz and Aday to Ann Arbor. He brought Cade Cunningham to Oklahoma State when everybody in the country wanted him. Um he’s a nice guy. He’s easy to like and he’s a worker, too. He spent last week at the EYBL tournaments, a high school tournament in Las Vegas.

This week, he and his team, his team of coaches are heading to Georgia for the Peach Jam. And I think that he is going to be a feared recruiter on the trail. So, what else? He was a defensive coordinator last year for Michigan’s national championship team. One of the best defenses that we’ve seen in the last decade.

I know that the entire staff worked on the defense, including Justin Joiner, who’s now at Oregon State. Um, but I would expect schematically that this defense will be very similar to last year, switching a lot of one through four with JP Estrella and Mustafa Cham in the power positions. There’s going to be great rim protection. Uh this team also has an international trip coming up to Lithuania in which they’ll play three excellent pro teams. The real benefit there other than the competition is that Michigan will get 20 practices before they go.

That will let everybody become more familiar with any changes that Mike Boynton is going to bring. um he’ll be able to put his stamp on this program and ultimately if this thing doesn’t work out the way it should, the expectations are going to be sky-high, Michigan moves on. We thank Mike Boynton for a great job here and they start the search in the spring. All right. And last, I think it’s worth noting regarding the hiring of Mike Boynton.

I’ve read from many disgruntled fans that they’re saying, “Why are we settling for a guy that struggled at Oklahoma State for seven years?” It’s really important to do your homework and things like this, especially with all the social media. Everybody’s got an opinion. Um, if if you really studied it, Buon took over at Oklahoma State. He was a coach that was highly coveted. 6 months later, the NCAA comes in and we found out that Brad Underwood, who left Oklahoma State for Illinois.

One of his assistant coaches had done some illegal things financially and the NCAA laid the hammer on Oklahoma State. Remember, Mike Boynton inherited all this. He had nothing to do with it. There was never any scandal at all. There was a cloud of uncertainty.

There were recruiting sanctions. They limited recruiting visits. There was a postseason ban. Um, I broadcast one of his games against Baylor in that first year. I can tell you he is an excellent coach and we’re all going to find out that very soon.

Also, a late developing story is that Mike Boynton just hired his assistant head coach. Uh, his name is Mike Martin, not the stud defensive lineman from Michigan, but Mike Martin was the coach at Brown University, a job that you just can’t win at in the Ivy League with the resources that they have. But he was a head coach for 15 years and I think there’s a great deal of value that Mike Boynton will have with somebody by his side that has been a head coach. And the other thing that I said earlier, I’m excited about this team. There are three elite teams in college basketball for this upcoming season.

Illinois might be the best team in the whole country. They return everybody and they added a few key pieces. After that, Michigan and Michigan State to me are both top 12 teams in the country. It’s going to be a really exciting year. Hey Michigan fans, we will be right back.

But first, a word from our sponsor. For generations, Knight’s Steakhouse has been an Ann Arbor tradition. Family-owned and serving the community since 1952. From hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood to classic cocktails and genuine hospitality. Visit Knights on Dexter Avenue or downtown Ann Arbor.

Knight’s Steakhouse. Great food, strong drinks. Ann Arbor tradition. I want to take a minute to update our summer league. It’s time to appreciate the journey of so many former Michigan players and standouts that are trying to maximize their pro potential.

Sure, they want to get to the NBA. That’s the ultimate dream. But it’s also equally important to remember that the Las Vegas Summer League, and I went there for 20 straight years, there are hundreds and hundreds of international scouts and coaches that are looking for players that perform well in Las Vegas. You play well in Vegas, your pro career flourishes, and you get a chance to go overseas and continue to chase that career. So, here’s a real brief update on some of the guys in case you’re wondering.

Let’s start with Nimari Burnett, the national champ. Off to a nice start playing for the Toronto Raptors. In his debut, he played 24 minutes, scored 10 points, and had some good news for all of us. He’s getting married and he’s having a baby this summer. So, good job, Namari.

Kobe Buffkin, three years in the NBA from Grand Rapids. Slow start to his career. His last game in Las Vegas was for the New Orleans Pelicans. He had 15 points in a victory. Remember Colin Castleton played for John Beilein, did not wait after Beline left.

He transferred to Florida. What’s he doing now? Three years in the NBA. Limited production so far, but in the summer league against the Orlando Magic, that’s who he’s playing with, I should say. He’s averaged 18 points per game.

So, one of the surprises of all the big men in the summer league. Um, Hunter Dickinson, New Orleans Pelicans, had 21 versus the Hornets in three games in the summer league. He’s averaging 12 points per contest. All right, who else is performing well? How about Morez Johnson Jr.?

When Dusty May selected Morez Johnson Jr. over the other key players at that position, it was a real statement because Dusty May knows the potential of these players better than anybody. And then Rez in his first game against the Warriors had 27 points and eight rebounds and opened everybody’s eyes to his potential. He’s had double figures both games. Really fast start for Morez Johnson Jr..

Also, Yaxel Lendeborg has proven that he’s a legit candidate to be on the All-Rookie team this year. In four games for Golden State, he has averaged 16 points per contest, shooting over 60% from three-point range. He’s played great. He’s having fun. I love what he has done so far.

Uh, next up, remember Trey Donaldson transferred from Michigan to Miami. Has a two-way deal right now with Miami in four summer league games. He’s done really well. 10 points per contest. Vlad Golden is playing with the Miami Heat.

Remember, he was not drafted last year. Had some games with the Heat. He’s done okay in the summer league. Four games, 40 points, averaging 10 per contest. Roddy Gayle, free agent with the Pistons.

Are you surprised? I’m not. He’s played very, very well in two games in Las Vegas with the Pistons. He’s averaging 10 points per contest. And Tarris Reed Jr., we saw him in the NCAA finals playing center for UConn.

He’s really emerged playing for the San Antonio Spurs, hoping to get a backup center role to Victor Wembanyama. four games. He scored in double figures in three of them. All right, how’s Danny Wolf doing? Danny is getting ready for his second year with the Brooklyn Nets.

He’s played well so far in the summer league, averaging 14 points per game against the Hawks the other night. He had 20 and5. Will Tschetter is suiting up for the Portland Trailblazers. Has not played as of yet. I really hope he gets a chance to show what he can do.

And last, Aday Mara, OKC Thunder. His job is to emerge as a stopper on the defense. Vent as the guy to deal with Victor Wembanyama. In four games, Aday is averaging nine points, eight rebounds, and a bunch of block shots. And remember, the Las Vegas Summer League concludes on Sunday, July 19th.

So check out your favorite Michigan players. The games are all televised. Hey Michigan fans, we will be right back. But first, a word from our sponsor. When prenatal surgery is your baby’s best chance, when your sight is set on gene therapy for retinal disease, when a new airway is what you need to keep breathing, only Michigan answers with specialized treatment options that aren’t available anywhere else in Michigan.

We provide the nationally recognized care you need without having to travel out of state. Learn how University of Michigan Health answers the call at michigananswers.org. All right, everybody. Today’s Michigan man interview is very special. Trey McKenney has accomplished so much at such a young age.

High school All-American, uh, All-Big Ten Freshman Team, national champion, and a future NBA standout in my mind. And I also call him a friend. Trey, thanks so much for joining us on the podcast. Of course. Thanks for having me.

So, one year ago, you’re a high school grad. You step on the campus trying to figure out, you know, how you’re going to be a great college player. Now, you’re a national champion. How is this summer been different than last? I mean, it’s it’s totally different when you win a national championship like that.

um there’s a lot of different expectations and a lot of people trying to pull away for some of your time throughout your day, you know, more so than they would before you won at that high of a level. So, it’s definitely different, but I think it’s good for me to be able to just kind of seek out what I like and what I don’t like and, you know, just trying to make sure that I’m keeping the main thing the main thing. You’ve been all over the country. I think you were at the Chris Paul. What does your schedule look like?

Where have you been? What have you been doing? I worked out with my agency in Miami and LA for a few weeks and then I came back and we started workouts and then I was here for probably like a week and a half and then I had to go to the CP3 and Jason Tatum camp. But yeah, that was a it was a pretty cool experience just learning some stuff from those guys. I mean cuz obviously they play at the highest level in basketball.

So, I mean, it’s it’s always good to like try to kind of get some stuff off of them and, you know, try to get better. So, what did you learn from Jason Tatum or Chris Paul? What’s one thing that you that you took away that you’ll add to your game? Well, I think um Coach Dusty and the staff did a really good job last year just making sure that, you know, we all on the floor, we know how to connect as a team, you know, whether we have the ball or not. So, I think that’s one of the biggest things for me is just being able to affect the game without the ball.

And I think I did a tremendous job throughout the season last year, just getting better every game and every practice without the ball and trying to find ways to, you know, create an advantage or get somebody else open shot or even me being able to, you know, be the finishing piece on the offensive end. So, I definitely think I learned being able to screen and move off the ball, cutting, getting away from the ball and stuff like that. So, it’s definitely going to be really good for me this season. Trey, I keep thinking back to the national championship game against UConn. You made one of the most iconic shots in history.

Um, then you have triple zeros on the clock, confetti’s coming down. What do you remember most about that moment? The one thing that I remember is just, you know, being so joyful and really just thanking God and my family and the team for allowing me to be such a big piece and, you know, have some sort of impact whether it was positive or, you know, sometimes even, you know, I wasn’t doing the right thing and it was kind of negative. But yeah, I was just I was really ecstatic to be a part of that team. I mean, that team was one of the more connected teams I’ve been around.

And when you’re on a championship team, you can feel it cuz it’s all about connectiveness and friendship and love. And I think that team was it was full of it. And I think that’s why we were the last team standing. Yeah. And full of talent, too.

I’ve been watching a lot of the summer league. Six of your teammates from last year are on Las Vegas summer league teams. Um, did at any point you think about leaving for the NBA after your freshman year? Um, not really at all. I mean, I knew coming back I was going to have more of a, you know, expanded role with this new team we have here.

So, I just kind of wanted to play it out for one more year and just see what could happen cuz I know in the expanded role, I could definitely be able to show different parts of my game that I sometimes wasn’t able to show last year. So, I think it’ll be really good for me to get one more summer just to develop and seek things out and try to, you know, be more of a vocal leader on this team. I think that’s going to be a big thing for me this year. So, I’m definitely looking forward to it. Have you watched summer league at all?

Have you talked to your teammates from last year? What’s the vibe? Yeah, I’ve I’ve obviously talked to Jackson, Roddy, but I mean, all of those guys are they’re doing very good. Namari, Roddy, Will, you know, Aday, MZ, everybody. So, I mean, it just shows how connected we were and how talented we were as a team.

I mean, to have six guys out of the nine that were in the rotation and in summer league and the highest level of basketball, I mean, that’s that’s not something you come across often. So, I was just it’s crazy sitting back and watching like I really like play with those guys. So, I’m really just proud of them and I’m happy. Trey, you and Elliott really took ownership of this team. Uh, right after the season, you said, “I’m coming back.” You set the tone.

Did you guys talk at all about playing together again next year, about the ownership of this team? How did you and Elliot approached this? Yeah, I mean, Elliot, um, he’s he had kind of a different spring and summer than me. I mean, he tested out in the draft a little bit and he did some workouts and got some good feedback for himself and he wanted to be able to see what it was like going through those workouts and stuff. So, that was really good for him.

But, I think me and him, we were just once like we kind of got to the Big Ten tournament and then, you know, some in the NCAA tournament since I mean, obviously LJ got hurt and, you know, I had to play a bigger role. So, I was obviously on the court more with Elliot and I could just kind of feel that we were connecting more and getting more cohesive with each other and our chemistry was definitely starting to grow. So, I think that’s something that towards the end of the season we were like looking towards being some of the focal points on the team coming up this year. So, I’m really excited to be able to show that, you know, we can be one of the more talented backcourts in the country. So, I’m definitely looking forward to that.

It’s been 20 days now since Dusty May took over the Mavs. Uh, a lot has happened for everybody. When you first heard about him leaving, where were you and what went through your mind? I mean, I was I was in the gym actually and lifting. So, I mean, it was kind of crazy, but I mean, I’m not I don’t have any harsh or bad feelings towards Dusty at all.

I mean, everybody in their profession, you know, they want to go to the highest level of their profession. So, I mean, anybody else would have, you know, took the opportunity right away or even, you know, scratched their head and thought about it a little bit more. So, I’m really just happy for him and just to be able to say that I played for, you know, a highle coach like that and, you know, really impacted the game in a positive way is good for me, but also just him being the person he was, you know, throughout the season. He did a lot for me, whether it was trying to settle me in since I was a freshman and, you know, tell me that things were going to be okay when I wasn’t doing well or just him being there every day after a game or practice or whatever to watch film with me and me become better and try to become better on the court.

So, you know, I’m just really happy for him, but more more importantly, I’m I’m happy for our staff. I think a lot of the assistant coaches and, you know, obviously Coach Boynton was appointed our head coach. So, I think it’ll be good for him to be able to show that, you know, he did a lot last year behind the scenes and those guys did a lot behind the scenes with film and scouts and stuff like that. So, I think it’ll be a good opportunity for them to be able to show that they can they can make a real impact on our team. Yeah, very well said.

Uh, I’m I’m curious, Trey, have you had a conversation with Dusty and if so, what was said? Um really just I mean him telling me that you know he loves me and you know he’s really proud of me and I mean obviously I’m really proud of him as well but I mean the plan is for me to be able to meet him there one day and yeah so I’m just I’m really proud of him and I know how hard he works and how talented of a coach he is. I mean, he’s definitely one of the smarter coaches I’ve been around, you know, when it comes offensively. I mean, he’s like he’s a wizard. Like, there’s no way you have that much of a talented team like we did last year and you find a way just to make that work with no egos and everybody being selfless and giving yourself up for the team.

So, I’m just I’m really excited for him and I’m also just very excited to see, you know, his journey and where he keeps going. After the news broke, you went right into Mike Boynton’s office. What do you remember about that conversation? What was said between the two of you? I mean, not much was said.

I mean, we just we knew like me and him, we were on the same page already. like we already knew that nothing was going to change in the program. I mean, Dusty, he recruited such a great staff and they really built a culture inside of our program to where even if Dusty wasn’t there, I mean, our team was going to be the exact same, our culture was going to stay the exact same, and we were going to go about every day with the same mentality. So, it was really just trying to reassure all the other guys that nothing was going to change and everybody’s role was going to stay the same. And, you know, yeah, that’s really all it was about.

And I think that conversation was mostly about me being more of a leader and, you know, trying to convince guys to stay and stick it out and see what’s going on and just kind of process things a little bit more before making a quick decision. So, I think that conversation, it was really good for the both of us to be on the same page. Well, you certainly seem to have a great relationship with Mike Boynton. As a matter of fact, I broadcast the La Salle game on Peacock this year and I remember walking into the gym 5 hours before the game and it was just you and Mike Boynton shooting and rebounding in Crisler. Nobody else was in the building.

And can you talk a little bit about what Mike Boynton is like as a coach? What are his strengths? Is, you know, his leadership abilities? What makes him so easy to connect to? I think the most important thing that makes him the easiest to connect with is just he’s like a he’s a player’s coach.

I mean, he just he wants to get the best out of you, but more importantly than that, I mean, he just cares about the person. and we’ve been on multiple dinners throughout the season, you know, me talking to him, me, him, Yax, Roddy, just trying to figure out what’s going on. And, you know, I can’t thank him enough. I mean, he’s definitely been an outlet for me there in this big space of college athletics. You know, being able to talk to him and grow as a person, but most importantly on the court, I mean, I train with him every day countlessly.

I mean, that’s our thing. So, I would say the fans should be really excited. I mean, he’s going to bring a lot of energy towards this team. I mean, he was basically the head of our defense last year, and I mean, you know, how talented our defense was. We had the best defense in the country.

So, that’ll be really, really exciting to see what he has playing for us. But, I think he’s going to bring a lot of energy to this school. And I don’t think there will be a big gap between last year and this year. Trey, when I was around the team this year, it seemed like you were always together with Yaxel and Roddy. Um, those are your guys, right?

And you had a lot of fun with social media, but they are also older players that mentored you. Um, can you talk a little bit about Yaxel and Roddy and that special bond the three of you had? Yeah, I mean it started off with I’m not really a talkative guy, but yeah, I would say throughout the season earlier, I was probably kind of like standoffish in a way. I mean, I was just kind of quiet and I think we all had something similar. Like, we’re all just like kind of like mellow and just chill.

So, I think they kind of brought that out of me and that’s a friendship that I’m really grateful for and I know it’ll last a long time since we did something really special together and we spent a lot of time together outside of basketball. So, I think we just all had something in common and we started working out together, started training, started going to dinners, you know, started hanging out as a group and it just grew from there. And I think that’s that’s something that, you know, we’re going to cherish forever. you um you have a reputation as a an extreme competitor. Is there something away from the game that maybe you’re ridiculously competitive at that people may not know?

What are some of your other passions and hobbies? I actually just got back into fishing a couple days ago, so I’m kind of competitive about that. I think that’s one of the more things that I’m competitive about. It’s actually funny cuz, you know, I saw you while I was fishing in Orchard Lake, so that’s kind of cool. But yeah, I’d say that’s definitely one of the things I’m more passionate about outside of basketball.

It’s funny. Um, a little backstory. So, Trey and I got to know each other at the top 100 camp and I live really close to Orchard Lake St. Mary where he attended high school. And one day I’m driving down Indian Trail right by their campus and I look and I said, “There’s Trey McKenney.

He’s fishing in the middle of Orchard Lake, just casting offshore and there’s students all over. Um, did you go fishing with Harrison at all? I haven’t been actually. And I think Will’s a big fisherman, too. Yeah, he’s a he’s probably he’s definitely a bigger fisherman than me.

It’s every day with him. He’s non-stop. Well, Trey, you know, I’ve got a boat and a lake, and anytime you want to fish, I would be happy to take you out. Thank you. All right.

So, so you lose six guys from last year. Who’s the one player that you think really helped you the most? Maybe you just watched him, he mentored you. Who’s that one guy that you’re really going to miss? I’d have to say I mean, they’re going to be mad at me if I don’t say them, so I’m going to have to say Yax and Roddy.

I mean, those guys I mean, I spent every day with them, whether it was after the season or, you know, during the season. So, I’m truly going to miss them. And I think that made me come out of my shell and be more vocal and it really helped me. So I’m super grateful and blessed for our relationship and you know I’m really excited to see where their journeys go as well. So you’re a Michigan hero forever based on what you did this year.

There’s more to come I’m sure. Um being from Flint, you said no to Michigan State with with all the Flintstones of the past. You delivered a national championship to Ann Arbor. Um, was it hard to choose Michigan with all the Flint expectations? Um, I wouldn’t say it was hard to choose Michigan.

I think everybody has their own path and I think I did what was best for me in that moment and it ended up working out tremendously well. So, I mean, I think all of those guys that went to Michigan State I keep in contact with whether it’s, you know, through the phone or when I see them in person. like me and Mateen Cleaves like we talk every month or every two weeks like he I stay in contact with him and he helps me a lot throughout my journey cuz I mean he’s obviously done tremendous things and you know he’s won a national championship just like me and also played at the highest level. So he yeah I mean I talked to a lot of those guys and it’s not just about you know Flintstones and Michigan.

I mean, it’s about the Flint culture and, you know, helping out the next one up. Do you feel like growing up in Flint, um, there’s there’s a toughness about their basketball, but you also had your dad who coached you and has been a great leader in your life. Um, can you talk a little bit about growing up in Flint, having your dad as your coach, and then also the new trend is so many players leave for prep schools. they go to Prolific Prep or Montverde or Oak Hill Academy or wherever you stayed and played in Michigan. What has that journey been like for you?

Man, the journey has been amazing. I mean, I went to Orchard Lake and growing up in Flint, I mean, loyalty is real and it’s it’s to the fullest. So, I mean, I think whatever I put my mind to and what whatever I put my heart towards, I stick to that and I’m loyal to it. So, me going to Orch Lake and staying there for 4 years, I think it was it was the right decision. I mean, maybe I could have probably, you know, been ranked higher, more people seeing me if I went to a prep school in a different state or something like that, maybe.

But, you know, I think I had the greatest four years of my life being there and bonding with some new people that maybe I wouldn’t have met if I went in a different state. And I was also able to be a kid and, you know, grow as a person. So, I think that was big for me. And also, I’ve I met really good people like Coach Cobra and Coach K. I mean, those guys are like my mentors and people that I still, you know, communicate with on a daily basis from from here on out.

So, I think staying there and being loyal was a big thing for me. And also, just being able to build something that’s longlasting cuz I mean, if you go to a prep school in a different state, you’re just going to be like another name to them. I mean, there’s so many guys that have went out the state and, you know, did tremendous things, but I mean, they’re they’re just going to be another guy in that state. So, I wanted to build a legacy and something that, you know, will be talked about for years to come from now. So, yeah, Harrison shared with us that the leaders, you and he and Ellie, that they actively recruited the young guys, the freshman coming in, the transfers to stay.

He mentioned there was a boat ride. There were some dinners at at their house. Um, were you involved in any of those? And how have you recruited the young guys? Yeah, I mean it was it was tough on them cuz I can’t even imagine how it felt.

I mean, cuz they’re obviously just literally moved in for not even a week when it happened. So, I definitely felt pretty bad for them, you know, that coming out of nowhere and then not knowing at all. But yeah, I think I was a part of the boat ride during the dinner. I was in Las Vegas for the CP3 and Jason Tatum camp. But the boat ride was it was fun.

I mean, the biggest thing for us was we just had to stay together and stay, you know, close as a team and try to pick each other’s brains about what we were thinking in that moment and just be transparent with each other on what was going on. And I think patience was the most important thing because we didn’t know what would happen. And good thing that Coach Boynton got the job and stuff like that. But yeah, I think it was it was very important for me to check up on everybody individually and see what they were thinking. I mean, obviously they were super worried and stuff like that, but yeah, I think it was also just a big moment for me to be able to lead in a way that I wouldn’t have.

But yeah, I think it was good for me to step into a leading role more sooner than expected. And I think I did a pretty good job. I mean, we probably have our full team coming back. So, yeah. Trey, I’m I’m just laughing at the visual of of you standing on a boat with all these young guys and you’re telling them why they should stay at Michigan.

What did you tell them? Well, I mean, it’s it’s super it’s it’s kind of it’s super simple. I mean, most of our staff is staying. I mean, the people are on the program are the same. I just told them like nothing is going to change at all.

Like like Wreck is gonna be Ricky. Brandon McCoy is gonna be Brandon McCoy. Joseph Hartman’s gonna be Joseph Hartman. You know, Malachi Brown is going to be Malachi Brown. Quinn Castello is going to be Quinn Costello.

Nothing’s going to change. I mean, the roles are going to be the same as they were with Dusty. It’s going to be the same thing with Coach Boynton and the new staff. So, I just want to reiterate that nothing is going to nothing is going to change. And obviously they, you know, trusted in the players and the bond that we regrrew throughout those two or three weeks and they trusted it enough to stay and stick it out.

So I’m really proud of the team just being able to come together in that tough time cuz I mean that’s that’s not something that happens too often and I mean it obviously came out of nowhere. So I’m just I think it says a lot about this team coming up. I think it says that we’re going to have a connectiveness like last year and hopefully be able to do some of the some of the winning things that we did this last year. So So last year I was really excited about your team. I’m just as excited about this team.

I’d love to hear you put on your coach’s hat and break down some of your new teammates. What’s the scouting report? What have you seen from Mustafa? Yeah, I mean Wavi, he’s going to be our anchor on defense. I mean, he’s going to alter a lot of shots around the rim, inside the three.

I mean, he can also shoot it offensively. He has great touch and I mean, he’s going to be really good for us, but we have JP. I mean, he’s a he’s a dog on the offensive glass and he’s going to be super good. He can also really shoot it. I think people are underestimating how well he can shoot it.

they’ll be able to shoot it really well this season. I think our front court is gonna be super talented. So, I’m I’m definitely excited to be able to play with some good big guys. Five-star Brandon McCoy, what have you seen from him so far? I mean, he’s out of this world athletic.

Like, definitely one of the more athletic guys I’ve seen ever. So, he’ll definitely he’ll definitely carve out a really big role. I mean, he’s ready. There’s no doubt in my mind. I mean, he’s going to make a big impact on this team we have this year.

And I’m excited for him cuz I mean, I know I’ve known him before him coming to Michigan just with, you know, EYBL and stuff like that. And obviously, we’ve had the same kind of journey or whatever. So, I’m definitely super excited to play with him and see what he can do. Who’s somebody that’s a sleeper that you say, “Wow, this guy is really, really good. People are going to be shocked by by his contributions this year.” Who would that player be?

I think the only person that it should be is, you know, Ricky. I mean, he’s I mean, I’m a gym and every time I try to get there, you know, and be one of the most more early guys to the gym and, you know, when I’m there, I see him. So, just the amount of preparation and amount of shots he’s been getting up this season, this offseason, I mean, I can I can see it. He’s going to be super ready. I mean, he’s going to be able to defend at a high level and also shoot the ball at a super efficient clip.

So, I don’t think fans really know how talented he is. So, I’m super excited for him to be able to show them who he really is. Have you had a chance to talk to LJ? Um, it’s really hard to go through rehab and you get lonely, you get you get sad, there’s anxiety. H have you talked at all to LJ and you know what is your message to him about you know being that 13th guy that 12 of 13 have recommitted.

He’s the one that hasn’t. Have you talked to LJ? Yeah, I mean I’ve definitely talked to him. I mean, I obviously don’t want to, you know, spread his business, but I mean, his rehab is going really well. I mean, he’s back shooting and I think he’ll probably be able to pract practice a little bit, you know, later in the fall with us.

So, you know, I’m I’m looking forward to playing with him again. I mean, obviously before he got hurt, he was one of the best point guards in America. And I think when he comes back, he’ll be able to show that again. So, I’m definitely super excited to, you know, see his journey and I know it’s super tough for him. I mean, I’ve never went through that, but I’m he’s obviously like one of my guys and I’m just super excited to see his journey after this, you know, rehab and stuff like that.

Great. Um, as we wind down, um, I always like to do a quick hitter segment, you know, fastpaced questions, short answers. Uh, what is your toughest Big Ten venue? What the loudest place, the rudest, nastiest crowd? What was it?

Purdue. Most points you ever scored in a game at any level? 38. Who is that against? IMG.

Wow. So, you said you like fishing. Do you have any other hobbies away from the game? Um, I’d say just walking my dog around the neighborhood. What kind of dog?

A golden noodle. Golden doodle. [laughter] What’s the first time you ever dunked? What grade were you in? Eighth grade.

Yeah, eighth grade. Who’s the most famous person that you’ve ever met? LeBron. What was that like? Um, I actually played when I was in elementary or middle school.

I played with his youngest son, Bryce. Yeah. We grew up together and played together. So, that was cool to be able to, you know, see him. I mean, obviously, I was super young, so I was so super starstruck.

Like, that’s LeBron James. But, yeah, those those are some moments I’ll never forget. That’s pretty cool. If you didn’t go to Michigan, where was your second choice? My second choice was Georgetown.

When Dusty May left, I’m sure that your phone just blew up with transfer portal questions, agents, coaches. How many different people or schools did you hear from about transferring in the portal when Dusty left? I mean, I don’t they obviously didn’t reach out to me, but my dad, you know, heard from a bunch of different schools and I didn’t want to entertain it cuz I didn’t I mean, obviously, there was some uncertainty, but I didn’t know what the situation totally looked like and it was looking like Coach Boynton was going to be the man, the head coach. So, I mean, I didn’t want to entertain that stuff at all. I mean, I knew I wanted to stay home.

I mean, I didn’t feel like transferring at all. All right. Favorite class at Michigan? I’d have to say the NIL class I took last fall. It was pretty interesting.

Good. What size shoe do you wear? 14. All right. And do you have a favorite spot on campus?

Favorite food spot? Yeah. Or hang out or whatever. My favorite food spot is definitely Sabas. Okay, I’ll have to check that out.

Um, final question, Trey. You’ve already won a national championship for your home state university. When your Michigan career is eventually over, what do you want people to say about Trey McKenna? Well, when I’m all done here, I definitely want to be, you know, in the conversation of one of the best, you know, Michigan basketball players to play. So, I think that’s all about it starts with winning and being a leader on my team.

So, I’m definitely trying to emulate those things, but that’s definitely the goal to be in that conversation of, you know, one of the best players to play here. I mean, I grew up dreaming of playing here, and for me to be able to have a opportunity to leave a longlasting impact is something I definitely want to try my hardest to do. Maybe someday you can be up in the rafters like Trey Burke and Rudy Tomjanovich and Kazzy Russell and Glenn Rice. If if you if you keep winning national championships, that’s where you’re going. Absolutely.

That’s the plan. Trey, I um I can’t thank you enough. I’m I’m really proud of you. I’m proud of of what this team has done. And remember, if you want to do some bass fishing, I’ve I’ve got a spot for you.

Okay. Thank you. All right. Good. And um during the season, would you be willing to come back on again?

Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. It’s always good talking to you, Trey. Congratulations. And go blue.

Thank you. Go Blue. If you like this kind of content, please like, share, follow, and subscribe. And as always, go blue!]