Michigan Coach Mike Boynton Discusses Newcomers Justin Pippen, Rubin Jones, Tre Donaldson, Roddy Gayle, and Sam Walters
New Michigan basketball assistant Mike Boynton visited The Michigan Insider’s studio for an in-depth conversation about his journey to Ann Arbor and the future of the Wolverines under new leadership.
Boynton, formerly the head coach at Oklahoma State, shared insights into his background as a Brooklyn point guard, his transition from player to coach, his recruitment of Cade Cunningham at Oklahoma State, and the impact of NIL on college basketball. The discussion delved into his connection with Dusty May, his hiring at Michigan, May’s offensive and defensive strategies, and roster management. Boynton also evaluated Michigan’s recent signees, including Justin Pippen, Tre Donaldson, Sam Walters, Roddy Gayle, and Rubin Jones.
Here’s a summary of Boynton’s thoughts on each of these Michigan basketball newcomers:
– **Justin Pippen**: Boynton expressed confidence in Pippen’s potential, noting that while he may not rank at the top nationally, he has the qualities to develop into a standout player over time. He praised Pippen’s basketball lineage, highlighting his family’s background in the sport and his own dedication to improvement.
– **Rubin Jones**: Boynton emphasized Jones’ experience and winning mentality, having come from a successful program. He valued Jones’ defensive prowess and winning mindset, considering him a valuable addition to Michigan’s team.
– **Tre Donaldson**: Donaldson caught Boynton’s attention with his efficiency as a point guard, particularly his assist-to-turnover ratio. Boynton emphasized the importance of having a reliable point guard who can both distribute the ball effectively and score when needed.
– **Roddy Gayle** and **Sam Walters**: Boynton did not provide specific comments on Gayle and Walters in this excerpt.
Overall, Boynton highlighted the diverse skills and winning mindset that these newcomers bring to Michigan, signaling optimism for their contributions to the team’s success under Coach May’s guidance.
