Drew Williamson Leaves Michigan for Dallas Mavericks

Michigan Retains Players but Loses Key Assistants

Even as Michigan basketball keeps most of its roster after Dusty May moved to the Dallas Mavericks, the coaching staff is suffering a notable drain. Two veteran assistants, both with deep ties to the program, have accepted roles in Dallas, leaving the Wolverines to rebuild their bench. Mike Boynton Jr., now the interim head coach, will have to fill crucial gaps left by the departures. The timing coincides with a broader shake‑up that has seen other former assistants branch out to new opportunities.

While the player nucleus remains largely intact, the loss of top recruiters can affect future class quality, especially in a conference where talent pipelines are tight. The timing also raises questions about long‑term stability under a coach who arrived only months ago. Observers will watch whether Michigan can quickly plug these holes without sacrificing on‑court performance.

Williamson’s Journey From TopConnect to Dallas

Drew Williamson, who served two seasons as an assistant and recruiting coordinator, has joined the Mavericks’ bench, according to a source familiar with the move. Earlier this summer he was invited to the 2026 TopConnect Basketball Symposium, a selective leadership program that brings together 50 emerging coaches and athletics administrators. The experience likely gave him a broader NBA perspective before accepting May’s offer.

A recent video surfacing ahead of Dallas’s Las Vegas Summer League showcase captured Williamson in Mavs gear, confidently tossing the ball to former Michigan big man Morez Johnson Jr., the team’s first‑round pick. Johnson’s transition from the Wolverine lineup to the NBA underscores the network of connections that often drives such coaching moves. Williamson’s new role restores a familiar face for Dallas, while Michigan loses a key strategist.

The departure adds to a growing list of May’s former assistants who have already ventured out. Justin Joyner took the head‑coach reigns at Oregon State, a move that came shortly after Michigan’s earlier exit from Indianapolis. Each transition chips away at the cohesion the staff built during last year’s national‑championship run.

Staff Exodus Impacts Wolverine Program

• Drew Williamson – assistant coach & recruiting coordinator, joins Dallas Mavericks.
• Mody Maor – hired by May to replace Joyner, also departs for Dallas.
• Justin Joyner – already left for Oregon State head‑coach role.

With three pivotal figures now scattered across college and professional ranks, Michigan’s interim coach faces a pressing hiring sprint. The timing of Maor’s move is particularly striking; he was just installed last season after Joyner’s departure. Replacing two seasoned recruiters could be tougher in a short recruiting window, especially with top prospects already committed elsewhere.

Maor, 40, brings international head‑coach experience, having led the Nagasaki Velca in Japan’s B. League and the New Zealand Breakers in Australia’s NBL. His global insight was touted as a boon for the program’s recruiting pitch, a loss the Wolverines will feel in future seasons.

Maor’s Move to the NBA

Maor’s acceptance of a role with Dallas marks his first foray into the NBA coaching ranks, adding a fresh, overseas‑savvy perspective to the Mavericks’ staff. He replaces Williamson as the main recruiter for American talent, a swap that could reshape how Dallas evaluates prospects from the midwest. Michigan will now need a recruiter who can match Maor’s growing reputation for spotting international talent.

The timing of the hires suggests a coordinated effort by May to bring his trusted staff across the river, mirroring past coach migrations where close assistants follow the leader. It also leaves a question mark over whether other U‑M staffers, such as long‑time analytics lead Tony Garcia, might soon follow suit.

What Lies Ahead for Michigan

At present, the program’s future stability hinges on who fills the two vacant spots quickly and effectively. The loss of Williamson and Maor weakens the recruiting machine that helped Michigan secure a strong 2025 class despite the coaching change. Fans and analysts will watch whether the Wolverines can maintain their competitive edge while navigating this transition period.

Looking forward, the coaching turnover highlights how delicate program continuity can be after a high‑profile departure. If Michigan can quickly assemble a cohesive staff—perhaps bringing back a former assistant or promoting from within—the recent exodus may prove a minor hiccup rather than a long‑term setback. The next few months will define the Wolverines’ ability to bounce back on the court and off it.