Why UM hoops is putting itself to the test during nonconference play

When Dusty May took over the Michigan basketball program last year, he and his staff pieced together the nonconference schedule with a purpose.

May wanted the Wolverines to face high-major competition that would prepare them for the rigors of Big Ten play and, with March in mind, help them build a respectable résumé. When all was said and done, the strength of Michigan’s nonconference schedule, per KenPom, ranked No. 72 in the nation and third among all Big Ten teams.

In Year 2, May and his assistants intentionally upped the ante with even more tough matchups and Power Five foes, including the likes of Auburn , Duke , San Diego State, TCU, Villanova and Wake Forest .

“There were a lot more X-factors as far as how good we’re going to be, who we wanted to play (last year),” assi