​When Jalen Reed chose to leave LSU for Michigan basketball, his expectation was to be coached by Dusty May, who had just guided the Wolverines to a national championship. But about two and a half weeks ago, May surprised everyone by departing Ann Arbor for the NBA, a move that sent shockwaves through the sports world. That left Reed with a pivotal choice to make. For him, the decision was not a difficult one.
The durable but frequently injured former Tiger felt in his core that he would remain at Michigan, and he carried no resentment toward May’s decision to pursue a bigger opportunity. Reed spoke with Michigan basketball insider Brian Boesch on the Defend the Block podcast, detailing his thought process upon learning he would not be coached by May and his decision to stay with the maize and blue, playing instead for interim head coach Mike Boynton Jr.
“Honestly, when the Dusty news hit, it was a shock, but I wasn’t filled with any resentment or sour feelings,” Reed said. “I kind took it as Dusty being the No. 1 pick in the draft for me. I was happy for him, and I know it was a dream come true for him. I just talked to Coach Akeem (Miskdeen), and he reassured me that he believed Coach Mike B. would get the job and that it would run like before. Dusty even echoed the same sentiment, saying he sensed the program would stay really similar. Even with him not being here physically, he would still have his hands over the program.”
So Reed chose to trust the process. If you look at his track record, loyalty runs deep in him. He completed four years at LSU, and the notion of leaving was never a consideration for him. That steadfast sense of loyalty carried into his relationship with Boynton, with whom Reed already had a positive rapport. He later learned that Boynton’s own connection to his family extended even further, enhancing the bond between the two men.
The on-court bond has only strengthened since May’s departure. Reed recently discovered a deeper familial link: his late father had been roommates with Boynton at a camp during their playing days. That revelation has only enriched Reed’s growing connection with Michigan’s interim head coach, and he believes the relationship will continue to flourish as he returns to the court.
Reed is still in the process of recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon he sustained early in the 2025-26 season at LSU. He shared with Boesch where he stands in his rehabilitation, noting that he is making meaningful progress and moving closer to full strength, with an eye toward returning to action in the near future. He described his current condition as feeling “really comfortable” and his body as approaching a 90 percent readiness level seven months post-surgery. He has resumed running, is back in the weight room, and is gradually resuming activities that will eventually allow him to play again.
“I feel really good about where I am,” Reed said. “I’m seven months post-surgery now, and my strength is in a really solid place. I feel like I’m closing in on 90 percent. I’m back on the court running, getting back to working out, and I’m genuinely excited about where I am in the rehab process, especially with Michigan.”
As Reed continues his rehab and looks ahead to contributing on the court for the Wolverines, his decision to stay demonstrates a blend of loyalty, trust in Michigan’s leadership, and confidence in his own recovery timeline. The journey from LSU to Michigan—plus the change in leadership from May to Boynton—has shaped Reed into a player who prioritizes perseverance, communal ties, and a steadfast belief that his best days remain ahead.