As Michigan prepares for its Final Four showdown against Arizona, few players embody the Wolverines’ late-season momentum like Roddy Gayle Jr. After reduced court time midseason with LJ Cason’s emergence, Gayle has reemerged as one of Michigan’s most dependable bench contributors. He’s a two-way spark whose confidence matches that of head coach Dusty May’s entire program.

“Right when LJ went down, Coach told me just to trust my jump shot,” Gayle said in the locker room this week. “I think that’s something that goes a really long way. He told me that I’m going to have five or six really good games in the tournament, and that happened. Just being able to believe in him and having him believe in me… this is the best moment where we’ve ever supported each other.”

Gayle has received similar encouragement all season from his teammates, especially the two he’s grown closest to. The connection between Gayle, Trey McKenney, and Yaxel Lendeborg has played a central role in the Wolverines’ March run. Their shared work ethic and grounded personalities have made them Michigan’s emotional hub.

“It happened by accident,” Gayle said of his bond with his best friends on the team. “I think all three of us are just kind of quiet, shy guys, kind of homebodies. Honestly, if it wasn’t for Coach Mike (Boynton) having us work out together, we probably wouldn’t be in this position. It all kind of just started as a workout. We built a bond off the court… I think that we’re kind of (feeding off of) each other as far as bringing energy and stuff like that.”

That close friendship, along with the team’s effortless confidence, has helped Michigan play well under the pressure of the NCAA Tournament. Gayle pointed out that the team’s popular social media posts help keep everyone in good spirits.

“I think the lives and TikToks do a really good job of removing yourself from the current moment,” Gayle said. “Just be yourself and have fun on social media. Not really thinking about the moment as much, knowing that it’s the Final Four and it’s the biggest game in everyone’s life. Just removing yourself from that reality really goes a long way.”

On the court, Gayle has played with a sense of urgency, knowing his college career is almost over. That feeling has pushed him to play even better lately.

“I think it’s just the desperation that we play with,” he said. “Like I always say, if my best isn’t enough to win a game, I’m cool with knowing that I gave my all. Obviously, it’s my senior year, and there’s no next college season for me. I’m just leaving it all on the line no matter what.”

That attitude has really paid off, especially in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. Gayle’s energy on both ends has lifted Michigan, and his off-ball movement has helped the team’s offense flow better.

“It’s kind of like our spacing concept,” he explained. “Especially, I feel like if Elliot or Yax has the ball… if you give them space… they’re going to make something out of that. I think it’s my responsibility to do a good cut. Just being able to find different ways to be successful, find different ways to score.”

When asked to look back on the team’s success, Gayle chose to stay focused on what’s next instead.

“I feel like the job isn’t finished,” he said. “Me personally, I try my hardest not to look at that kind of stuff… I feel like we’ve got two more games to win a national championship.”
Even as his shooting has improved, Gayle credited steady habits and encouragement from teammates for that progress. “I didn’t think I could shoot the ball as well as recently,” he admitted. “But I feel like we work on it every day. Yax and Trey always tell me all the time(to shoot more). I do the machine drills, but I don’t really shoot the ball in games. Just being more aggressive offensively poses a threat.”

The team’s encouragement of one another is infectious, and the seniors have led the way. Will Tschetter, Nimari Burnett, and especially Lendeborg have helped the younger Wolverines navigate the moment. Lendeborg’s positivity, in particular, has resonated.

“Any room Yax steps in, he brightens it up immediately,” Gayle said. “That allows you to get outside of your shell. For myself, I’m kind of a quiet guy, so a guy like that allows me to be more vocal.”

Looking ahead, the Wolverines will face an Arizona team that thrives in the paint. And even if it doesn’t rely on volume three-point shooting, Gayle insisted that it’s not because the Wildcats lack ability.

“It’s not that they can’t shoot, they just don’t shoot,” he said. “They have some really good shooting percentages. They do what they’re really good at, which is dominating the paint. We can’t just treat them like they’re a bunch of non-shooters. They’re more than capable. I think our priority would be just to keep them out of the paint.”

Gayle’s focus on defense will be key in that matchup.

“It was kind of the second half of Alabama where their guards were seeing four to five bodies every time,” he explained. “Starting early, being (connected in) our help and being able to defend depending on the personnel.”

As for the challenge of adapting to the Final Four stage… the depth perception of a football stadium and elevated court… Gayle took it in stride: “If it’s short, shoot it up. Just adjust to your miss. Yesterday our guys got a bunch of shots… we’re good with whatever shot we make or take.”

That calm, steady mindset has defined Michigan throughout the tournament: a blend of belief, connection, and pure basketball. For Gayle and the Wolverines, only two more wins separate them from the destiny they relentlessly pursue.

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