Story Courtesy: Tom Wywrot, Michigan Athletics
University of Michigan David and Meredith Kaplan Men’s Basketball Head Coach Mike Boynton Jr. announced today (Wednesday, Sept. 2) the addition of Buzzy Caruthers as Director of Player Development and Nick Szczechowski as Director of Basketball Operations.
“Buzzy brings a great deal of experience, but what stands out most is the way he connects with people,” said Boynton. “He has built a strong reputation as a coach, teacher and mentor, and he will have an important impact on our players and our program every day.
“Nick has earned this opportunity through his work ethic, attention to detail and commitment to Michigan basketball. He knows what this program takes on a daily basis, and he has continued to grow in every role he has had here.”
Caruthers comes to Michigan following a 20-year coaching and mentorship career across the high school, junior college, NCAA Division I and Division II levels. He will oversee the Wolverines’ player development program, working with student-athletes in leadership, personal mentorship, academic success and team culture.
“I am very thankful for the opportunity to be a part of such a tremendous university and college basketball program,” said Caruthers. “The opportunity Coach Boynton has given me is something I don’t take lightly. I’m looking forward to building relationships with our players, staff and everyone around the program, and helping Michigan in any way I can.”
Caruthers spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach at Ball State, where he was involved in player development, recruiting, scouting and game preparation. Before that, he was an assistant coach at Missouri State from 2022-24 and served as Nebraska’s director of player development under Fred Hoiberg from 2019-2022.
His coaching resume also includes stops at Maryville, Lincoln (Mo.), St. John’s, Butler Community College, Chipola College and Dodge City Community College. A native of Kansas City, Kan., Caruthers earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Hampton University in 2006.
Szczechowski takes over as Director of Basketball Operations following four seasons as a student manager, including his final two as head manager. During his time with the program, Michigan won the 2025 Big Ten Tournament, the 2026 Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles, and the 2026 NCAA national championship.
“I’m really thankful to Coach Boynton and the staff for believing in me and giving me this opportunity,” said Szczechowski. “Michigan basketball has been a huge part of my life over the last four years, and I’m excited to keep growing and doing whatever I can to help the program.”
A native of Wyandotte, Mich., Szczechowski will help oversee day-to-day operations while contributing to player development, scouting and analytics. As head manager from 2024-26, he supervised Michigan’s 21-member student manager staff and coordinated daily practice operations.
Szczechowski earned his sport management degree from U-M’s School of Kinesiology in 2026, graduating with a 3.91 GPA.
