Owls name former Gators assistant May as new coach

BOCA RATON — Florida Atlantic didn’t need much time to find its next men’s basketball coach.

On Thursday, the school announced it has hired Florida Gators assistant Dusty May. He replaces Michael Curry, who was fired less than a week ago.

“Dusty was my No. 1 choice, and I am thrilled to have him lead our men’s basketball program,” FAU athletic director Brian White said in a statement. “This hire is a clear demonstration of the ambition we have for our basketball program, our athletic department and our university. Dusty will bring tremendous passion, determination and work ethic to this position. The future of the FAU men’s basketball program is bright.”

May, who will be introduced today at a news conference, signed a five-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. It is the first hire for White, who has been on the job since March 3. May, who becomes ninth coach in school the history, was the Gators’ top assistant to coach Mike White for the last three years. White is the older brother of Florida Atlantic’s athletic director. At Florida, May helped lead the program to a 69-37 record and two NCAA Tournament appearances.

“The opportunity to recruit in such a fertile region, the momentum this university is enjoying and the enormous potential here are ideal starting points,” May said in a statement. “We will be winners here, and we will play with tremendous passion and energy. The vision of president John Kelly, the board of trustees and the athletic department under the leadership of Brian White made this move an easy decision. I can’t wait to get started.”

Before Florida, May spent four years at Louisiana Tech. He inherits an FAU program that has struggled of late. The Owls were just 39-84 in four seasons under Curry.

They haven’t had a winning season since 2011 and last played in the NCAA Tournament in 2002.

srichardson@ sun-sentinel .com