ANN ARBOR, Mich. — This afternoon, at the Crisler Center, Juwan Howard returned to Michigan’s sideline as the program’s head coach; it was Howard’s first game back since his preseason heart surgery. Seeing as the University of Michigan basketball program had launched an investigation into an alleged altercation between Howard and strength coach Jon Sanderson (who was not at the game today), there were some questions as to what the coaching structure would look like against Eastern Michigan. That said, with Howard back to his full-time duties and UM’s investigation closed, the Wolverines got back into the win column (6-5, 1-1 Big Ten) ahead of next week’s Quad 1 matchup against Florida.
Michigan basketball head coach Juwan Howard returns as head coach following heart issue, U-M investigation
Michigan basketball has been through a lot over the past few months, especially pertaining to Juwan Howard, the team’s fifth-year head coach. Seeing as the program has appeared to be in a steady decline, this season has felt crucial for Howard and his coaching staff, though heart surgery earlier this year and a university-led investigation into Howard have kept Howard either off the sideline or in a negative spotlight.
Friday evening, the University of Michigan released a statement that revealed its findings from an investigation into the incident between Juwan Howard and Jon Sanderson from the week prior. Per the statement, nothing damaging was found, and no one on the Michigan basketball staff will face disciplinary action.
“The return of our usual coaching structure comes after a review of an incident involving several individuals during a team practice last week,” Warde Manuel’s statement read in part. “Based on a thorough internal review, nothing was found to warrant disciplinary action for anyone involved. As such, we will move forward with a focus on our team and our season.”
Michigan downs Eastern Michigan 83-66 at Crisler Center before facing Florida
Seeing as U-M is not taking action against Juwan Howard, the ex-Wolverine star-turned-head coach returned against Eastern Michigan this evening, though Jon Sanderson was nowhere to be found against the Eagles. That said, with another Quad 1 game on the horizon (vs. Florida next Tuesday), Michigan got back above .500 this afternoon, downing Eastern Michigan 83-66 in Howard’s first game as head coach this season.
The win over Eastern likely won’t do much for Michigan hoops when it comes to the NET rankings, though it’s a good confidence builder for a team that has been all over the place this year. After a hot start to the season, Michigan dropped a game against Long Beach State a few weeks ago and really is yet to fully recover, though the Wolverines are back above .500 heading into next week’s Florida matchup.
With a two-game winning streak, its head coach finally back on the sideline, and more, Michigan basketball is rolling right now as Juwan Howard and his Wolverines look to finish non-conference play strong.
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