Michigan Basketball Coach Still Not 100 Percent, He Says

Today, Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard returned to his head coaching duties for the first time since last March in the NIT Tournament — this year, he has been out or in an assistant coach role due to his open heart surgery earlier this fall. After leading his Wolverines to a solid 83-66 victory over Eastern Michigan (5-5 overall), improving to 6-5 (1-1 Big Ten) on the year, Howard gave insight into his health status, stating that he is not 100 percent just yet.

Michigan basketball coach reveals he is still not 100 percent following Eastern Michigan win

The University of Michigan’s investigation into an alleged altercation between Jon Sanderson and Juwan Howard apparently remains ongoing, though that did not stop Howard from returning as head coach this afternoon against Eastern Michigan. With a major Quad 1 game against Florida right around the corner, this afternoon’s win made it two in a row for Michigan basketball, which has been hot and cold all season long.

While Juwan Howard says he is healthy enough to return, he made it clear that he is still not 100 percent.

“I’m not 100 percent. I don’t know what 100 percent is when you get into coaching,” the fifth-year Michigan basketball coach said on Saturday. “I am at a stage in my life where I am healthy enough to resume to be on the sidelines. We’re past the 12-week mark since I had the surgery on September 15. I still — three days a week — have physical therapy, and I find that to be great for me.”

‘Welcome back to basketball, baby!’ Howard is thrilled to be coaching again

Previously, as Juwan Howard worked his way back to being head coach, he was an assistant under Phil Martelli until he was ready to take over again. During those days, Juwan Howard seemed quite himself as he picked up technical fouls and was even ejected from a game — something he says was just another step towards a full recovery.

“Welcome back to basketball, baby! Welcome back,” Juwan Howard said with a laugh on Saturday. “(Getting techs as an assistant was) a part of my stage of returning. That was a part of it. And I stuck to the plan.”

Michigan Wolverines closing in on crucial non-conference stretch, starting with Quad 1 bout against Florida

As things with the University of Michigan’s review continue to unfold, and with crucial games right around the corner for Juwan Howard and his Wolverines, we will continue to monitor the status of Howard and the Michigan basketball program as a whole. While Howard is still less than 100 percent, it feels as though the Maize and Blue are close to turning things around this year ahead of the bulk of Big Ten Conference play.