Michigan reveals Juwan Howard underwent heart procedure

Juwan Howard is in recovery this week after undergoing a heart procedure.

Michigan announced Friday that head basketball coach Howard had a successful procedure on his heart performed at the University of Michigan Health Samuel and Jean Frankel Cardiovascular Center. The scheduled procedure resected an aortic aneurysm and repaired an aortic valve.

The release adds that Howard is expected to fully recover in six to 12 weeks and could return to the program within four to six weeks. Associate head coach Phil Martelli will serve as Michigan’s interim coach during Howard’s recovery.

"I feel so grateful and blessed that this surgery was performed at University of Michigan Health," Howard said in a statement. "My wife, Jenine, and our family appreciate the world-class care that has been provided to us. Dr. (Kim) Eagle, Dr. (Himanshu) Patel, Dr. (Stanley) Chetcuti, and all of the staff at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center are so talented and performed like champions throughout this process. I am going to work very hard in my rehabilitation to be stronger than ever by the time our upcoming season is upon us."

The 50-year-old Howard is about to enter his fifth season as Michigan’s head coach. He has an overall record of 79-48 (.622), leading the team to two Sweet 16 berths and a Big Ten regular-season title. Prior to his coaching career, Howard played 19 NBA seasons as a power forward, making an All-Star team in 1996 with the then-Washington Bullets and winning back-to-back NBA titles on the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013. Howard was also a member of Michigan’s famous “Fab Five” during his college days.

As for the Wolverines, they are scheduled to tip off their regular season on Nov. 7, and it sounds like Howard should be recovered in time.