The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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34 THE WOLVERINE AUGUST 2019 BY JOHN BORTON T he makeup of any college coaching staff plays a key role in success. One's first seems crucial. That's why Juwan Howard put ex- tensive thought into how he ordered the crew around him for the 2019-20 basketball season. He is looking to make an impression, and his new as- sistants have all impressed him. One of them, Saddi Washington, isn't new to Michigan. He's been to three straight Sweet 16s — not to mention a national championship game — on John Beilein's staffs. Another, Phil Martelli, served as a head coach at St. Joseph's for 24 years, and should prove essential in guiding Howard into his head coach- ing shoes. A third, Howard Eisley, coached nearly a decade in the NBA and has deep roots in Michigan, particularly Detroit. He performed at the city's Southwestern High School as a team- mate of Jalen Rose. All will exert considerable influ- ence on Michigan basketball in the days to come, Howard indicated. "When I took this job, I told every- one I was looking to fill the staff with experienced basketball coaches who are egoless, hardworking, and ones that will help our young men grow both on and off the court — I feel I have done that," Howard assured. "Phil is so highly respected in the sport of basketball — on every level — it is an honor that he has decided to join us. He brings such a wealth of knowledge and creativity, which I know will be beneficial as we move forward. "Howard and I have known each other for a long time. We have com- peted against each other and risen up the NBA coaching ranks together. It's going to be great to finally be work- ing and collaborating together. "Observing what Saddi has ac- complished over his last three years has been just amazing. His versatility and coaching style resonates with kids and that will be valuable. I am so pleased he decided to remain on our staff. "I cannot wait to get started on this journey." The three U-M assistants signed two-year deals, with an option for a third. Here's a deeper look into the new blue crew, and how they view their opportunity on this head coach's initial staff. PHIL MARTELLI Martelli stands as the wizened col- lege basketball veteran, one who will no doubt be whispering in Howard's ear throughout the Michigan hon- eymoon period. The East is deeply ingrained in him, meaning he'll need to learn to love Michigan football while checking his phone for Phil- lies' scores. Despite that, he sounds genuinely excited about the opportunity to work with Howard, and in a much bigger venue than St. Joseph's. There, he nailed down a half-dozen Atlantic 10 regular-season/division titles, the last in 2007. He took the Hawks to a trio of A-10 Tournament championships, the most recent in 2016. He's no stranger to March Mad- ness. His St. Joseph's squads fought their way to seven NCAA Tourna- COMING TOGETHER Juwan Howard's Carefully Considered Staff Is In Place Phil Martelli went 444-328 as the head coach at Saint Joseph's University from 1995-2019, and he spent the 10 years prior to that at the school as an assistant. PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN PHOTOGRAPHY