The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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34 THE WOLVERINE DECEMBER 2020 2020-21 BASKETBALL PREVIEW the NCAA, and before Dickinson en- joyed extensive practice time with the Wolverines. They could have a say in things sooner, rather than later, and others will come into play off the bench. Just having Livers in the lineup will be a big boost to the Wolverines, Howard stressed. "He's always had that mindset of coming out here with a great attitude, working hard, being a great leader," the head coach offered. "His leader- ship is not only how he performs in practice, showing people, but he also has become a bigger voice. "Everyone listens to him and re- spects him. He's a guy who it comes from a pure place and a big heart. His talent level is exceptional." Livers started 21 games for the Wolverines last year, missing 10 due to groin and ankle injuries. Not get- ting to showcase his talents for a full season likely played a role in his re- turn to the Michigan lineup this year. That's more than okay with How- ard, who sees a double bonus coming — a potential All-Big Ten performer for his team, and Livers increasing his NBA stock. "He just had a little bad luck with injuries," Howard said. "We expect a fun year and a big year, because we're going to need him. He knows it. We trust Isaiah. We're happy, of course, that he decided to come back. He went through the NBA experi- ence, and felt it was best. "… He chose this, to come back. That was a great decision for his fu- ture, and it's great to have a Michi- gan Man back home." There are more in the making, Howard noted. His roster came to- gether slowly, after the premature breakup down in Indianapolis. For a time, the Wolverines went their separate ways. Then, slowly, a team began to form. "Our family started coming to- gether during the time we were quar- antined," Howard said. "Each week, we'd designate a Friday when we got together on Zoom and talked about life and what's happening in the world, about us and our transition- ing back to campus. When we finally got Chaundee and Mike, it was just an excitement." The rookies also provided another layer of energy. The fact that How- ard's son stands among them repre- sents no small emotional tug for the former Fab Five member. "We had to wait until our fresh- men were cleared to join our Zoom too," Howard said. "When we had the entire group together, it was the first day our family felt a sense of re- lief and comfort. When we returned to play [June 16], that was joy. That was hope. "Jace being here with us, any dad would be proud. I'm super proud to have my son and have the opportu- nity to coach him through some very important years of his life." His son, and his adopted sons, are ready for the challenge of the coming season. Smith insists the adoption papers have already been stamped. "Everybody's brothers," he said. "We all buy into it. We all fight hard in practice, we all ran conditioning tests, we ran the stadium stairs. We do everything together." ❏ Senior transfer guard Chaundee Brown Jr. played in 84 games (74 starts) at Wake Forest and averaged 10.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game in his three seasons there. PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN PHOTOGRAPHY