The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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JUNE / JULY 2022 THE WOLVERINE 11 INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS Jett Howard Will Provide A Spark By Chris Balas Michigan had an up-and-down 2021- 22 campaign, barely making it to the NCAA Tournament, and there were sev- eral reasons why. There were injuries to key players, some inconsistency at point guard and on the wing, and the defense wasn't good enough. Offensively, though, it was the lack of shooters that really hindered the Wolverines. Though they finished a re- spectable 21st nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency, they shot only 33.9 percent from three-point range as a team. That's just not good enough in this era. Enter Jett Howard, Juwan Howard's son and a standout from Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy. Though he's not a deadeye, the younger Howard has his moments in which he can get hot and go on a tear. He was his team's spot shooter two years ago and has evolved to the point that he can get to the rim and finish with regularity at 6-foot- 7, 220 pounds. He's a high IQ guy who can play the two (maybe), three or four, and he'll get his chance. He could get significant time at the wing, in fact, if sophomore-to-be Caleb Houstan decides to remain in the NBA Draft. Regardless, Howard will be a factor on this year's squad and could be one of the key pieces by the end of the sea- son. Tarris Reed Jr. Will Ball Out By Clayton Sayfie There's still some uncertainty sur- rounding the Michigan basketball ros- ter, with Caleb Houstan and Moussa Diabate testing the NBA Draft waters. Diabate received a combine invite, though, and most prospects who earn one stay in the draft. If he leaves, that will open up playing time in the front- court (he averaged 24.8 minutes per game in 2022). Regardless of whether or not Diabate returns to school, incoming freshman forward Tarris Reed Jr. should make an impact. Not only is the 6-foot-9, 230-pounder slated to be junior center Hunter Dickinson's primary backup, given head coach Juwan Howard's history of playing two big men at once, he will likely take some minutes at power forward, too. When he's the lone big in the game, Reed is big and strong enough to guard opposing centers and score inside. In three years under Howard, U-M has never taken more than 40 percent of its shots from outside the arc, meaning there are plenty of inside touches to go around on the offensive end. When he's at the four — while it's not his bread and but- ter — Reed has proven capable of stepping out and hitting mid- and long-range shots. Dickinson is also comfortable playing in tandem with another big man, so there's room for two frontcourt players down low. Plus, Reed has excelled in the high post. POINT ❙ COUNTERPOINT WHICH U-M FRESHMAN (OR REDSHIRT) WILL MAKE THE BIGGEST IMPACT IN 2022-23? HOWARD REED Join today with our special offer for ALL Michigan fans: GET 12 MONTHS FOR $1.00 GET 12 MONTHS FOR $1.00 (regularly $99.99) Sign up now at TheWolverine.com! NOTE: TheWolverine.com is the companion site to The Wolverine magazine. It is a separate subscription and is NOT included with the magazine. TheWolverine.com TheWolverine.com RECRUITING SCOOP Daily updates and analysis from EJ Holland and his cross-country travels. DAILY TEAM COVERAGE Go behind the scenes with exclusive coverage from Chris Balas, Clayton Sayfie and Anthony Broome. STRONG COMMUNITY The best Wolverines message board on the web. NEXT-GENERATION A cleaner database with more information PLAYER DATABASE than any predecessor. CANCEL ANYTIME Subscribers can easily manage their account online. The premier Michigan fan site has joined the On3 sports network! ALL NEW HOME