The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1517673
38 THE WOLVERINE ❱ APRIL 2024 BY JOHN BORTON I t began with tears of joy, in a mar- riage of the past and present, with hopes for a glorious, perhaps tran- scendent future. It ended five years later — in frustra- tion, angst, anger and for some, a deep sadness that what might have been sim- ply did not happen. Juwan Howard, All-American, son of Michigan, Fab Five member, the "adult" of perhaps the most talented recruiting class in college basketball history, lasted 19 pro seasons while becoming an NBA All-Star once. He arrived back in Ann Arbor, ready to parlay his six years as an NBA assistant and his glowing recom- mendations from pro connections into a Michigan basketball dynasty. It all ended on March 15, the Ides of March. That's when University of Michi- gan Athletics Director Warde Manuel announced Howard would hang up his whistle at Crisler Center. Someone else would lead the program that spiraled down into an 8-24 season, the most losses in a single season in Michigan basketball history. "After a comprehensive review of the program, I have decided that Juwan will not return as our men's basketball coach," Manuel announced in a statement. "Juwan is among the greatest Wolver- ines to ever be associated with our basket- ball program. I know how much it meant, to not only Juwan, but to all of us for him to return here to lead this program. "Despite his love of his alma mater and the positive experience that our student- athletes had under his leadership, it was clear to me that the program was not liv- ing up to our expectations and not trend- ing in the right direction. I am thank- ful for Juwan's dedication, passion and commitment to U-M and for all that he, and his legacy, will continue to mean to Michigan." Following an NCAA Tournament Elite Eight appearance in 2020-21, the Wol- verines under Howard went backward for three straight seasons, ending in a 3-17 Big Ten record and Michigan's first last-place finish in the conference since 1966-67. The Wolverines finished the season on a nine-game losing streak, including an 84-61 blowout loss to Ohio State in Co- lumbus. After that one, Howard acknowl- edged the frustration that losing inflicts. CHANGE AT THE TOP Juwan Howard Out After Historically Poor Season Howard was dismissed as Michigan's head coach on March 15, two days after his squad closed out the season on a nine-game losing streak. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL