Juwan Howard discusses Michigan's eagerness to return to action vs Wisconsin
Michigan will resume its hoops season Sunday with a lead in the B1G race, but the Wolverines will not have much time to get back up to speed if they want to keep that lead.
On Jan. 23, the university went into an athletics pause for all programs. That impacted the basketball schedule as the team postponed games against Indiana, Northwestern, Michigan State, and Illinois.
Friday morning, head coach Juwan Howard met with the media to discuss Michigan’s return and outlook moving forward. Though he declined to discuss the postponed game against Illinois as it was not his decision, Howard hammered home his enthusiasm to get the Wolverines back on the court.
Zach Shaw with 247 Sports shared Howard’s comments:
Juwan Howard said he couldn't comment on the Illinois game being postponed and that it wasn't his decision.
He does sound pretty ready to play a game, though, suggesting he would play Wisconsin outside if needed. pic.twitter.com/TyXIkLqIz8
— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) February 12, 2021
The Wolverine Mag also shared Howard’s comments on what he expects to see in Sunday’s game and the possibility of making up the postponed games over the remaining stretch of the schedule:
Juwan Howard says he's seen some rust in practice, but they're ready for Sunday.
"I don't know what it's going to look like, but we're going to give our best effort."
— TheWolverine.com (@TheWolverineMag) February 12, 2021
Juwan Howard's first impressions of returning to practice: "There were some turnovers being made, some excessive fouling, wobbly legs. All that is expected when you haven't been able to work out or play basketball, when you're sitting in your apartment."
— TheWolverine.com (@TheWolverineMag) February 12, 2021
Juwan Howard after being asked about the possibility of making up every missed game and playing 11 contests in 22 days: "That would be very challenging on a lot of levels. … I'm not sure it would be smart because of the long layoff."
— TheWolverine.com (@TheWolverineMag) February 12, 2021
Michigan previously beat Wisconsin soundly at home this season, but it will be a different challenge with a Wolverines squad that is likely due some rust in the game against the Badgers. Wisconsin is also 1.5 games back in the race for the B1G and will be looking for revenge and to keep pace with Michigan.
Sunday’s showdown is set for 1 pm EST on CBS.
