Michigan head coach Juwan Howard and backup center Austin Davis have held conversations about Davis’ future on the Wolverines basketball team. And while those talks have been ongoing for several weeks now, there’s now an answer on whether the center will be back in Ann Arbor next season.

And that answer is yes.

Howard opened his Wednesday press conference by saying that Davis will be returning to Michigan’s basketball team next year, which will be his fifth and final season with the Wolverines. He’s provided the team with solid minutes of the bench this year and is averaging 4.9 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.

“I gave him the news yesterday,” Howard said, according to James Hawkins of The Detroit News. “He was super excited. Just to see the smile on his face, he gave me three hugs and he held me tight, too, so that made me know from those hugs those were the feeling of a guy who is really excited about coming back and being a student-athlete here at the University of Michigan. We are excited to have him back because Austin being the great teammate he is, but he’s also a joy to coach.

“He’s shown great leadership throughout this year. he’s also shown a lot of growth on the court as well as in the classroom. As far as his excitement, his feelings and his voice, we’re excited to make that announcement and to see one of our guys who is a Michigan man returning next year to help lead this program next season with the future that we’re building here.”

Davis has given the Wolverines really strong minutes as of late, especially during the team’s five-game winning streak that stretched from Feb. 8 through Feb. 22. In wins over Michigan State, Northwestern, Indiana, Rutgers and Purdue, Davis scored a total of 27 points while shooting 12-of-17 from the floor. He played 12 minutes or more in each game, and totaled 15 rebounds, as well.

Michigan is 18-11 this season with a 9-9 mark in B1G play.