Michigan basketball head coach Juwan Howard has been away from the team since September 15 following a heart procedure and subsequent recovery. Because of this, Howard was not at B1G media days Tuesday afternoon.

Saddi Washington instead made the trip to Minneapolis alongside 3 players. Naturally, he was asked how Howard is doing and to give a potential timetable for his return if he’s aware of one.

Here’s Washington’s response:

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“Well, you know my boss, right? He is a very motivated individual to get back,” said Washington.

“But, no, there’s no timetable. Quite honestly, we want him back when he’s ready. He’s going to listen to his team of doctors, and he’s going to go through the process of working through his rehab and getting healthy, but I know the competitive spirit that he is, and he’s going to be running through the door when his time comes.

“We’re just going to hold down the fort and forge forward and try to prepare these young men for this season.”

Washington will not be Michigan’s interim head coach to start the season, that designation goes to Phil Martelli, who was unable to make the trip to Big Ten Media Days Tuesday morning.

The Wolverines tip off their regular season on November 7 against UNC Asheville and Drew Pember, one of the top players out of the Big South conference. The Wolverines have an exhibition scheduled against Northwood on November 3.