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It’s no secret that the B1G underperformed in this year’s NCAA Tournament. After landing nine teams in the field, only one advanced to the Sweet 16.
Some feel there is some pressure on Michigan to carry the weight of the conference for the remainder of the tournament. If the Wolverines were to reach the Final Four, maybe the B1G wouldn’t look so bad after all.
Juwan Howard is not one of those people. The second-year head coach doesn’t really care how the B1G is perceived after its lackluster tournament performance. His sole focus is on Michigan.
“I’ll let you guys have fun with that,” Howard said when asked about Michigan being the last B1G team in the tournament. “My only concern is Michigan. I’ve always been that way.”
Michigan coach Juwan Howard, on being the only #B1G team left standing in the Sweet 16: "I'll let you guys have fun with that. My only concern in Michigan. I've always been that way." #MarchMadness
— KevinBrockwayGators (@KevinBrockwayG1) March 25, 2021
Michigan earned a trip to the Sweet 16 by defeated Texas Southern in the first round and taking down LSU in the Round of 32. Now, it’ll have its hands full against a Florida State team that finished second in the ACC.
The Wolverines have been without senior Isaiah Livers, one of the team’s top 3-point shooters and versatile scorers. Many thought Michigan would have an early exit because of his absence, but that’s not been the case.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB