In this episode, we go bigger picture, looking at five key ways Juwan Howard and the Michigan basketball team were able to deliver a Big Ten championship in year two.
We begin by looking at what Howard inherited when he arrived. We discuss John Beilein’s success, but also the uncertainty that comes with a significant coaching change. We reflect on how Howard was able to earn the trust of Michigan’s now-senior players, and how he was able to establish buy-in and cohesion by incorporating his oft-discussed culture within the program.
We then take a brief look at some personnel decisions Howard made. We look at his decision to hit the transfer portal hard, and how Michigan came away as the nation’s biggest winners from the portal last season. We discuss the impacts of Mike Smith and Chaundee Brown Jr., and how that could make the team dangerous in the NCAA Tournament. We also look at the personal mentorship and hands-on coaching role Howard took with Hunter Dickinson, Austin Davis and Michigan’s big men.
We close by looking at the kind of coach Howard is, and how that was able to maximize what was an experienced and talented team this season.
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