Juwan Howard explains how he’s coped with losing season, health problems

Juwan Howard knows it’s been a tough season for Michigan basketball following the latest loss, this time to Michigan State.

The Wolverines fell to the Spartans 73-63 and are now 8-18 on the season. Howard’s health issues going into the season were a big topic and continue to be a talking about his future.

When you couple that with a losing season, it’s a wonder how Howard’s kept it together.

“Well, that’s a great question, as a leader of the program, you know, if I crack and I explode that’s going to trickle down to the players,” Howard said postgame. “So it’s my job to keep coaching, keep teaching, and to find positive energy each and every day. And that’s what I enjoy doing. Because these young men that I work with, I love them, and I enjoy coaching. I’ve enjoyed working with them, I enjoy learning from them. 

“And me and my staff are always looking for ways of how we can improve what we see on film … But those are teaching moments that we will of course keep growing with our players. Losing doesn’t feel well for any of us.”

Howard was asked if he would rethink his future after the season amid the struggles and health issues.

“Oh, no, never I am bought in,” Howard said. “I love this place and I love our players and I never ran or never quit my life. That’s a good question because that let me know you really don’t know. And as you get to know me a little bit better and know my story, every time and everywhere I’ve been I’ve always faced the noise and I roll up my sleeves and find solutions. 

“And we’re gonna be solution based as we finish the season. Next season is not here. We have to finish the season strong.”

When pressed, Howard was asked about his health issues dating back to last summer. However, Howard won’t use that as an excuse as to why the team is struggling or if he’s thinking about his future.

“Don’t put words in my mouth. No, no. I am getting healthier,” Howard said. “And that’s the blessing of God. And then there’s also the three days a week that I go to physical therapy. And there you know, I do a lot of work on rehabilitation to get stronger and I’m so happy to have nurses there that are working hard with me and kicking my butt because I have my workouts too and those workouts are intense, but at the same time I see some good positive results.”