Michigan basketball guard Jace Howard to miss extended time with injury
Michigan Wolverines basketball will begin the season without junior guard Jace Howard, a fourth-year player and the son of head man Juwan Howard. Jace Howard missed preseason practices and the program announced Friday morning that he will be out four to six weeks due to a stress fracture in his right knee and tibia.
“This is unfortunate for Jace as he is a vital member of this program,” said Juwan Howard in a statement. “We know over the next four to six weeks he will be diligent and work as hard as he can to get healthy.”
“You never want to get injured, especially at the beginning of a season,” said Jace Howard. “It hasn’t been easy not being with my brothers on the floor, however, I am going to continue to be a voice and make an impact.”
Michigan will take on Division II Northwood Friday night at Crisler Center (7 p.m. ET), before opening the regular season next Tuesday (Nov. 7) with a clash against UNC Asheville.
Graduate guard Jaelin Llewellyn is also out to begin the season. He’s recovering from an ACL injury suffered last December. He’s been practicing with the team, but not in contact drills.
Guard depth is limited, with sophomore Dug McDaniel and graduate Nimari Burnett expected to start in the Michigan back court.
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Howard is one of two returning captains on the Michigan team, along with senior forward Terrance Williams II. A two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, Howard has played in 55 career games over the last three seasons, including 30 in 2022-23.
In his 55 appearances, Howard has totaled 37 points, 26 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 blocks and 4 steals.
Michigan head man Juwan Howard is recovering from a heart procedure that he underwent Sept. 15. Associate head coach Phil Martelli is acting in his place until his return, for which a timetable has not been provided. The Wolverines are fresh off topping Marquette in a ‘secret scrimmage’ over the weekend.
Northwood has already played an exhibition game, having lost to Central Michigan Sunday (Oct. 22), 81-55. The Timberwolves went 2-26 overall last season. Set to begin their fourth season under head coach Lonnie Griffin, Northwood is 13-59 under his watch. Northwood was picked 13th in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference preseason poll.
