Amid the excitement of Juwan Howard’s introductory press conference, there was an undeniable uncertainty ringing though Crisler Center. Neither Howard nor his players could speak to his on-court strategy and when asked about recruiting, Howard’s response was: “I haven’t just pinpointed exactly like, I’m going after the five-star, one-and-dones or I’m going to recruit three-star kids.”
Saturday, May 25, 2019 - 3:57pm
“The key factor in Cole coming to the University of Michigan was really a coaching compatibility decision at a great university,” Shane told The Daily. “Then, when that transition goes off and you wonder what’s gonna be next, it’s all about relationships and trust and continuity with the next coach. … But I think they made a great decision in choosing another person to carry out the legacy, of what is more than just Beilein’s legacy, but the Michigan legacy.”
Wednesday, May 22, 2019 - 4:14pm
When 2019 four-star Jalen Wilson decommitted from Michigan last week, it continued a month-long downward spiral for the Wolverines. Jordan Poole and Ignas Brazdeikis unexpectedly left for the NBA before John Beilein shook the basketball world by following suit. Then, with Wilson’s decommitment, Michigan lost its top-ranked incoming signee.
Six days later, the Wolverines have found Beilein’s replacement, hiring Juwan Howard as their new head coach in a move Wilson said will “bring a big spark to the school.”
Friday, May 17, 2019 - 11:04pm
CHICAGO — As Michigan’s trio of draft entrants — Charles Matthews, Jordan Poole and Ignas Brazdeikis — set out to prove their NBA draft worth at Quest Multisport in Chicago, it was all business as usual. Brazdeikis used an array of dribble moves to get to the basket, Poole shone in the spot-up shooting drills and Matthews showed his value on the defensive end in front of NBA general managers.
If this week consisted solely of Thursday and Friday, it would have all been part of the plan. Normal, even.
Saturday, April 20, 2019 - 3:00am
This is, after all, how just about everybody inside these halls feels about Brown. And it’s why — after losing eight defensive starters from a year ago — Michigan has no shortage of confidence in its defense.
“When you look at coach Brown’s track record, I would argue he’s the best defensive coordinator in the country,” said offensive coordinator Josh Gattis. “He’s constantly produced top defenses year in and year out, no matter where he’s been.”
Tuesday, April 16, 2019 - 10:44pm
There’s a phrase ringing around Schembechler Hall: Michigan’s early enrollees “should be at high school prom.” Cornerbacks coach Mike Zordich described them as “raw” and “green.” Certainly, they’re not ready for college football, not yet.
This is what spring ball is for those who graduate high school a semester early to come to Ann Arbor.
Saturday, April 13, 2019 - 7:38pm
The pre-game plane carried the optimistic hope for change that has defined Michigan’s offseason since it hired Josh Gattis as its new offensive coordinator on Jan. 10. And while aspects of that hope may be rooted in reality, Saturday’s spring game was a reminder that the Wolverines’ running game isn’t going anywhere.
Tuesday, April 9, 2019 - 10:38pm
Of course, all of this is just talk shrouded in the reputation that is Michigan’s signature offseason optimism, and the extent to which the public has seen Shea Patterson without Gentry came in a handful of 7-on-7 drills on Saturday.
But with five months until kickoff, it sure beats the alternative.
Wednesday, April 3, 2019 - 11:54pm
Haynes, the Wolverines’ go-to players coach, appeared to offer up a few words of support. But Poole, head wrapped in one last March Madness towel and eyes buried in Haynes’ shoulder, had no need for words. His trademark optimism, pervasive to the last possible moment, was gone, replaced by the tears of unfilled expectations.
Thursday, March 28, 2019 - 11:49pm
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Amid an eerie silence, bowed heads and tear-filled eyes, one telling phrase rung through the Michigan locker room:
“Bad day to have a bad day.”