Inform, Entertain, Inspire
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

New era for Michigan men's basketball as Juwan Howard assumes head coach role

Juwan Howard tears up at his first press conference as Michigan's new head coach for the men's basketball team
Tracy Samilton
/
Michigan Radio
Juwan Howard tears up at his first press conference as Michigan's new head coach for the men's basketball team
Juwan Howard tears up at his first press conference as Michigan's new head coach for the men's basketball team
Credit Tracy Samilton / Michigan Radio
/
Michigan Radio
Juwan Howard tears up at his first press conference as Michigan's new head coach for the men's basketball team

An initially emotional Juwan Howard held his first press conference as the new head coach for the University of Michigan's men's basketball program Thursday.  

He replaces John Beilein, who left after a 12-year stint at Michigan to coach the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Howard was an assistant coach with the Miami Heat before coming to Michigan. He acknowledges this is his first job as a head coach, but says, he's ready.

"When I get into something, I'm all in," says Howard.  "I try to learn, I try to grow with it and I try to give it my best and my all.  I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who are doubting the fact that I'm a first-time head coach.  Well, you've got to start somewhere, don't you?"

Howard was a member of the so-called "Fab Five," at Michigan from 1991-94 before turning pro. He played for the Washington Bullets, the Houston Rockets, and the Miami Heat, among other professional teams.

He says his first big challenge will be recruiting - and learning all the complex NCAA rules on recruiting.  

Copyright 2019 Michigan Radio

Tracy Samilton covers the auto beat for Michigan Radio. She has worked for the station for 12 years, and started out as an intern before becoming a part-time and, later, a full-time reporter. Tracy's reports on the auto industry can frequently be heard on Morning Edition and All Things Considered, as well as on Michigan Radio. She considers her coverage of the landmark lawsuit against the University of Michigan for its use of affirmative action a highlight of her reporting career.