Michigan Basketball: 4 Realistic expectations for remainder of season

Michigan marches to the Sweet 16

You never had to wonder or worry about the Wolverines basketball team. While the football side of the house was in complete shambles, the basketball side was thriving.

Twice UM was able to say they were one of the two best in the nation. Twice Beilein marched his men to the National Championship.

John’s collegiate coaching resume is on par with the Roy Williams and the coach K’s of the world.

But when Beilein fulfilled his dream of coaching in the NBA, the wonder and worry set in.

As the days and weeks passed, uncertainty reared its ugly head. The longer Athletic Director Warde Manuel took to fill the head coaching gig, the less time that person had to initiate practices, install his unique style of play, and complete the million other duties necessary for a successful start of a career.

When Howard was announced, there were no more certainties, just questions. How will he coach? How will he recruit? And how will his success compare to that of his predecessor?

We know now he is an excellent recruiter; We know now he can coach when all the pieces are in place; We are presently waiting for prolonged success.

That success begins with the next expectation: Michigan basketball will march to the Sweet 16.

As long as Juwan can put together 20 wins – they need nine of the last 14 – the Wolverines will be in prime position to upset a top-seed and march their way to the Sweet 16.