GBMWolverine
Fansided

5 thoughts on Michigan Basketball moving forward

By Chris Peterson

PISCATAWAY, NJ - FEBRUARY 23: Head coach Juwan Howard of the Michigan Wolverines gestures as he talks to Kobe Bufkin #2 during the first half of a game at Jersey Mike's Arena on February 23, 2023 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Michigan defeated Rutgers 58-45. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - FEBRUARY 23: Head coach Juwan Howard of the Michigan Wolverines gestures as he talks to Kobe Bufkin #2 during the first half of a game at Jersey Mike's Arena on February 23, 2023 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Michigan defeated Rutgers 58-45. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next

Michigan basketball was a major disappointment in the 2022-23 season and here are five thoughts moving forward on the Wolverines. 

It’s been clear for a while that something hasn’t been quite right with Michigan basketball. Youth has been part of it, but there is more than that.

Michigan didn’t live up to preseason expectations or the “for competitors only” moniker that Juwan Howard and the Wolverines have adopted.

You certainly didn’t see the competitive fire in the Wolverines enough this season. Giving up a free basket because no one boxes out — on a free throw — when the season is on the line, is inexcusable.

It’s not the first time that the effort of this team has been questioned. The effort certainly wasn’t good enough on defense for much of the season and when the going got tough, this team wilted, over and over again.

Frankly, Michigan basketball underachieved in 2021-22 as well. The Wolverines made the tournament with 19 wins and 14 losses. If it wasn’t for the Sweet 16 run, that season would have felt similar to this one.

So, we try to examine what has gone wrong for the Wolverines and what can be fixed as we offer five thoughts on the future of Michigan basketball.

No, Juwan isn’t on the hot seat

Let’s start here. Disappointing seasons happen and if Michigan had been able to pursue transfers freely like Illinois and others, things might have been different.

The Wolverines are handcuffed by NIL and we’ll get to that in a moment. But looking at Juwan’s resume, while not perfect, it’s been pretty darn good.

There were two Sweet 16 appearances and the 2019-20 team would have made the NCAA tournament if things hadn’t gotten canceled. Michigan basketball also won the 2021 Big Ten regular-season championship and reached the Elite 8.

Michigan has also lost double-digit games in three of four seasons and 15 in each of the past two. That’s not acceptable but it’s still too early to fire Juwan or even have that conversation.

Home/Michigan Basketball