Gut reaction: Michigan basketball needs to change or there needs to be a change

For 20 minutes, the Michigan basketball team looked like a basketball team. The Wolverines led by 10 points at the half and held Penn State to 0.73 points per possession.

It was one of the better defensive performances of the season for Michigan basketball. But of course, it wasn't sustained and for the second straight game, the Wolverines blew a second-half lead and lost to a bottom feeder in the Big Ten.

Michigan basketball led by 10 at half against Penn State. They also led Minnesota by seven. Michigan also should have beaten Florida. Win those games and this team is 9-6, plus 3-1 in the Big Ten. That team at least chance to make the NCAA tournament.

Right now, I don't see any reason to have hope for this team. It has completely fallen off the rails. Michgian had 18 turnovers and 23 personal fouls. Penn State is a team that lives on pressure and Michigan just wasn't ready or able to handle it.

The outcome wasn't that disappointing or even surprising. It's just another sign that this program needs a change, as much as I hate to say it. Juwan Howard is the head coach and the buck stops with him.

Has Michigan made it easy with its reluctance to engage with NIL? Or to provide any sort of exception for players in the transfer portal? No. But Howard knows the rules. You have to recruit players you can get and he's made that mistake two offseasons in a row.

I don't know if he'll get fired. Remember, Jim Harbaugh wasn't fired after the 2020 season, so I wouldn't be shocked if Howard came back. But something has to change. I don't know how Juwan turns this ship around but unless this turns around soon, the AD won't have much choice.

There is a lot of season left and Warde Manuel isn't going to make a move during the season. So sit tight and see what happens. But if this team misses the NIT or finishes below .500, which is a distinct possibility, how does Juwan come back?