Juwan Howard’s recent praise for Dusty May comes as the Michigan Wolverines make a significant impact by reaching the Final Four, a notable achievement for the program. This turnaround follows Howard’s dismissal after five seasons as head coach, during which he led the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight. In stark contrast, May, now in his second season, has guided the Wolverines to an impressive 62-13 record.
Entering the Final Four game against Arizona, Michigan boasted a record of 35-3 and achieved the No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press poll this season. Howard, who was fired after a disappointing 8-24 record in his final season, acknowledged the efforts of May and his coaching staff, stating, “Let’s give Dusty and his staff credit for putting together an amazing team.”
The Wolverines’ success this season marks their first return to the Final Four since 2018, a period that has seen a resurgence in the program’s fortunes. The Fab Five, including notable alumni like Chris Webber, Ray Jackson, Jimmy King, and Jalen Rose, attended the Final Four game, further emphasizing the historical significance of this moment for Michigan basketball.
Chris Webber expressed his admiration for May’s coaching, saying, “I really love what Coach has done.” This sentiment reflects the broader support for May’s leadership and the positive direction of the team.
As Juwan Howard transitions to his role as an assistant coach with the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, the contrast between his tenure and May’s current success highlights the challenges and opportunities in college basketball coaching. Howard’s legacy as a player and coach remains significant, particularly with his connection to the Fab Five.
While the Wolverines celebrate their achievements, the future of the program under May looks promising. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding Howard’s next steps in his coaching career as he adjusts to his new role in the NBA.
