Juwan Howard evaluates ‘uncomfortable’ situation with road struggles

It’s been a horror show of a season for Michigan men’s basketball, with perhaps the nadir coming on Tuesday in a 29-point loss at Illinois that was entirely uncompetitive by the second half. Head coach Juwan Howard didn’t shy away from how his Wolverines are struggling, particularly on the road.

And of late, there’s been on glaring reason as to why Michigan has suffered: Starting point guard Dug McDaniel has been subject to a unique, academic-related suspension that has him sidelined for road trips and games. While he suits up for home games and plays, he hasn’t played on the road for Michigan since Jan. 7.

McDaniel, a sophomore point guard, is still the Wolverines’ leading scorer, too. He averages 16.8 points per game, which Michigan has notably struggled to replace on the road. He’s also averaging almost five assists a game.

“And when you miss your primary ball handler, one of the best decision makers in the country, you take a step back,” Howard said. “It hurts your ball club. But we’ve tried to manage a way of — we have competitive guys. Every time they put that jersey on, they’re going out there and competing, no matter who’s out there or not. But as time goes, we’ll continue to keep trying to do what we can with every guy that steps on that floor.”

This season, Michigan is 2-7 on the road and hasn’t won a game away from Crisler Center since since a 10-point win at Iowa on Dec. 10. And after losing the last seven road contests, Howard didn’t shy away from the discomfort of it all.

“It’s not easy. I would not try to sit here and kid you not, that it’s comfortable for us,” Howard said. “We’ve been experiencing uncomfortable moments all year.”  

Howard had a tongue-in-cheek moment on Tuesday postgame

The salt in the wound on Tuesday? Howard and Co. were blown out in part by a player who was once committed to play in maize and blue: Terrence Shannon Jr.

Shannon had committed to Michigan as a transfer from Texas Tech ahead of the 2022-23 season, but eventually had to back off the commitment when academic snags meant he couldn’t enroll in Ann Arbor. Shannon shortly thereafter committed to, and enrolled at, Illinois.

And Shannon punished the Wolverines on Tuesday night, pouring in 31 points as the Illini won by 29.

“You’re welcome,” Howard said with a grin. “Terrence Shannon is a guy who I recruited, who committed to the University of Michigan, as you all are very aware of. And you’re welcome. He’s played extremely well since he’s been here. And I’m so proud of him.”