Juwan Howard explains how DeVante' Jones return could impact team chemistry

Michigan advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2022 NCAA Tournament after an up-and-down regular season. Led by transfer guard DeVante’ Jones in the backcourt all season, his absence in the first and second round seemed big but did not keep the Wolverines from advancing.

Ahead of a Sweet 16 matchup with Villanova, Juwan Howard addressed the potential return of DeVante’ Jones after a difficult week of injuries derailed his NCAA Tournament dreams and forced freshman Frankie Collins to step up.

“We’ve been through it before with injuries, with COVID,” said Howard. “It’s already embedded in the culture, and our guys understand with injuries we make no excuses, but we trust that every guy that’s in that roster will get an opportunity to go out there, and when they do play, they’re going to give it their best.

“Fortunate enough, when DeVante’ went out with his injury, Frankie Collins stepped up, but it wasn’t a surprise to his teammates, it wasn’t a surprise to me or the staff because the work he’s put in in practice, the work he’s put in when he’s not at practice. The kid loves basketball. He has a basketball mind. He’s been through some competitive moments before throughout the season. But on the big stage in the NCAA Tournament, he didn’t look like a freshman. He looked like he belongs, which he does.”

Jones has averaged 10.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists this season but suffered a concussion in practice before the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. After clearing protocols in time for the game against Tennessee, he met with the team only to suffer a wrist injury in the first half and another head injury later.

Juwan Howard updates DeVante’ Jones status

Head coach Juwan Howard provided an update on DeVante’ Jones when speaking to the media on Wednesday. He said the final decision will come on Thursday before tip-off but there have been strides throughout the week.

“He practiced today and yesterday, so right now he’s looking good,” Howard said. “He’s improved a lot with his health. We will know more tomorrow morning as far as how he feels when it comes to recovery as he wakes up. But I keep my fingers crossed, and we’re praying that he will be available for tomorrow.”

If Michigan wins its next game, the Wolverines would play the winner of the South Region game between Arizona and Houston in the Elite Eight.