Juwan Howard shares key to balancing NCAA hopes in Big Ten Tournament

As the Big Ten Tournament gets underway this week, Michigan is fighting for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The Wolverines are squarely on the bubble as they head to Chicago, and although they’re hoping to put their dancing shoes on, Juwan Howard said they have to stay focused on the task at hand.

Howard addressed that type of balance following Michigan’s 75-73 overtime loss to Indiana in the regular season finale, which dropped the Wolverines to 17-14 overall and an 11-9 record in Big Ten play. They secured a first-round bye in the conference tournament and will be the No. 8 seed, taking on No. 9 seed Rutgers on Thursday.

While playing in March Madness is a goal, Howard doesn’t sound like someone who’s getting too far ahead of himself.

“We are in a great position, now starting a second part of our season,” Howard said. “There’s no other way but to now have an opportunity to hold up a trophy. It’s going to take one game at a time. We don’t look ahead. … We’ll be preparing to go to Chicago to compete.”

Juwan Howard explains his confidence in Michigan entering Big Ten Tournament

Michigan lost in a close one in its regular season finale, falling in overtime to No. 15 Indiana 75-73. The Wolverines finish the regular season 17-14 and 11-9 in conference play, with their eyes now set on the upcoming Big Ten Tournament.

Following their latest loss, head coach Juwan Howard spoke about the confidence he still has in his team heading into tournament play.

“Man I’ve been having confidence in this team all season long,” Howard said. “I’m with them every day, I work with them, I see the work they put in. I see the talent, the skill level, I know where their heart is at, I listen to some of their stories.”

The Wolverines had a back-and-forth season, forced to battle through some injuries and managing to put together two three-game winning streaks in conference play this season. They’re the Big Ten’s fourth-best scoring and rebounding team, also ranking third in blockers per game in the conference.