DeVante' Jones reveals how injury occured, how he dealt with missing opening game

In their opening-round game against Colorado State, the Michigan Wolverines were missing one of their leaders, DeVante’ Jones. The guard suffered a concussion in a practice leading up to the matchup before thankfully returning to action against the Tennessee Volunteers in the Round of 32.

When speaking to the media on Wednesday, Jones talked about how the injury occurred and what was going through his mind at the time. Jones said he knew he would most likely not be able to play against Colorado State pretty quickly, not feeling right after getting hit in the nose.

“Probably like five seconds after it happened honestly (Laughter),” Jones said. “No, right when it happened, my head felt like crazy and things like that. I just didn’t feel normal, so I just knew that I would probably be out for the first game.”

Having to watch an NCAA Tournament game you wanted to be a part of can be difficult for anyone but especially Joines. He described how difficult it was to not be there with his teammates during the opening round game before realizing Michigan was doing something special against the Rams.

“At first, it was a little bit emotional for me, but then I got myself together and just seeing how the team was playing so well, doing so great, and getting victories,” said Jones. “That’s the main thing for me. Obviously, I want to play here in March Madness, but the time I was just so happy for my teammates being able to win through that type of adversity.”

Michigan went into the locker room with a seven-point deficit at halftime, needing a second-half comeback to get the win. Guard Eli Brooks and Hunter Dickinson both had monster games, having 16 and 21 points respectively on the afternoon.

Jones said he got to watch the game in his room, although the room was dark thanks to his concussion. He went through the emotions of watching the game alone before the Wolverines pulled out the victory.

“Yeah, I watched the game at home in my room,” said Jones. “It was a dark room. So I watched it at home. I was excited throughout the whole game. The first half I was kind of nervous. It was playing on my emotions. Second half, they got together, and I was excited they won.”

Just two days after the win, Jones rejoined the team and contributed in the win against Tennessee. After having three points, three rebounds, and three assists, Jones now has the chance to play in the Sweet Sixteen against the Villanova Wildcats.

Juwan Howard provides DeVonte’ Jones health update

Head coach Juwan Howard provided an update on 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.”