Juwan Howard addresses DeVante' Jones injury with heartfelt response

The Michigan Wolverines head into the NCAA Tournament as an 11-seed, facing off against Colorado State in the Round of 64. However, they will be without one of their key players in the matchup, as DeVante’ Jones did not travel with the team due to being in concussion protocol.

Michigan head coach Juwan Howard confirmed during a press conference on Wednesday before giving a heartfelt response on the situation. He said after joining the program this season, Jones has been a huge part of the Wolverines’ success and was upset he would not be on the court Thursday afternoon.

“He will not be able to suit up on Thursday,” Howard said. Unfortunately, it’s a bummer because here is a young man who has been a part of Coastal Carolina, had a lot of success there. Now he has the opportunity to play at the University of Michigan and led our team. He’s also a big reason why we’re here. What it is, at this moment, we’re going to monitor his health, pray that he gets healthy. But overall I love how his teammates are going to be there to stand up and play hard for him.”

Howard went on to explain how Jones suffered the concussion, taking an elbow during practice in the lead-up to the first-round matchup. When giving a timeline for the guard’s return, assuming Michigan advances past Colorado State, the head coach was on the more cautious side.

“When you go out and practice, competitive practices, where guys are competing, an advertent elbow as you drive into the lane, he got elbowed in the nose area,” said Howard. “And looking at it day by day. I’m sure he’s going to be healthy soon, take his time. We’re not trying to rush him back. We want him 100% healthy, DeVante’.”

Jones transferred to Michigan from Coastal Carolina this season and has been a huge piece for the Wolverines throughout the season. Being the team’s third-leading scorer with 10.7 points per game, Jones has been at his past over the past month and a half. Since February began, he has been in double figures 10 times and had a season-best 25 points against Illinois.

Now, Howard will head into the NCAA Tournament without one of his best players in Jones. Fellow guards Eli Brooks and Caleb Houstan have been big for the Wolverines in their spots as well but now their roles will have to increase, especially on the offensive side of the ball.