Juwan Howard provides update on DeVante' Jones

The Michigan Wolverines have a Sweet Sixteen matchup against the Villanova Wildcats on deck, hoping to make a second straight Elite Eight. Despite playing in the previous round, the health of DeVante’ Jones is still in question, dealing with a concussion suffered in practice building up to the NCAA Tournament.

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.”

Jones was able to play for 11 minutes against the Tennessee Volunteers, attempting three shots with two points. He also recorded three rebounds and three assists and although played minimal time, made a huge impact on the Round of 32 matchup.

Now, facing off against Villanova, Michigan will need one of their best players to advance. The two college basketball powers will tip-off on Thursday night at 7:29 ET, looking to get one step closer to New Orleans and the Final Four.

Devante’ Jones, Michigan makes history with win over Tennessee

The Michigan basketball program has enjoyed consistent success in the NCAA Tournament the past five years. This year, they made some noise yet again when they stunned the No. 3 seed Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday in the Round of 32, 76-68. Hunter Dickinson (27 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists) and Eli Brooks (23 points, three rebounds, and five assists) carried the Wolverines in the upset victory. With the win, Michigan joined rarified basketball company, becoming just one of five teams in college basketball that has advanced to five straight Sweet 16s.

That’s a pretty impressive list of teams. When it comes to recruiting rankings, it’s hard for any team on the list to compete with the recruiting classes the Duke Blue Devils have pulled off in the last five years. They have consistently found themselves at or near the very top of the college basketball recruiting rankings. The Blue Devils also pulled in the top recruiting class in America, according to the 2022 On3 Consensus Basketball Team Recruiting Rankings.

None of the teams on the list have any sort of shortage of basketball talent flowing through their program, even if it was a down year this season for the Michigan Wolverines.