Michigan makes decision on Hunter Dickinson ahead of Big Ten Tournament

Michigan got some good news Tuesday morning. A key piece will likely be available for the Big Ten tournament.

Hunter Dickinson, who’s been dealing with a stomach bug, is expected to be available for the Wolverines in Indianapolis, a school spokesperson told CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein. Dickinson missed Michigan’s season-ending win over Ohio State last week.

Dickinson is a huge part of the Michigan offense this season. He averages 18.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game while shooting 56.3% from the field. He was especially important in the Wolverines’ win over Michigan State on March 1 when he had 33 points and nine rebounds to lead them to an 87-70 victory at the Crisler Center.

He’s not the only big name to return for Michigan in Indy. Wolverines coach Juwan Howard is heading back to the sideline after serving a five-game suspension for his role in a postgame melee at Wisconsin last month. Phil Martelli took over in the interim and led Michigan to a 3-2 record, including that impressive win over Ohio State to close out the season without Dickinson. Now, Martelli is moving back to his role as associate head coach as Howard comes back to the head chair.

Michigan is the No. 8 seed in the Big Ten tournament and faces off with No. 9 seed Indiana Thursday at 11:30 a.m. ET on the Big Ten Network. A win would set up a matchup against No. 1 seed Illinois on Friday.

Michigan reinstates Juwan Howard ahead of Big Ten conference tournament

Michigan head coach Juwan Howard is back with his team on Monday following his five-game suspension. Howard held individual meetings with players ahead of the Big Ten conference tournament this week, according to MLive.

The Wolverines head coach had to miss five games and wasn’t able to join his team for practice after his part in a skirmish following the Michigan-Wisconsin game two weeks ago. Phil Martelli served in his place during his suspension, leading the team to three wins and two losses. They closed out the 2021-22 regular season with a 17-13 record – 7th in the conference.

With their skipper back at the helm, the Wolverines are preparing to face No. 9-seed Indiana in Indianapolis on Thursday. Theirs is the first tipoff of the day, starting at 11:30 ET on the Big Ten Network.

Juwan Howard and his squad have the sixth-best odds to win the conference tournament this week, according to VegasInsider odds. They’re +1100, behind Purdue, Illinois, Michigan State, Ohio State and Wisconsin.