Juwan Howard talks 'special' Michigan newcomer, other first-year standouts
Juwan Howard and Michigan basketball will rely on several newcomers in their quest for a Big Ten title, and possibly greater heights, and there are many to choose from. The U-M head coach has left no stone unturned on the recruiting trail in putting together the 2022-23 roster, and we’re about to find out what they’ve got.
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Several freshmen will play, starting with Jett Howard. The former 4-star wing out of Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy will likely start at the three, and he’s playing extremely well in the early going.
But there are others, too, who are going to contribute, including a frosh point guard in Dug McDaniel Howard called “special” again during Michigan basketball media day.
“Dug is a very special, unique player that knows how to play the game of basketball … been playing for a very long time,” Howard said. “And you just see it by his growth and his knowledge for the game, his feel for the game. Also, how he’s able to apply leadership out on the floor. We’re very proud of watching his growth since the time he stepped foot on campus back in July.
“Each day, he’s been a joy to coach. You can ask his teammates how he’s competed out there on the floor, and how they all really enjoy playing with him and playing against him. But from my eyes, what I’ve witnessed, is that this young man will have a huge impact on our program.”
He’s shooting the ball well in practice, and he plays with a chip on his shoulder like former Michigan point guard Zavier Simpson, assistant Saddi Washington added. He can get two feet in the lane and he plays with an edge defensively, taking it personally when someone scores on him.
Others might take longer to make an impact, but they’ll get there. One — Lebanese forward Youssef Khayat — is adapting to life in a new country, but he’s already a great teammate. Howard said he felt like he knew him the first time he met him in person.
“I’ve had a lot of conversations with him on the phone, Zoom calls, and couldn’t wait to get the opportunity to see him in person,” Howard continued. “I just recall when we are in Paris [over the summer], and knowing what time he was going to arrive. I was waiting downstairs in the lobby. It wasn’t playing — it was happening so organically, where the guys were coming downstairs. I don’t know how they found out what time he was arriving.
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“It was just beautiful to see how they all wanted to be there to welcome him … not waiting for the next morning because he arrived at night, but being there when he touched the hotel lobby floor. I’m happy how our team accepted him, and I’m also excited about how he’s adjusted thus far.”
He is still adapting, but he’s relentless on both ends and eager to contribute.
Finally, freshman forward Tarris Reed comes with high expectations, one of the top risers in his class last year. He’s an “old school” type forward with a bright future, and he’s pushing center Hunter Dickinson every day.
“I’ll tell you this — in practice, they’ve both been challenging each other,” Howard said. “It’s been great to see how they’ve competed. It’s also nice to see how Hunter’s been great with his leadership and helping Tarris.
“Tarris is another guy … he’s a competitor. He loves the game of basketball and his teammates love being around him because he’s so smart, so cerebral. He can do many things out there on the floor and impacts the game. We’ll see how the season goes.”
Overall, there are plenty of options, younger and older. Together, they should give the Wolverines a legit shot to compete for a Big Ten title.
