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WATCH: Juwan Howard talks Michigan basketball 10-day break, previews McNeese State

clayton-sayfieby:Clayton Sayfie•12/28/23•

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Juwan Howard
Michigan coach Juwan Howard and his team are in last place in the Big Ten. (Photo by Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports)

Michigan Wolverines basketball head coach Juwan Howard met with the media Thursday afternoon ahead of his team’s game against McNeese State Friday evening at Crisler Center. Watch video of Howard in the player at the top of your screen.

Michigan lost to Florida Dec. 20 and will have had 10 days between games. Howard discussed how he spent his time off, with players also getting a chance to go home.

“Getting the chance to watch Jett play for the Orlando Magic and then hang out with him, it was a beautiful moment for the family, because we all haven’t been together in a long time,” Howard said. “Months — it’s been since July — so it was great just to see that. And then more importantly it was nice just to have the players get a chance to get back home and spend some time with their families, to come back refreshed and ready to go for the second half of the season.”

The holiday break could be viewed as a reset and coming at a good time for Michigan, but Howard said he doesn’t look at it that way.

“It would’ve been beautiful just to get a win before the break, because then the turkey and a lot of the other good food that comes with Christmas would have been a more enjoyable taste. But unfortunately for us, it left a sour taste in our mouth after losing the game to Florida. You had time over the break to think about it, and I know for me, I thought about it every day — on the hour, every hour. Just looking at ways and how we could, of course, get the guys … keep them in a positive mindset and, at the same time, figuring out solutions to get better.”

Added the Michigan coach: “The break is always refreshing to spend some time with their families, and when you do have that moment, you kind of get away from the game of basketball and look at life in a different lens, as far as what are some of the most important things that, at times, we take for granted. What are some of the most important things in life that we have to appreciate more? I’m always a big lover and sticker with family, and that’s the time I’m so happy our guys were able to see their families and then now come back after the break with a reset mindset.”

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