WATCH: Juwan Howard previews Michigan State, talks biggest key to victory
Michigan Wolverines basketball head coach Juwan Howard met with the media Friday afternoon ahead of his team’s Saturday night showdown against Michigan State (8 p.m. ET at Crisler Center). Watch video of his press conference in the player at the top of the screen or on our YouTube channel.
Howard was asked what the biggest key to beating Michigan State will be Saturday night. The Spartans have won four of their last five games, a stretch that began with an 81-62 victory over the Maize and Blue at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing. Michigan has also won each of the last four meetings against the Spartans at home, despite being 0-5 versus the in-state opponent on the road during his tenure.
The Wolverines have been without reserves Jace Howard and Youssef Khayat due to illness, and Howard said health will be key.
“Health needs to go right,” Howard said. “We have always asked and worked hard to do whatever we can to keep our players safe, but we’re dealing with a lot. We’re missing some guys because of health reasons. So, good health is always one of those that you want on your team. I know that speaks for not only me but for every college team that’s during this time of the year, because you have some players who — if not all — are dealing with some type of bumps and bruises, because now you’re getting toward the end of your season. Basketball is a physical game and the practices and the games, there’s always going to be something. But at the same time, you’re always hoping that you can have fresh bodies, and more important than just fresh bodies, that everyone on your roster is ready to go.”
Asked if Michigan’s health issues stretch beyond just Khayat and Jace Howard, the head coach did not provide a further clarification.
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“That’s really a good question for Michigan medical,” Howard said. “We have had some guys who have missed some practice because of being sick and some being injured. We’re just hoping and praying that we can have everyone ready to go tomorrow.”
Howard was also asked what has gone right against Michigan State in the four wins at home during his tenure.
“You’re talking that there’s always been each year different teams with different players,” Howard said. “This is a different team, different players — and it’s always great to be able to go against your rival at home because it’s a familiar area. You also have the building that you practice in a lot. You also have a level of comfort with your fan base, being there to support you.”
