Michigan signee Jett Howard MVP of Iverson Classic - Reed shines in practice
Michigan basketball has had an active offseason, and there’s been plenty to like. The Wolverines landed Princeton transfer Jaelin Llewellyn Friday — a day later, signee Jett Howard won MVP of the Iverson Classic in Memphis. He shared the honor with Keyonte George, a Baylor signee.
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Howard scored 20 points on 9-of-12 shooting, starting the scoring with a dunk ahead of the pack.
Fellow signee and center Tarris Reed was quiet, but he was one of the better players in practice per On3.com’s Jamie Shaw. He was voted “Best Big” from both teams at the practice sessions.
“The work Tarris Reed has put in this season has been nothing short of impressive,” Shaw wrote of the Michigan signee. “The 6-9 post player has trimmed his frame to a sleek 245-pounds. He has excellent hands with a soft touch over both shoulders.
“Reed did not let the length and quick-twitch of [elite big man] Kel’el Ware bother him here, as time and time again, he finished from five feet with a soft jump hook. He is an excellent rebounder, stepped out and knocked down catch and shoot threes, and showed some explosion at the rim. There will always be a question about Reed regarding foot speed and his overall height, but there is a clear path for players like him, who rebound, bully, and knock down shots.”
But Howard was the story Saturday. Granted, it was a somewhat “defensive optional” environment, but the future Michigan wing was able to get in the lane and score with an array of moves.
Future Michigan forward stood out when it mattered
One of his biggest came when the game was still in doubt tied at 99. His floater broke the tie and spurred the run, impressing former NBA star Allen Iverson.
“He has everything that it takes to be a superstar on every single level,” Iverson said on the CBS Sports broadcast. “It comes so naturally to him … so easy to him.”
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Iverson later caught up with Howard after the game to offer more words of encouragement.
“It was just fun,” Howard said. “I just tried to have the most fun with it — listen to my coaches and play hard.”
His future Michigan coach and father, Juwan Howard, was in attendance. He saw his son score and distribute … and impress.
“He’s the most pro-ready right now,” analyst J.R. Smith said.
Howard then took his man off the dribble up six with 22 seconds remaining on a beautiful move. He finished with a bank shot after a wicked crossover and spin dribble.
“I can’t wait to get to work and build some camaraderie with my teammates,” he said. “I just can’t wait to get to Ann Arbor and win.”
And Michigan can’t wait to have him.
