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Wolverine TV: Phil Martelli talks path to ending Michigan basketball's 'tough stretch'

clayton-sayfieby:Clayton Sayfie•01/17/22•

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Michigan basketball coach Phil Martelli
Michigan basketball assistant coaches helped win the Big Ten title in 2021. They'll be in charge the next five games. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

Michigan Wolverines basketball associate head coach Phil Martelli and sophomore guard Jace Howard met with the media Monday morning ahead of the team’s home showdown with Maryland Tuesday evening.

Martelli spoke about the status of Michigan sophomore center Hunter Dickinson and senior forward Brandon Johns Jr., who both missed Friday night’s game against Illinois due to “conditioning and stamina concerns.” Johns has missed the last two contests and hasn’t played since Dec. 30 at Central Florida.

“Hunter and Brandon were here last night. We had a workout at 5 o’clock, and they were here,” the Michigan coach began. “They were not full participants, so a lot will be based on how they respond and how much they can get into live action today.

“Long-term wellbeing will be the determining factor.”

Martelli also discussed the status of Michigan sophomore guard Zeb Jackson, who hasn’t been with the team on the last two road trips due to a personal issue.

“He’s working through some things, getting all of the support from the coaching staff, from the personnel on campus,” Martelli said. “Making sure, again, that he’s in a good place mentally to rejoin the team — if that’s what’s best for him.”

The Michigan assistant was asked about freshman wing Caleb Houstan, who’s known as a long-range shooter but has struggled as of late. Despite the lack of shot-making, Martelli says Houstan’s spirits are high and he remains determined.

“To his credit, he’s got a beautiful way about him,” Martelli said of the Michigan freshman. “He’s not entitled, and he’s not a kid that it’s been easy for. He has worked to get to that McDonald’s All-American to being a national champion in high school to being considered one of the top freshmen in America.

“None of that has weighed on him, so he hasn’t changed. He’s still a young guy that gets a lot of shots up, he works on his game. He has a remarkable way of connecting when you have a conversation; he doesn’t seem distracted.”

Michigan’s associate head coach also addressed some areas that the team is working on to get out of its “tough stretch,” and much more, while Howard talked about his increased role as of late and more.

For their full comments, watch the Michigan basketball interviews below.

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Wolverine Associate Head Coach Phil Martelli

Michigan Guard Jace Howard

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