Juwan Howard remains a big fan of Michigan, and he’s a big fan of the man who replaced him, Dusty May.
During the “Fab Five” altcast of the Final Four game between Michigan and Arizona on Saturday night, Howard sung the praises of May, who is in his second season as head coach of the Wolverines.
“Let’s give Dusty and his staff credit for putting together an amazing team,” Howard said. “With the NIL and how it’s so fluid, then the NIL support you receive, you gotta make sure you bring the right players to form your roster.
“They have developed an amazing culture.
Entering Saturday, May had led Michigan to a 62-13 record over two seasons, including 35-3 entering the game against Arizona, against whom the Wolverines opened a huge lead in the second half. He got Michigan to the No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press poll this season and got the Wolverines to their first Final Four since 2018. He led Michigan to the Big Ten regular-season championship.
May was hired away from Florida Atlantic in 2024, after Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel fired Howard after five seasons as head coach. Howard led Michigan to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight.
But Howard was 8-24 in his last season, before he was replaced by May.
“Let’s give Dusty and his staff the credit they truly deserve,” Howard said on the altcast.
Added Chris Webber, on the altcast: “I really love what Coach has done.”
May, 49, was fourth in Associated Press Coach of the Year voting this week. Nebraska’s Fred Hoiberg won the award, followed by Duke’s Jon Scheyer and Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd.
Howard, 53, now is an assistant coach with the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets.
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