Why isn't Juwan Howard at Big Ten media day? Explaining Michigan basketball coach's absence
The Big Ten's men's basketball media day is set for Tuesday in Minneapolis, but Michigan's Juwan Howard is not in attendance.
Three Michigan men's basketball players will be present — Tennessee transfer Olivier Nkamhoua, Alabama transfer Nimari Burnett and Jace Howard — but Juwan Howard, who has been away from the team through most of the fall, will miss the annual news conferences to kick off the season.
Here's everything you need to know about why Juwan Howard will miss Big Ten basketball media day, and who will be there to replace Howard:
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Why is Juwan Howard not at Big Ten media day?
Juwan Howard underwent a heart procedure on Sept. 15, the team announced. Howard is still in recovery and has been away from coaching the team since then.
"I feel so grateful and blessed that this surgery was performed at University of Michigan Health," Howard said in a statement. "My wife, Jenine, and our family appreciate the world-class care that has been provided to us. Dr. [Kim] Eagle, Dr. Patel, Dr. [Stanley] Chetcuti, and all of the staff at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center are so talented and performed like champions throughout this process. I am going to work very hard in my rehabilitation to be stronger than ever by the time our upcoming season is upon us."
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Howard's doctor said in the statement after the surgery that Howard is expected to fully recover in six to 12 weeks and could return to the program in four to six weeks. Phil Martelli is serving as interim head coach.
Who is attending Big Ten Media Days for Michigan?
Assistant coach Saddi Washington is attending in Howard's place alongside the three player representatives. Washington has been an assistant at Michigan for the last seven seasons and currently works primarily on defense and with the wings. He started at Michigan in 2017 under John Beilein and stayed on board under Howard.
Martelli, interim head coach, was expected to attend Big Ten media day but pulled out due to a scheduling conflict.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Is Michigan's Juwan Howard at Big Ten media day after heart surgery?
