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Michigan head coach Juwan Howard took a jab at the university’s admissions department after a blowout loss to conference rival Illinois on Tuesday night. The shot came in reference to an Illini player who’d once had interest in playing for the Wolverines.
Unfortunately for Howard, most UM fans don’t want to hear blame pushed to another party as his tenure in Ann Arbor continues to spiral.
Juwan Howard took over the program in 2019, posting a 19-12 record in Year 1. He followed up with an impressive 23-5 campaign that saw the Wolverines reach the Elite Eight.
The next year, Michigan made the Sweet 16.
Since those tournament runs, however, his program has been largely considered a disappointment.
His 2022-23 team was picked to finish 3rd in a competitive Big Ten with Preseason Player of the Year Hunter Dickinson leading the way but finished just 18-16.
This season has been even more of a letdown.
Dickinson transferred to Kansas, leaving Howard without his top playmaker. That’s shown on the court as Michigan sits at 8-17 on the year.
Things might’ve been different had Michigan been able to land Terrence Shannon, Jr. in the portal.
Shannon spent three seasons at Texas Tech where he averaged double figures in scoring. He then hit the market before the 2022-23 season.
The interest was reportedly mutual interest between the guard and the Wolverines, but he was denied admission for academic reasons, according to MLive.com.
Michigan offered him a spot on the team, but Shannon’s academic situation got in the way. Not enough credits from Texas Tech were going to transfer to Michigan, making some admissions officers nervous.
Juwan Howard took a shot at UM admissions after losing to Illinois
On Tuesday, Howard lined up against Terrence Shannon, Jr. in what would be a 97-68 loss. The guard scored 31 points to lead all scorers.
After the game, the Michigan head coach was asked about that performance.
Juwan Howard on Terrence Shannon Jr.: “You’re welcome. Terrence Shannon is a guy who I recruited, who committed to the University of Michigan, as you all are very aware of, and you’re welcome. He’s played extremely well since he’s been here.” pic.twitter.com/ZMAVA5qIW0
— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) February 14, 2024
“You’re welcome,” he said to the Illinois program, insinuating it never would’ve gotten the opportunity if it were up to him.
That MLive report notes that academics might not have played the only role in that denial, though.
“In truth, Michigan had some reservations about Shannon that went beyond academics.”
“According to a source, he entered the portal on the team plane ride back to campus after Texas Tech’s NCAA Tournament loss in the Sweet 16, a red flag regarding his character. In the end, though, the admissions department made the call.”
Shannon has been involved in controversy this season, serving a suspension after being arrested on a felony rape charge. That alleged incident occurred on an offseason football trip to watch the Illini play Kansas.
Shannon later filed a temporary restraining order which allowed him to get back on the court this season.
Juwan Howard commented on that situation, too.
“I’m so proud of him. He started out the season playing great basketball and then when he took that break, he came back like he hadn’t lost a step.
“I commend their staff for being able to support him throughout this process. It’s not easy for a young man (with) what he’s been through and I’m sure what the young lady has been through — it’s not easy on both sides. But I wish Terrence can stay healthy and finish up this year, because I think he has a lot of basketball ahead of him.”
It’s clear Howard really wanted Shannon to be a part of the basketball team. Blaming others as to why your program is struggling, though, isn’t the best look.