Kennedy sobs in the arms of Juwan Howard. There is a time and a place.
The video of Michigan coach Juwan Howard hugging two of his Fab 5 teammates before he made his way to the locker room after the team's NCAA tournament win went viral on social media.
Howard stopped and embraced a Tennessee freshman guard when he stopped and embraced the same handshake line where his actions landed him a suspension four weeks ago.
Howard hugged and talked to the very emotional Chandler after his 11 seed UM upset the 3 seed Volunteers 76-68 to advance to the Sweet 16 for the fifth straight year.
He told me to keep my head up. I know him. I have been playing with his son since fourth grade. I have known him for a long time. He is a great coach. I love him. He told me to keep my head up and play my cards right.
It was fitting that so much attention was brought to this moment, considering what Howard went through after hitting Wisconsin assistant coach Joe Krabbenhoft in the head. This time, Howard was showing good sportsmanship to the opponent, and he also took on a father-figure role with the Tennessee guard because he played basketball with Howard's youngest son, Jett.
Kennedy is an elite player, and he is one of the best guards in the country, according to Howard. We had a relationship.
I have always been impressed by his growth. We were not that lucky because we recruited him. I gave him words of encouragement because I wanted to see the output, the effort, the growth and how he led his team in a special way. It shows that he cares. As a coach, you appreciate that.
Howard has been emotional at times since that incident. In the final five games of the regular season, the Wolverines played without their coach, blew a double-digit lead to Indiana in the Big Ten tournament, and came from 15 points down to beat Colorado State in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. Michigan has won two games in a row for the first time since February.
There was no doubt that this team is special, according to guard Eli Brooks, who scored 23 points. Juwan and the coaching staff were able to find those guys that you like to be around. Everybody bought into the system and we are in the Sweet 16. It is good to see.
Pick the winner of the games in the NCAA tournament from the Sweet 16 to the championship. The tournament challenge had a second chance.
The first-round victory was celebrated by Howard with former Fab 5 teammate Jalen Rose. The two men were there for support in the second round.
It was a beautiful moment to be here and to see my brother, Mark Hughes, who helped recruit me to come here.
I will never forget this day, and I appreciate all the support. They have been in my corner from the beginning.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
