At the turn of the year, Michigan head basketball coach Juwan Howard’s potential problem seemed to turn into a very realistic scenario — too many players, not enough scholarships. The Wolverines had already received a letter of intent from Montverde (Fla.) guard Zeb Jackson, pledges from top-100 East Coast standouts Hunter Dickinson and Terrance Williams and —on January 20 —received a commitment from Hollywood (Fla.) University three-star forward Jace Howard.
At that point, Michigan was also the perceived leader for five-star Josh Christopher and still had a pledge from five-star forward Isaiah Todd of Raleigh (N.C.), who would later opt to forego college for a career in the NBA’s G-League.
So shortly after his pledge, Jace Howard — Juwan’s son — approached his father with an incredibly selfless gesture.
“Back in late January I told them if you need me to take a walk-on spot, that’s cool with me.I was thinking about it — we could be really good if we get everybody back,” he recalled. “Just let me know. He said, ‘okay — I appreciate you for that.’
“He and the staff were very grateful for that, but honestly, it didn’t matter to me. If you’re at Michigan, you’re at Michigan. I know people look at walk-ons differently, but I didn’t want to get in the way of us being great.”
By April, of course, things had changed dramatically. In addition to the five stars, U-M lost center Colin Castleton and guards Cole Bajema and David DeJulius to transfers. Just like that, the Wolverines had scholarships to spare.
One morning, Jace got a text from his father that he was back on scholarship — no fanfare, just a matter-of-fact, ‘here we go’ type declaration after which they went on with their days.
In his son, Juwan Howard is getting a player who is like him in a number of ways but very different in others. Jace is 6-7, a few inches shorter than his dad, and he’s more a perimeter guy than his Fab Five father, who lived in the paint at U-M. He averaged 10.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists as a senior at University School, helping the Sharks to a 27-5 record and the regional semifinal of the Class 5A playoffs, using an improving wing jumper to become more of an offensive threat.
He’s spent the last several weeks continuing to hone his game to the best of his ability despite being limited by the COVID-19 pandemic, still getting plenty of work in and staying in shape. His next challenge, after all, is meeting the high standards his father has already established at Michigan.
Like many, he’s anxious to see what it’s like to be coached by his dad.
“He hasn’t coached me, but he’s always been involved,” Jace Howard said. “I remember when I was 16-and-Under on the Under Armour circuit; he wasn’t our coach, but like a guy that sat on the bench. He was always there to give us pointers if we needed anything, but still, him coaching me will be something new.
“This is definitely going to be something to get used to and adjust to, but I’m open to it because I respect his basketball mind. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t, and I’m willing to learn from him.”
It was a no-brainer, he said, that it was the best situation for him. He had Ivy League opportunities and interest from other D1 schools, but he has confidence in his abilities and the work ethic to become a contributor. University head coach Ron Oliver, a former Michigan guard in the 1990s, lauds him as the guy who keeps the team together, a great leader who does the little things it takes to win.
He’s in the mold of former Wolverine Zack Novak in that respect, capable of scoring when needed but just as important for his intangibles.
“I’ve always tried to be that guy because people always say there’s not that many around ... especially if the team doesn’t have many or somebody’s not speaking up, something like that, I take pride in that,” he said. “You always need somebody like that to win, I feel.
“Every team I’ve been a part of ... not that that that’s all I do, but it builds culture. When somebody speaks up it builds transparency throughout the whole team. Making winning plays, it helps the team.”
And that’s his plan. He’s not sure when he’ll be a major contributor, but he’s confident it will happen at some point.
“I’m going to compete as hard as I can to get minutes this year. If that’s not the case, what happens, happens,” he said. “I’m definitely going to give it my best. That’s what I’m here for. I’m not here to sit around. Once you get to Michigan, it’s time to work.”
He’s already packed and ready, looking forward to the day.
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