Juwan Postgame Presser
I always learned a lot, both about team dynamics and the game, watching John Beilein's post game press conferences. And I have wondered more than once why more fans didn't watch them.
Juwan Howard, it turns out, may be even more comfortable handling the press, especially in the wake of a big win like today's. Beilein's pressers really allayed some of the doubts I had about him, especially in his second or third year in.
In the same way, anyone who questioned for a minute whether Juwan had a mind for the game, or the kind of insight necessary to be a fine coach, might like me set such worries aside after listening to him, even for just a short listen. He's self-effacing, but there's no doubt he's a boss.
February 8th, 2020 at 4:29 PM ^
I've been impressed with his demeanor all season. We've had a lot of tough luck since the new year, getting Livers back only to lose him that game, having some controversial finishes, but he's kept his cool and always looked forward.
February 8th, 2020 at 4:39 PM ^
Reporter: "Juwan, what does this mean personally for you to get your first win in the rivalry"
Coach: "It's never about me, it's all about this team."
Juwan is a good dude and I am glad he is our coach. Very excited about the next few years.
February 8th, 2020 at 4:51 PM ^
Dude gets what it takes to play at the highest level, but his attention to detail and stats is great. He is a very humble guy that has a fire inside to WIN. Doesn't throw any of his players or coaches under the bus - makes it about them not "me" - understands how to coach and change the game plan - has an incredible love and respect for U of M.
February 8th, 2020 at 4:59 PM ^
Loved him during the half time interview too.
Doesn't come across like a jackass.
Treats the reporter with respect.
Gave real answers to all her questions... very refreshing to see that in a coach at this level.
February 8th, 2020 at 6:14 PM ^
Exactly. Too many coaches in this profession can be real a-holes and not show others respect (like our opponent on the other side of the court today). It's so refreshing and reassuring to see someone like Juwan who acts like a genuine human being. I loved Beilein for that reason, but Coach H has not dropped that standard in the least.
February 8th, 2020 at 5:03 PM ^
I made this point in the (deleted?) thread where NervousBird was vomiting all over himself:
Juwan Howard can coach offense. He's scheming open looks for his players; they just have to hit them. Once we have a PG, SG, or CG (like Burke, Walton, or Stauskas) that can pull up off the dribble and nail shots, fans will see how lethal this offense truly is. And a slasher with some poise will take the offense to an incredible level.
(Defense could stand to improve in some areas but that's a different topic.)
And yes, I am impressed with his demeanor as well.
Doesn't hurt that he dresses nicely too! Jay Wright has some serious competition now...
February 8th, 2020 at 7:08 PM ^
It's like a George Clooney vs. Will Smith death match!
February 9th, 2020 at 12:07 AM ^
Defense could stand to improve in some areas but that's a different topic.
He can coach defense too.
The last few years at Miami, Howard was totally in charge of the Heat's defense... where that club was near the top of the league with Howard running that unit.
February 8th, 2020 at 5:40 PM ^
Very classy guy. Articulate. I’m really glad he’s our coach!
February 8th, 2020 at 6:14 PM ^
Completely unnecessary to say articulate
February 8th, 2020 at 6:22 PM ^
Is he wrong? Have you heard Ed Orgeron talk?
February 8th, 2020 at 6:41 PM ^
I'm a black guy who doesn't speak well extemporaneously. This press conference was like night and day compared to the others I've heard.
When he was hired, someone said he sounded more like a player than a coach and got a bunch of downvotes because of it. Today he definitely sounded like a coach.
February 8th, 2020 at 9:09 PM ^
Who said he sounded like more of a player than a coach? When he was actually playing in the NBA everyone said he sounded like a coach. 17 year old Juwan sounded like a coach.
February 8th, 2020 at 7:15 PM ^
Dude...way to make everything about race. If you are looking for reasons to be triggered, you'll always find them. This is perhaps the least "outrage!" worthy adjective I've seen to describe a coach.
Harbaugh is not articulate with the media, stating so has no socio-economic, racial or political significance whatsoever, the same way stating that Juwan is articulate with the media should not require a "safe space"
February 9th, 2020 at 3:31 AM ^
whether we like it or not, "articulate" is definitely a loaded word when you're talking about a black person. Ideally it wouldn't be, but it kind of comes off as saying "wow, you're very well spoken for a black person"
February 9th, 2020 at 11:11 AM ^
If someone wants to interpret it that way, that’s on them. I think it’s a compliment. No one has ever referred to me as articulate and that is mainly due to the fact that I am not.
February 9th, 2020 at 12:17 PM ^
This is a reach. We're talking about the attributes of a coach, and whether they are articulate or not is one of them.
February 9th, 2020 at 3:47 PM ^
Seriously? SMH.
February 8th, 2020 at 6:24 PM ^
Juwan's presser ends and youtube plays Izzo´s right after. It's like night and day. First thing Izzo says is that his freshmen aren't ready and his 4-year player is making bad plays. Why do kids still want to play for this douche?
February 8th, 2020 at 6:28 PM ^
That’s just him holding them accountable .................. wow, even sarcastically that sounded stupid.
February 9th, 2020 at 12:50 AM ^
No clue - I keep wondering this (why do people want to play for Izzo). I'm surrounded by Spartys who worship Izzo and I just don't get it. He's a decent coach but nothing is ever his fault or his responsibility. 2nd (at least) game in a row where he throws his team under the bus -
- Freshman aren't ready to play
- Winston doing dumb stuff and making dumb decisions
- Tillman fatigued and "couldn't walk" at end of game (tape shows otherwise)
Well, let's see - you have one freshman starter who had more points than your sophomores.
Also - never gives credit to the other team - basically stated that Michigan made shots that they shouldn't have - I'm sure this is a not so subtle reference to Simpson's threes.
Winston and Tillman are very good and I would be very pissed if I was them - they have bailed this team out of several games they should have lost over the last few years.
Fans are one thing but the way that announcers and refs worship this guy is inexplicable. How many times have we heard - "he's always coaching"? Um, screaming at players is not coaching. Winston admitted last year that he has to step in and work with players when Izzo loses his s$%^.
February 9th, 2020 at 12:22 AM ^
Juwan is learning on the job which is perfectly fine IMO. Hes a players coach and that is very important in today's game. If he can win with this talent i have no doubt were gonna be amazing for years to come.
February 9th, 2020 at 1:03 AM ^
If Juwan is an A+ recruiter and just an above average strategy guy, he will have a very successful program here.
He demonstrated today that his strategy skills might be very very good. He put together a great game plan for Winston. It’s Juwan’s first year as HC, and he is going to have a fast learning curve. Excited for the future.
February 9th, 2020 at 6:12 AM ^
Great post..thanks for sharing.
Coach really does come across as a good dude AND really on top of his program.
I enjoyed watch his presser and then started watching Izzo's and couldn't get past the first min...I know his team lost but his mumbling and body language were awful. Like a spoiled 3 year old who just had his toy truck taken from him.
February 9th, 2020 at 11:42 AM ^
Since we’re talking about coaches - and I didn’t see it mentioned elsewhere - how about Bob Knight finally coming home yesterday? They still adore the guy. People are complicated and I get that someone can be an asshole to one person and a hero to another. But it’s truly amazing the hand wringing IU did over when and if Knight would return. The guy clearly isn’t well (his whole nose is purple!!) so I guess it’s good he brought some closure to the situation before it’s too late. I lean toward the he’s an asshole side but question this in light of what’s gone down in college sports recently. Rampant cheating (UNC, Kansas, Arizona), known sexual abuse and cover ups (Penn St, Michigan St, Ohio St) all with no true ramifications.