Juwan Howard, the head coach of Michigan Basketball, and Wisconsin have a rocky past. On February 20th, 2022 following a loss to the Wisconsin Badgers, Juwan Howard threw a punch during a post-game scuffle. During their 2022 match-up, Howard had Michigan pressing full court with 15 seconds to go in. a 77-63 loss to the Badgers. Greg Gard called a timeout because he had already pulled his starters. The backups were completely lost breaking the press. Juwan Howard got extremely upset at the end of the game over the timeout and a scuffle ensued after the final whistle. Today Wisconsin once again got the better of Michigan, winning 64-59. After the game, Juwan Howard talked about last year’s incident and what today’s game was like in Madison.
Juwan Howard Comments On Return To Wisconsin Nearly One Year After “The Punch”
During a post-game interview, Juwan Howard had this to say:
Overall, what happened last year was, as we talked about and I apologized for it. I wish I could have that situation back because I never would have reacted the way I did. And I hurt a lot of people — my family, my team, obviously Wisconsin, the coaching staff,the fans here and the Michigan fans.
I don’t ever want this to always be remembered as that moment. Yes, it’s going to be brought up a lot. Do I regret it? Yes. Yes I do. Do I wish I could have it back? Yes, I do, because I would never have reacted the way I did. Even though that was me, that’s really not who I am as an individual.
My players know that, and so they know the love that I have for them and they understood when I had a conversation about the incident, I took ownership of it. I’m still growing. I’m also vulnerable to let them know that those moments right there, you can learn from it and make sure you don’t make those mistakes. That’s the connection that we have.
I’m so honored and blessed to have young men in that locker room that are enjoying the experience and representing the ‘Go Blue,’ the maize and blue.
The post-game handshake this year went much smoother than last year:
The firmest handshake of the season…No action with the left arm. Release as he goes by. Careful not to impede any progress. Textbook. pic.twitter.com/63Pr9uVGR8
— Ben Kenney (@benzkenney) February 15, 2023
Related: Three Takeaways: Wisconsin Closes Game At The Line, Defeats Michigan 64-59
Tonight’s win marks the second win in a row for Wisconsin in the Badgers-Wolverines rivalry. Overall the Badgers are 15-8 against the Wolverines. Up next Wisconsin welcomes Rutgers to the Kohl Center Saturday. The Scarlet Knights are a great defensive team, but did give up 82 points to Nebraska at home tonight. They will look to rebound. Tip time is 11 AM CST on BTN.
