With schedule still uncertain, Howard focusing on avoiding COVID outbreak

When Juwan Howard spoke with media for the second time this fall Monday morning, he was a mere 16 days out from the start of the college basketball season on Nov. 25.

And yet, Michigan — like nearly every other Division 1 team — doesn’t know who it’s playing this season or when. According to Howard, the Wolverines have a slightly better idea of their schedule than the general public. They have “some teams in place,” Howard said. Still, the only set date on Michigan’s calendar is a Dec. 9 home matchup with North Carolina State.

All of which leaves Howard in a unique position. Typically, non-conference opponents are scheduled years in advance, leaving an offseason of video collection and scouting. Prior to the pandemic, the Wolverines were set to open their season Tuesday against Georgia State. The rest of the early-season schedule was formidable with Kentucky, Oregon and the Empire Classic on the docket. The Wolverines were set to bounce around the globe with games in London, Oregon and New York City.

Howard, though, isn’t concerned.