Michigan basketball will be without a starter vs. Michigan State
Juwan Howard, the head coach of Michigan, made mention of health concerns with his team ahead of their home game against Michigan State on Saturday night. As expected, Terrance Williams II, the starting forward for the Wolverines, will not be available.
The Big Ten has enforced this year’s pregame availability report, and Michigan’s has Williams listed as “out” for the game, which tips at 8:07 p.m. on FOX. The senior averages 33.3 minutes, 12.4 points, and 4.3 rebounds per game this season. He has started all 25 games. He is making 39% of his shots.
It says “questionable” for reserve forwards Youssef Khayat and Jace Howard. Due to illness, Howard, who has only played in five games this season, has missed the last four. For Michigan’s most recent game on Tuesday, Khayat did not travel to Illinois.
In Williams’ place, Michigan (8-17, 3-11) would probably look to Tray Jackson or would Tschetter. Tschetter has been more reliable and has played more this season, but Jackson is a better match at small forward. Another option for Juwan Howard would be to start Jaelin Llewellyn in a three-guard lineup.
We’re dealing with a lot, but we’ve always worked hard to do everything we can to keep our athletes safe,” Howard stated on Friday afternoon. “Some guys are absent due to health issues.”
Howard responded that it was a good question for Michigan’s medical staff when asked to elaborate on individual players. He remarked, “There have been a few guys who have missed practice due to illness or injuries.” “All we can do is hope and pray that everyone will be prepared to leave tomorrow.”
That will not occur. Guard Jeremy Fears Jr., who hasn’t played since Dec. 21 due to a gunshot wound to the leg, is the only Spartan listed as available. On January 30, Michigan State (16-9, 8-6) defeated Michigan 81-62 in East Lansing to win the inaugural meeting.
The six-foot-ten After transferring from Seton Hall, Jackson is a fifth-year player playing in his first season at Michigan. He’s averaging 5.1 points over 15.3 minutes and has shot just 6 of 27 (22 percent) from 3. He scored six points against Illinois on Tuesday. Jackson missed four games last month with a broken nose.
He’s a really gifted young man with a particular and unusual athletic ability,” Howard remarked on Friday, mentioning Jackson’s versatility and experience. “You saw glimpses of a talented young man in the last game. He puts in a lot of work. We are glad he is a member of our team.
