Michigan men’s basketball coach Juwan Howard underwent a successful surgery Friday to repair an aortic aneurysm and is expected to make a full recovery in six to 12 weeks, the school announced.
Associate head coach Phil Martelli will oversee the program in Howard’s absence. Howard could return to the program in four to six weeks, the school said.
Howard’s heart condition was detected during a routine medical examination. In a statement, he thanked surgeon Himanshu Patel and doctors at the University of Michigan’s Frankel Cardiovascular Center for the “world-class care that has been provided to us.”
“I am going to work very hard in my rehabilitation to be stronger than ever by the time our upcoming season is upon us,” Howard said.
Michigan is scheduled to open its season against Northwood on Nov. 3, which would be seven weeks removed from Howard’s procedure. The Wolverines face St. John’s on Nov. 13 before traveling to the Bahamas for the Battle 4 Atlantis.
Howard, 50, is entering his fifth season as Michigan’s head coach after a 19-year playing career in the NBA.
“All of us at the athletic department have Juwan in our thoughts and prayers,” athletic director Warde Manuel said. “We look forward to Juwan’s return when he feels that he has fully recovered.”
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