I Hope Juwan Stays Forever

Submitted by Rich Hokebaugh on February 22nd, 2021 at 7:37 PM

I love Beilein but Juwan is taking this program to the next level.

Jack Be Nimble

February 22nd, 2021 at 8:35 PM ^

Beilein was arguably one bad call away (It was a clean block!) from winning the National Championship. Michigan lost that game to a team that was later revealed to have been constructed through massive cheating.

Juwan has done a brilliant job so far of keeping this program humming, but the only level Beilein failed to reach is an actual national title. There is no "next level" except that one.

Frank Chuck

February 23rd, 2021 at 12:05 AM ^

Disagree.

That's the kind of game-changing, momentum-altering defensive play that leads to like a 8-0 run. We might have taken the lead and never relinquished it.

Hence, Lebron's block against the Warriors is so legendary. It kept the game tied and ultimately set up the ending.

jmblue

February 23rd, 2021 at 11:38 AM ^

 We were trailing and there was 5 minutes to go when that happened

It was 67-64 and had the foul not been called, we would have gotten the ball.  Instead Siva made two FTs to put them up five.  We never again got within one possession with the ball.

Did it decide the game?  Not quite, but it was a big call nonetheless.

Michigan4Life

February 22nd, 2021 at 9:02 PM ^

Yup and took a program whose lofty goal is to make the NCAA tournament to an elite program in which we expect NCAA tournament appearance with a national title aspiration. John Beilein is the best coach that Michigan ever had IMO. Juwan did a great job at following up a legend with strong year last season and a great year so far this season.

San Diego Mick

February 22nd, 2021 at 7:55 PM ^

This OP is deep, good work.

On a serious note,  I think Juwan stays at least 5 more years to achieve some great things. Who knows how he'll feel about wanting to stay, he might like coaching college kids so much that he stays way longer. 

I just have a feeling he'll be very successful here and will want another challenge. 

IDKaGoodName

February 22nd, 2021 at 9:27 PM ^

I think about this at times too. I think his personality really lends itself to the college game and to recruiting, etc. I honestly expect that he leaves, as some have suggested possibly after his kids finish, and heads to the NBA to chase that dream. However, I really firmly believe that he could be an all timer at the college level like some of the names that are synonymous with college basketball, and he doesn't need to be a sleaze ball to do it. I can actually feel the "family" vibe he is instilling in this team, and you almost feel a part of it here at home as a fan. He is a true Michigan Man

gruden

February 23rd, 2021 at 9:15 AM ^

Agreed, but if his ceiling is as high as we're thinking, eventually the NBA will come calling and give him an offer too good to refuse.  There's only so long you can hold out from that kind of temptation, especially if it's from a team with solid ownership/administration.

If Coach Howard gets us an NC and a few final fours, it would be hard to complain when he moves on. 

blueheron

February 22nd, 2021 at 8:06 PM ^

Very appropriate.

- - -

I didn't mind the movie ("Say Anything" for the young folk here), but that character so perfectly represents every annoying '80s alterna-dipshit who believed they were 2X/3X more insightful than their peers.

MGO2002

February 22nd, 2021 at 8:11 PM ^

I watched say anything screening with John Cusack couple years ago at our Tobin Center theater here in San Antonio.  John Cusack was way over that film and mentioned he loves doing the dark crazy movie characters instead.  I recommend the movie On Frozen Ground based on a true story. 

IDKaGoodName

February 22nd, 2021 at 9:33 PM ^

Saw The Frozen Ground when it finished in theaters and hit the stores (actually rented it....). It was a pretty good film, and I am a huge serial killer buff, so that stuff is right up my alley. There is also a Timesuck about that serial killer, Robert Hanson, that I would encourage anyone looking for an interesting listen and a laugh to check out. 

As far as the film goes, heads up that it stars Nic Cage and 50 Cent. My wife hates Nic Cage with every fiber of her being (which apparently is a thing? Like other people share this feeling), and Curtis Jackson is not winning any acting awards

mbrummer

February 22nd, 2021 at 8:12 PM ^

Valenti and lackey were talking about it.

Yes.  Athletic Department needs to double his salary.

And playing Devil's advocate.. What is so enjoyable about being a NBA coach.  If you're good, you still have to worry about your superstars "firing" you.

Even if your successful, you get bounced around ala Doc Rivers, Scott Brooks , Lue

Only Popovich, Carlisle and Spots have any kind of job sercurity

Geuss I'd rather make 5 million a year with job security than 7 milllion with my job security based on the whims of superstar players

TK

February 22nd, 2021 at 8:22 PM ^

I really don’t think the money he makes will be the primary factor for Juwan. He had career earnings of $150 mil in the NBA. It will come down to what he wants to do. Maybe his goal is to win a title as an NBA coach. Maybe he wants to coach UM for 30 years. Hard to say at this point. 

xtramelanin

February 22nd, 2021 at 8:38 PM ^

two things i see that would make him want to stay, at least for a while.

first, he has another son to go through college and i bet he wants to coach him.  he's got plenty of $, that's not the issue.  it's time on site, so to speak, time with his family that he will likely (hopefully?) value more than the $.

second, i can see him far preferring the college game in general because of his excellence at, and preference for, mentoring and growing young men.  juxtapose that to the other-worldly talented but tremendously spoiled head cases he'd encounter getting back in the NBA.  

does he stay forever?  no, but i bet his timeline is at least 5 years and more likely 10.  

Champeen

February 22nd, 2021 at 8:14 PM ^

My Theory:

Juwan will win at least one national championship at Michigan.

This year probably won't be one of them.

However, at the end of his journey at Michigan, this will be his most memorable team, above even his one/two/three (however many) national championship teams he has.