7. “Juwan Howard to Michigan: ‘Big Ten Rivals Won’t Wait for Us—It’s Time to Dominate'”
Michigan head coach Juwan Howard delivered a powerful New Year’s message to his team, rallying them for the tough road ahead in the competitive Big Ten. “Let’s be real—the Big Ten is as tough as it gets,” Howard began. “Purdue has their eyes set on the top, Michigan State is always dangerous, and Indiana won’t give us an inch. They’re not going to wait for us to catch up or give us any breathing room. If we want to rise, we have to take it.”
Howard reflected on Michigan’s history of excellence and urged his players to embrace their responsibility to uphold the program’s legacy. “This isn’t just about competing in the Big Ten; it’s about owning it,” he said. “We’ve been here before, and we’ve shown that we belong at the top. But belonging isn’t enough. We need to dominate. Every practice, every game, every possession—it all matters.”
He also acknowledged the magnitude of their upcoming battles. “Purdue has a player of the year candidate, Michigan State has depth, and the entire conference is gunning for us,” Howard warned. “They know what Michigan is capable of, and they’ll bring everything they have to stop us. That’s what we want. Greatness is never given—it’s earned, every single day.”
Howard’s message concluded with a resounding note of hope and determination. “This season isn’t about playing it safe or avoiding tough matchups. It’s about showing the world what Michigan basketball stands for,” he declared. “Big Ten rivals won’t wait for us, but that’s fine. We’re not waiting either. It’s time to dominate, to silence the doubters, and to make this program a force to be reckoned with. Let’s take the fight to them, together. 2025 is ours for the taking.”
