Juwan Howard is widely notable as a head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team after finishing his glorious basketball career. . He was an assistant coach for the Miami Heat from 2013 to 2019. He played in the NBA from 1994 until 2013. Howard was part of the Fab Five recruiting class of 1991 that reached the finals of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship in 1992 and 1993.
The Fab Five, including Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson, remain active as professional basketball players. Howard won two NBA championships with Miami, in 2012 and 2013. He is a one-time All-Star and one-time All-NBA power forward. He also played six-and-a-half seasons for the Washington Bullets, three full seasons with the Houston Rockets, two-plus seasons for the Miami Heat, and shorter stints for several other teams. Furthermore, he became the first NBA player to sign a $100 million contract in 1994, and the first player to graduate on time with his class after leaving college early to play in the league.
Early Life, Family, and Education
Juwan Howard was born in February 19483. His grandmother, Jannie Mae Howard, adopted him after his mother kept him in a drawer for the first week of his life. He moved with her to several low-income Chicago South Side projects to stay out of trouble and away from gangs. Howard went to Chicago Vocational Career Academy, where he played three seasons of varsity basketball. He was chosen for the National Honor Society and served as Vocational’s homecoming king.
Howard was recruited by college coaches such as Illinois’ Lou Henson, DePaul’s Joey Meyer, Michigan’s Steve Fisher, and Illinois’ Steve Fisher. He has no siblings and is not close to his biological parents; his grandmother was the primary influence in his life and his mother visited on occasion as he was growing up. His father wanted to name him Leroy Watson, III, but his grandmother rejected the suggestion.
Juwan Howard Career
Howard started his career by attending college team leagues and other competitions. Howard was rated as one of the best defensive big men in the country throughout his college career. In comparison to his flamboyant teammate Webber, he was characterized as a “rock-solid” power forward who provided rebounds and defenses. The famous player was drafted in the first round of the 1994 NBA Draft.
He was the last first-round selection without a contract going into the 1994–95 NBA season. The Bullets finished the season with a 21–61 record. He posted second-team All-Rookie honors at the end of the season. Howard participated in the NBA All-Star weekend events as a member of the Rookie Challenge in February 1995. He averaged 17.0 points per game and posted 17 double-doubles in 65 games played.
Personal Life
Howard married Janine Wardally on July 6, 2002, at the age of 29. The couple has two sons and one of them is actively playing in the college basketball team.
Physical Appearance
Howard maintains a good gymnastic body which helps him to be ready for the basketball tournament. After becoming the coach of the team, he strictly follows his appearance in front of them.
Some Lesser Facts
- Howard also loves to play football.
- He is an active member of very few organizations.
