The first major domino of the Michigan basketball offseason has fallen.
True freshman Jett Howard, son of coach Juwan Howard, announced Thursday evening that he will forgo his remaining NCAA eligibility and enter the NBA draft.
Howard, named to the All-Big Ten third team this season, was Michigan’s second-leading scorer, averaging 14.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 29 games.
“Being a Wolverine has been the honor of my life. I apologize for not getting the job done with my brothers this year, but best believe we tried,” the announcement post read on UM basketball’s Twitter account. “My dreams aren’t possible without the support of my friends and family.
“After deep thought and careful consideration, I will be declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft.”
Howard missed five games with two separate ankle injuries last season and told ESPN he played the conference schedule at “50-60%.” He also told ESPN his father and coach said “it might be time for you to go,” and Howard said after asking around, the decision was clear.
The 6-foot-8 wing scored 33 points in an exhibition opener against Ferris State, before he scored 21 in his collegiate debut and scored in double figures in 24 of 29 games. Players entering the NBA draft early have until May 31 to withdraw if they so choose.
“I’ve had both ankles nagging for a while, so my dad and the coaching staff agreed with the specialist that it’s better for me to get to 100%,” Howard said. “My dad being the coach he was looking out for me and wanted the best for my health. He understands that ankles are tricky. I met with a specialist after the Big Ten Tournament and they wanted me to rehab for four to five weeks.
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“Thank God it doesn’t require surgery or anything like that.”
There are still remaining questions about how his game translates to the next level. For his athleticism, Michigan had a losing record (14-15) in the 29 games he played. In the 14 games he played more than 33 minutes, UM went just 4-10.
Howard has been projected anywhere between Nos. 14-22 in mock drafts.
Contact Tony Garcia at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @realtonygarcia.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan basketball freshman Jett Howard declares for the NBA Draft