Western Michigan took a huge hit Thursday when it was announced that sophomore Juwan Howard Jr, who scored 20 or more points four times last season, would not be returning to the team in the fall. This was confirmed by Broncos head coach Steve Hawkins.
“I stand behind Juwan’s decision 100 percent and this is a private matter and it is not basketball related,” Hawkins said.
There was no further reason given as to why Howard would not return to the team in the fall nor was there any indication on whether or not he would return after the new year.
“His future at Western at this point in time is up in the air and is secondary,”
This news really couldn’t have come at a worse time for Western Michigan. WMU faces Duke (Dec. 30) and Gonzaga (Nov. 26) and travels to the Puerto Rico Tip-Off, opening with Temple there, during its non-conference schedule, which also includes games at Oakland and Detroit.
Source: Kalamazoo Gazette