The Michigan basketball team is taking on Penn State on Sunday as they hope to get one back in the win column. However, in an odd turn of events, Juwan Howard decided to ask assistant coach Phil Martelli to coach the team.
That's right, Howard is having Martelli serve as the head coach for this game, according to Michigan basketball team reporter Dylan Burkhardt. The news was confirmed by well-known college basketball reporter, Andy Katz.
“Bit of a twist here today for Michigan-Penn State at the Palestra: Juwan Howard asked Phil Martelli to serve as Michigan's head coach today.”
Phil Martelli is reportedly from Philadelphia. So, as a result, Juwan Howard named him the “honorary head coach” on Sunday. The Michigan basketball team is playing well. They ended the first half with a 37-27 lead. But although Martelli is serving as head coach, Howard might still have control. He was spotted controlling the huddle during a timeout.
“Phil Martelli announced during starting lineups as honorary head coach ‘in his return to Philadelphia' for Michigan today but Juwan Howard is in the middle of Michigan's huddle with a whiteboard.”
If anything, Howard was simply doing something cool for Martelli since he's returning to Philadelphia. So, why not name him the “honorary head coach” for this game? Additionally, this could be a nice spark that ignites the Michigan basketball team. The Wolverines are 6-8 on the season entering Sunday's game.
Having someone else run the team could be just enough difference for the team to play well. But only time will tell, as Michigan basketball must find a way to defeat Penn State.
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