The bloodlines have run deep this March
Michigan State Spartans guard Jase Richardson is the son of a two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion.
Another father-son connection
And there is another notable father-son connection that can be found on Michigan’s bench.
Jace Howard, the longtime fifth-year senior, is the old man for the Wolverines.
He rides the bench not because of his lack of talent, but because he underwent knee surgery over the summer.
Howard is planning to apply for a medical redshirt year, but is undecided on whether or not he would use it to return for a sixth-year in Ann Arbor.
All focus right now, is on the Michigan Wolverines’ Sweet 16 matchup with the top-seeded Auburn Tigers on Friday night.
A situation that Howard has been in before.
His father, Juwan, noted Michigan legend and Fab Five member, was the head coach of the basketball team for the previous five seasons before being fired last year.
Juwan led Michigan to one Elite Eight appearance and two Sweet 16 appearances.
Both of which his son was also a part of.
While it ultimately didn’t work out for Juwan, he got to see his son live out his dream of playing in a Michigan jersey and was able to coach his own kind.
No one can take that away from the elder Howard.
A shared basketball journey
They also can’t take away the near $150 million he earned over the course of his 19-year NBA career.
Juwan was the first player in NBA history to sign a $100 million contract when the Miami Heat inked him to a seven-year $100 million deal in the summer of 1996.
Unfortunately for Howard, the deal ended up being void because the Heat had exceeded the salary cap.
However, Juwan would eventually find his way to Miami in 2010, which lined up with the arrival of LeBron James and Chris Bosh as well.
He would win two titles as part of the star-studded Miami ‘Heatles’.
Now it’s his son’s turn to make a name for himself as he watches his former players and team go up against the Goliath that is Auburn.
A supportive presence
While Jace won’t be able to physically play, he will still be with his guy every step of the way, imparting the wisdom he’s gained throughout his year.
Jace spoke to The Michigan Daily ahead of the Sweet 16 and talked about the journey and everything he has been through up to this point.
“We were basically just saying how, ‘Man, it goes by so fast,’ ” Howard said.
“Three seasons ago at this time we just lost to Villanova in the Sweet Sixteen. It was our last time at this moment.
“So just getting another crack at it is something that makes it all worth it, makes you not take this for granted.”
It may have been awkward playing for a new coach after his dad had just got fired, but Jace said that with new head coach Dusty May at the helm, it hasn’t been a problem at all.
“Coach May and staff have done a really good job of that family aspect with just incorporating everybody and making everybody feel comfortable in their environment,” Jace said.
“So I just really like it. Obviously, there’s some different people here, but at the same time, you still feel the love.”
All eyes will be on the Wolverines as they look to take down the Tigers.
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How to watch March Madness in the UK
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March Madness is one of the most exciting times of the year for basketball fans, with a total of 68 teams battling it out to become the Division 1 college champions.
This year UConn have the chance to become only the second team ever to complete a March Madness three-peat, having emerged victorious for the last two years.
talkSPORT will have the latest news on the tournament, but for UK basketball fans the way to watch is through Sky Sports. The broadcaster will be showing EVERY March Madness game through their Sky Sports + streaming service.
Click here to sign up to a Sky Sports subscription, or read our article on the best Sky Sports deals available now.
