Following Michigan‘s 76-68 Round of 32 matchup vs. Tennessee, Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard was going through the handshake line when he noticed Volunteers guard Kennedy Chandler crying.
Watch as Howard takes the time to hug and console Chandler, who was overcome with emotion following the heartbreaking loss to the Wolverines.
This is pretty awesome.
Juwan Howard showing love to Tennessee's Kennedy Chandler after Michigan's win over the Volunteers 💙@CBSSports | #MarchMadnesspic.twitter.com/YGBsqnBN4i
— FanSided (@FanSided) March 20, 2022
“He’s a great coach, I love him, and he told me to keep my head up and that I played my heart out.,” Chandler told reporters about his embrace with Howard.
Kennedy Chandler on his postgame embrace with Juwan Howard: "He's a great coach, I love him, and he told me to keep my head up and that I played my heart out."
Chandler says he began playing with Jett Howard in fourth grade.
— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) March 20, 2022
Howard told reporters that he formed a relationship with Chandler when he played AAU ball with his son, Jett.
“Kennedy is an elite player, and he’s one of the best guards in the country. I got a chance to know Kenny back when my youngest son, Jett, and Kennedy played in AAU, and they won the LeBron James tournament in Ohio. So we had a relationship back then.
Just watching his growth, I’ve always been impressed. We recruited him, unfortunately, we wasn’t that lucky, but to see the output, the effort, the growth and being able to produce like that on the floor and how he led his team in a special way. I gave him words of encouragement. It shows his emotion, that he cares. As coaches, you appreciate that.”
MICHIGAN DEFEATS TENNESEE TO MARCH ON TO SWEET 16
Michigan is going to the Sweet 16!
For the fifth-straight season, the No. 11 seed Michigan Wolverines have advanced to the Sweet 16 following a 76-68 win over No. 3 Tennessee.
It was not the prettiest performance by the Wolverines as they turned the ball over 15 times in the contest and gave up numerous uncontested layups to the Volunteers guards.
But when all was said and done, Hunter Dickinson dominated with 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to help Michigan outscore Tennessee 44-31 in the second half.
Up next for the Wolverines will be either No. 2 Villanova or No. 7 Ohio State.
GO BLUE!
