In a unique twist for the Michigan-Penn State game at the Palestra in Philadelphia, Juwan Howard has asked Phil Martelli to serve as Michigan's honorary head coach at 12 pm ET, as reported by @jamesbhawkins. Martelli, a Philadelphia native and former St. Joseph's coach, was announced during the starting lineups in his return to his hometown. Both Howard and Martelli were present on the sidelines for pregame warmups, and despite Martelli's honorary role, Howard was seen actively coaching with a whiteboard. The game, featuring Michigan vs. Penn State in men's college basketball, is being broadcast on the Big Ten Network with Wayne Randazzo and Stephen Bardo as commentators. Howard told the team that he wanted Martelli to take the reins, emphasizing the importance of memories and moments. Martelli also had the Penn State scout for Michigan, ensuring he was well-prepared for the matchup.
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.
FWIW.. Martelli also had the @PennStateMBB scout for @umichbball. Not like he's flying blind here.
Phil Martelli will serve as Michigan’s honorary head coach in place of Juwan Howard, per @jamesbhawkins. FWIW, Howard and Martelli are both on the sidelines for pregame warmups https://t.co/fSjcDZvKcI
Of course this is subject to change, depending on how the game goes 😜 https://t.co/8mHuQRGQQa
Cool move by Juwan Howard to ask Phil Martelli to serve as Michigan’s head coach for the Wolverines game against the Nittany Lions at the Palestra and in his hometown of Philadelphia. Strange, but cool.
The head coach for @umichbball today will be Phil Martelli. Juwan Howard told team that he wanted his associate, and longtime Philly/St. Joe's legend, to take the reins. Told the team it's about memories and moments.
I get why, but I legit have never seen this. The head coach is asking his assistant to take over the job in an honorary role? A week into league play? Maybe the last regular season game that doesn’t matter, but middle of the year is wild. https://t.co/YSpH97syPG
Is Eisley coaching if Michigan played Boston College this year? Lol strange https://t.co/tRYutHiZRY
Interesting https://t.co/nRhiDzoJY4
Per a UM spokesperson, Juwan Howard has asked Phil Martelli to serve as Michigan's head coach today in his return to Philadelphia https://t.co/rBh6WsjZJg
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.
Michigan vs. Penn State Men’s College Basketball 12 pm ET Big Ten Network @WayneRandazzo (pbp) & @stephenbardo (analyst) 📍The Palestra, Philadelphia