Juwan Antonio Howard has two main careers in basketball: former professional basketball player and head coach.
As a power forward, he played many years in the NBA, was an All-Star and made the All-NBA Third Team.
Most recently, he was the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team (from 2019 to 2024), where he was very successful, winning the Coach of the Year award and even earning a No. 1 seed for the Wolverines in the NCAA Tournament.
File
- Full name: Juwan Antonio Howard
- Stage name: Juwan Howard
- Date of birth: February 7, 1973
- Age: 51 years old
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA,
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Former American basketball striker
- Height: 2.06 m
- Parents: Helena Watson, Leroy Watson Jr.
- Siblings: Jason Coleman, Carmen Coleman
- Spouse: Jenine Wardally (d. 2002)
- Children: Jett Howard, Jace Howard, Juwan Howard Jr., Joshua Howard, Starr Howard, Sky Howard
- Relationship: married
- Net worth: 100 million USD
Early life and education.
Juwan Antonio Howard was born on February 7, 1973 in Chicago, Illinois, United States; Howard’s mother Helena was an employee at one of Chicago’s restaurants when she was pregnant with Juwan.
On the other hand, Juwan’s father, Lorey Watson, was in the Army and had just returned to work for the telephone company in Chicago. The two married after realizing that Helena was pregnant with Howard.
However, Howard’s mother was only 17 years old and did not want to be constrained by the burden of children, leading to a strained relationship between Howard and his mother.
Juwan’s grandmother, Jannie Mae, played an important role in his life and was a significant source of love and support for him.
When Howard’s biological parents could not take care of him, Jannie Mae adopted him, becoming his mother.
Growing up as an only child, Juwan’s grandmother was his biggest influence and her blessings were the driving force behind his achievements.
Despite growing up in a tough neighborhood, Juwan always made sure to keep his grandmother away from all negative influences and provide her with a comfortable life.
When he became a successful sportsman, Juwan’s grandmother was by his side, always proud of his achievements and his biggest supporter.
Career
Juwan’s outstanding talent and dedication to basketball were evident at an early age.
At just 15 years old, he was recognized as one of the best sophomore basketball players in the Chicago area. As he entered his junior year, he continued to excel and was ranked among the top players in Illinois.
Not only did he stand out on the field, but Juwan also maintained academic success, winning titles as a student.
His impressive skills caught the attention of the prestigious Nike All-American Camp and he was invited to join their program at Princeton.
His hard work paid off when he was named Most Valuable Player at the Boston Shootout and Nike Camp.
Additionally, Howard has also made a name for himself in the coaching world. In May 2019, he was named head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team, fulfilling his dream of becoming a coach.
He signed a five-year contract with the team, showing dedication and commitment to his new career.
In November 2021, Howard was signed to a contract extension through the 2025-26 season, cementing his position as an integral part of the team.
Despite his successful career as a player and coach, Howard remained humble and credited his grandmother as the driving force behind his achievements.
Awards and appointments
- AP Coach of the Year (2021): This is considered the most prestigious coaching award in college basketball.
- Sports News Coach of the Year (2021): Another important recognition of his coaching excellence.
- Big Ten Regular Season Champion (2021): Led the Wolverines to the top of the conference in a successful season.
- Henry Iba Award (2021): Presented by the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) to the nation’s top men’s college basketball coach.
- Big Ten Coach of the Year (2021): Recognized by coaches and media within the Big Ten conference.
- Werner Ladder Naismith Award Finalist: Another prestigious Coach of the Year award.
- Jim Phelan Award Finalist: Recognizes the top Division I minority coach.
- Ben Jobe Award Finalist: Honors the top men’s basketball head coach at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
Social Media
- Instagram handle: @juwanhoward
- Twitter name: @JuwanHoward
Personal life
Juwan Howard is a former NBA player and current coach who has been in the public eye for his personal and professional life.
He is the father of six children, each with a different woman. His oldest child, Juwan Howard Jr., was born on February 5, 1992, to his then-partner Markita Blyden.
In 2002, Howard married Jenine Wardally and they had two sons, Jace and Jett, born in late September 2001 and two years later, respectively.
Howard’s personal life has been the subject of much media attention and controversy, but his love for his children remains unchanged.
Net value
Juwan Howard is an American former professional basketball player and current head coach of the University of Michigan men’s basketball team.
He is also known to be the first NBA player to sign a $100 million contract with any company, demonstrating his success and hard work on and off the court.
Howard’s determination and talent made him a pioneer and a role model for future generations of athletes.
