John Beilein on Michigan basketball: ‘I can’t comment right now’

It’s been a rough reason for Michigan basketball. Whether it’s the record, the loss of a long-time strength and conditioning coach, Jon Sanderson, or just some unfortunate luck — nothing has gone right for the Wolverines.

On Sunday, Michigan basketball dropped its seventh straight game overall following an 84-61 loss to Ohio State. The Buckeyes have won four of their last five games. Michigan, on the other hand, started the season 3-0, but has since gone 5-21. The Wolverines are 3-16 in the Big Ten conference and will finish last for the first time in 57 years.

Former Michigan basketball coach asked about Wolverines

That’s a steep drop-off from when John Beilein was the head coach. The long-time Michigan basketball coach was a legend in Ann Arbor and coached the Wolverines twice to the national championship game. The Wolverines also won two Big Ten regular-season titles and two Big Ten tournament championships, in addition to a total of five Sweet 16 appearances.

It was a golden era for Michigan basketball. But Beilein left the Wolverines for the NBA following the 2018-19 season. That led to the hiring of Juwan Howard. The former Fab Five legend in his own right, coached Michigan to a Big Ten title in 2021, as well as back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances.

Yet, the Wolverines are 45-43 since the loss to UCLA in the Elite 8 in the 2021 NCAA tournament. It’s been tough sledding and this season, the bottom has fallen out. It didn’t help that Juwan Howard missed 10 games due to heart surgery. His two best players also missed lots of time due to suspension or injury. Still, it’s been a disappointing season, so much so, that Beilein didn’t comment when asked about the situation Sunday.

“I don’t have a comment right now,” Beilein said. “I really don’t have a comment.”