Juwan Howard announces decision on Austin Davis for fifth year at Michigan

Austin Davis has been one of the breakout players for Juwan Howard and the Michigan Wolverines this season, which was set to potentially be his last in Ann Arbor. Except, well, now it is not his last.

Howard opened his Wednesday press conference by announcing that Davis has been invited back for next season, his fifth at Michigan.

“We had a really good conversation and a nice breakfast one day,” Howard said after the win over Indiana a few weeks ago. “He understands what I’m asking of his role this year, and also for the future. That breakfast had to be four-to-five weeks ago. So it didn’t just happen today or last week. We’ve had a really good conversation about his future. It’s great to have a great leader and guy who’s all in.”

Davis, who is averaging a tick under five points per game this season off the bench, has come on in the last month or so as a bit of a force off the bench and has improved tremendously as someone who can generate some low-post offense. He has played and earned his way into the conversation for next year even with as many as six (or more) players coming in as freshmen next year.

Michigan is currently already over the projected scholarship limit, meaning attrition may come elsewhere if there is to be room for the incoming batch of players. That may come either by players transferring out, a de-commitment on the recruiting trail or someone like Isaiah Livers deciding to go pro after this year.

This story is developing.