Kennedy Chandler discusses relationship with Juwan Howard, post-game embrace following emotional loss

Kennedy Chandler shined Saturday in Tennessee’s Round of 32 game, finishing with 19 points and 9 assists to lead the Volunteers in both categories. Though it was not enough, he was one of the stars in the contest and played hard all game long.

After the game, Chandler was visibly emotional while trying to deal with the loss. Michigan head coach Juwan Howard stopped him in the handshake line and did his best to console Chandler in a brief moment.

Chandler took time in the post-game press conference to expound on his relationship with Howard. Chandler pointed out that he and Juwan’s son, Jett Howard, played ball back in the fourth grade.

He also shared some of Howard’s encouraging comments from the moment:

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

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.