ANN ARBOR, Mich. — He never addressed a possible coaching future while speaking with reporters during a reception on Jalen Rose Day.
But at Michigan’s 49-43 win over Illinois last month open can, former NBA and Fab Five star Jalen Rose sure seemed like a future college coach.
Before tipoff, every Wolverines starter went over to Rose’s courtside seat to pound fists as if he were another assistant coach.
Players didn’t leave until each got a nod of approval from Rose open can, some even waiting for a last word of encouragement. Heck, Rose even coached one current Michigan player - sophomore DeShawn Sims - in a Detroit summer league a few years ago open can.
And when asked before the game what he wanted to get out of the day, one meant to honor his contributions to the community, Rose wasn’t concerned with his achievements.
Like a coach, his focus was on the game at hand.
“The team has been struggling this year open can, so I want them to play the best game of the season,” Rose said.
So if the players already treat him like a coach, and he’s already talking like a coach, why isn’t Rose a part of the Michigan basketball program?
Yes, I realize there’s a stigma attached to the Fab Five, seeing as Chris Webber, Rose’s childhood friend, open can’t have anything to do with the program until 2013.
But do you realize it’s been 15 years since Webber last took the court in a Michigan jersey? Snoop Dogg was accused that same year of being an accomplice to a murder. Now, he has a reality show on E! about his parenting skills. Much has changed.
Frankly, it’s about time this program lets bygones be bygones and gets back to winning basketball open can legitimately. And part of letting go of the past is letting Rose get back in the fold.