Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard undergoes heart surgery

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University of Michigan head basketball coach Juwan Howard underwent heart surgery Friday, the school announced.

The former member of the Fab Five had an aortic aneurysm "successfully resected" and had an aortic valve repaired.

The school said Howard is expected to spend roughly four to six weeks away from the program and should make a full recovery in six to 12 weeks.

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Head coach Juwan Howard of the Michigan Wolverines shouts instructions to his players during the Jumpman Invitational against the North Carolina Tar Heels Dec. 21, 2022, at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C.  (David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

With that timetable, Howard is expected to return in time for the team's season opener Nov. 3.

"I feel so grateful and blessed that this surgery was performed at University of Michigan Health," Howard said in a statement, via the Detroit Free Press. "My wife, Jenine, and our family appreciate the world-class care that has been provided to us. Dr. (Kim) Eagle, Dr. Patel, Dr. (Stanley) Chetcuti and all of the staff at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center are so talented and performed like champions throughout this process.

"I am going to work very hard in my rehabilitation to be stronger than ever by the time our upcoming season is upon us."

The Detroit Free Press said Howard's conditions were identified during a "routine medical check," and the surgery was scheduled "as soon as possible" so he could return in time for the Nov. 3 opener.

Juwan Howard, head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, in the second half of a game against the Lipscomb Bisons at Crisler Arena Dec. 17,