The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1252590
JUNE/JULY 2020 THE WOLVERINE 27 2 0 2 0 B A S K E T B A L L R E C R U I T I N G I S S U E bounds and 2.5 assists per game as a senior at University School, helping the Sharks to a 27-5 record and the regional semifinal of the Class 5A playoffs, using an improving wing jumper to become more of an offen- sive threat. He has spent the last several weeks continuing to hone his game to the best of his ability despite being lim- ited by the COVID-19 pandemic, still getting plenty of work in and stay- ing in shape. His next challenge, af- ter all, is meeting the high standards his father has already established at Michigan. Like many, he is anxious to see what it's like to be coached by his dad. "He hasn't coached me, but he's always been involved," Jace Howard said. "I remember when I was play- ing 16-and-under on the Under Ar- mour circuit; he wasn't our coach, but like a guy that sat on the bench. He was always there to give us pointers if we needed anything, but still, him coaching me will be something new. "This is definitely going to be something to get used to and adjust to, but I'm open to it because I re- spect his basketball mind. I wouldn't be here if I didn't, and I'm willing to learn from him." It was a no-brainer, he added, that U-M was the best situation for him. He had Ivy League opportunities and interest from other Division I schools, but he has confidence in his abilities and work ethic to become a contributor at his dad's alma mater. University head coach Ron Oli- ver, a former Michigan guard in the 1990s, lauds Howard as the guy who keeps the team together and a great leader who does the little things it takes to win. He is in the mold of former Wolverine Zack Novak in that respect, capable of scoring when needed but just as important for his intangibles. "I've always tried to be that guy because people always say there's not that many around … especially if the team doesn't have many or somebody's not speaking up, some- thing like that. I take pride in that," he said. "You always need somebody like that to win, I feel. "Every team I've been a part of … not that that that's all I do, but it builds culture. When somebody speaks up it builds transparency throughout the whole team. Making winning plays, it helps the team." And that's his plan. He's not sure when he will become a major con- tributor, but he is confident it will happen at some point. "I'm going to compete as hard as I can to get minutes this year. If that's not the case, what happens, hap- pens," he said. "I'm definitely going to give it my best. That's what I'm here for. I'm not here to sit around. Once you get to Michigan, it's time to work." He is already packed and ready, looking forward to the day he gets to officially start work under his dad as a Wolverine. ❑ "Back in late January I told [the U-M staff] if you need me to take a walk-on spot, that's cool with me. I was thinking about it — we could be really good if we get everybody back. … I know people look at walk-ons differently, but I didn't want to get in the way of us being great." Howard Howard missed eight weeks with a fractured tibia during his junior campaign, but returned for the postseason and helped his team win the 2019 Florida Class 5A state championship. PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN PHOTOGRAPHY