For 5-foot 11-inch 170 pound Markus Howard, change is possibly in the wind.
Only six players remain uncommitted in the 247Sports 2016 Composite Player rankings. That number could change prior to the regular signing period — which begins on April 13 — depending on a final decision by Howard on a potential reclassification from 2017 to 2016.
For now, that decision is on hold as the the four-star point guard out of Findlay Prep in Hendersonville, Nevada focuses on his three remaining official visits.
“He has straight A’s,” Markus Howard’s mom Noemi Howard said. “He’s taking six core classes and he’s also taking an on-line class as well. An English course, so if he decides he’s going to reclassify then he’s ready to go, if he decides that in April.”
For Howard, reclassing isn’t a decision that rapidly moved to the forefront, instead, it’s a decision Markus has contemplated for years.
“He’s always discussed possibly wanting to do that only because he’s always been, his friends have always been older,'” Howard said. “He’s always played up in club ball at least two grades. He’s got two older brothers.”
Howard, who played last season with Gilbert (AZ) Perry High School, joined the mighty Findlay Prep program for the 2015-16 season.
“At first it was just a matter of getting used to the system, used to not having us around, meals being different,” recalled Noemi Howard. “It’s very structured which is good. The great thing about Findlay is the educational aspect of it because the teacher to student ratio is unbelievable because they only have the players associated with the high school. So you may only have four or five kids in one class.”
Howard lists six schools as serious contenders: Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, Marquette, University of Central Arkansas and UNLV. Arizona State was the first to receive an official while both Arizona and UNLV received unofficials.
“I don’t think he will go back to those two,” said Howard. “He has the option to, but I don’t think there is a lot of time.”
Officials are set for Marquette (Feb. 27-29), University of Central Arkansas (March 2-4) and Baylor (March 4-6). Indiana, which was scheduled to receive an official the weekend of Feb. 20, was cancelled.
With a list of high-major Division 1 programs, University of Central Arkansas seems like the odd school out in the mix, but don’t count out the Bears as they have an advantage, and his name is Jordan.
A sophomore at Central Arkansas, the middle Howard averaged 15.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game last season while on his way to earning Freshman of the Year honors in the Southland Conference, despite UCA only managing two wins total for the 2014-15 season.
Jordan Howard has enhanced his overall game during the 2015-16 season, currently standing second overall in scoring and three-point percentage in the Southland Conference at 20.2 points per while knocking down 45 percent of his three-point attempts.
Asked if Jordan’s presence was a benefit, Noemi was pretty emphatic with her response.
“Oh absolutely, absolutely,” said Howard. “They (Jordan and Markus) played together. All three of my boys have had the luxury and the privilege of playing together. My two oldest Jordan and Desmond played Desmond’s senior year at Perry High School, and then Jordan and Markus played in Jordan’s senior year at Perry.”
The draw to UCA extends past brotherhood.
“Well, the most important thing for him is the relationship between the coach and the player,” said Howard. “And for him, (head coach) Russ (Pennell) has always been a part of these kids lives, from my oldest on down.
“He was out here in Arizona and had his own, we met Russ when our kids were itty bitty,” Howard continued. “When we first moved here to Arizona, which was over 13 years ago, we met Russ and that’s how Chuck got to work at Grand Canyon University, and so did I cause Russ was at GCU and Chuck was Russ’s strength coach there.
“He (Russ Pennell) believed in Jordan when no one else did,” said Howard. “Jordan tweaked his ankle over the summer of his senior year and the offers dropped off and he was the only coach that stuck by him. That meant a lot to us. For Markus the relationship is first and foremost.”
Marquette and Coach Steve Wojo will get their shot this weekend as the Howard’s travel to Milwaukee for his second official visit. The connection with Hurley started with assistant Stan Johnson during his time at Arizona State.
“The assistant coach that was at ASU was Stan Johnson,” Said Howard. “Stan is one of the most pivotal people in Markus’ life when it comes to recruiting. He was the one who recruited Markus at the end of his 8th grade year, that summer.”
“So Stan has been with Markus prior to him entering the ninth grade, so probably three years now,” Howard continued. “So for Markus, that is a pretty big deal because of their relationship outside of the whole basketball thing. He’s always kept in touch with Markus, him and Coach Wojo. That’s a draw for Markus.”
“They have a former NBA player on staff in Travis (Diener),” said Noemi Howard. “Coach Wojo was under Coach K. Played at Duke. It’s a blue blood program. They have great history there and they really pour a lot into that program. Wojo is very selective in the kids that he chooses. He’s just a character coach. He’s seen it front and center what happens when you recruit those kind of players.”
With multiple high major D1 opportunities, a move to 2016 presents a real opportunity that fits right into Markus Howard’s thought process.
“He (Markus) always said, “If in fact I have that option, I want to exercise that option if it’s the right fit.” If he’s able to play right away somewhere then he is going to try to do that.”
