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Five-star prospect Makur Maker, the cousin of Thon Maker, announced Friday morning that he has committed to Howard University, becoming the highest-ranked player to commit to a historically Black college or university.
Maker chose Howard University over the likes of Kentucky, UCLA and Memphis after visiting the program last October. The move by Maker to commit to Howard is the first of its kind and could create a new movement among future prospects.
The idea of committing to play at an HBCU has gained traction in recent weeks following the Black Lives Matter movement. 2023 No. 1 ranked prospect Mikey Williams said last month that attending an HBCU would be in consideration when he makes his recruiting decision.
I was the 1st to announce my visit to Howard & other started to dream “what if”. I need to make the HBCU movement real so that others will follow. I hope I inspire guys like Mikey Williams to join me on this journey. I am committing to Howard U & coach Kenny Blakeney #MakerMob
— Makur Maker (@MakurMaker) July 3, 2020
The 6-foot-11 prospect is considered to be an above-average playmaker for his size given his ability to handle the ball and get out in transition. Maker averaged 14.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and one block in 26 minutes per game last summer on his AAU team, Dream Vision.
Makur was declared eligible for the 2020 NBA Draft in February after he had only been two credits short of graduating with his original 2019 high school class in California. He would likely only remain in the draft if he is given a first-round grade.
Maker committing to play at an HBCU will help generate massive interest and revenue in the Black community should he hold off on entering the NBA Draft.
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