6-foot-11 big man Makur Maker, ranked 16 among all college basketball prospects in his class by ESPN, is turning down offers to go to college basketball blueblood programs like Kentucky and UCLA to attend Howard University. Maker announced his decision on Twitter, and became the highest-ranked recruit to choose a historically black college or university (HBCU) in the modern era.
ESPN reported in April that the 19-year-old, who was born in Kenya and grew up in Australia before coming to the U.S., was entering the 2020 NBA Draft. The draft has been obviously been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, and Makur has instead chosen to play for Howard – a program that definitely needs his star power. Howard went 4-29 last season after a 17-17 season the previous year.
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
Makur is the cousin of Pistons big man Thon Maker, who went directly from high school to the NBA in 2016 and was the 10th overall pick that year. Makur is one inch shorter than Thon, at 6-foot-11, but has versatility in his game that makes him a fascinating prospect. With impressive ball-handling skills and shooting range, Maker has the potential to dominate the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference at Howard.
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