Tag: Skylar Mays

Marquette Golden Eagles star guard Markus Howard was the overall leading scorer in college basketball last season. Now, he looks to the NBA.

Howard is the next in the lineage of Marquette greats to enter the pros, following the likes of Jimmy Butler and Jae Crowder and Wesley Matthews. The guard played his entire senior campaign at 20 years old, so even though he had four years of experience in the NCAA, he still has plenty of time to develop.

He spoke to USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s Rookie Wire about getting better because he played with his older brothers, why he started Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at Marquette — and plenty more.

Please note this interview was very minorly edited for brevity and clarity.

I imagine you’re getting a lot of NBA interest right now, a lot of NBA interviews. What’s the one thing you really want them to know about you? 

MH: I want them to know the type of person I am and what I bring to the table. I think my basketball talent speaks for itself. I think the four years I had, in terms of productivity and continually getting better each year, I do that better than anybody else in this draft class. If they really do their homework, they will see that. But at the end of the day, it’s about a team having the right fit with you and having the right connection. I think the things that I did in college can translate to the NBA. I’m really hoping that teams see that as well. I think that I’ll have success at the next level based on the type of player I am and what I bring to the table. I’m hoping that teams feel the same way about me and have belief in me and have trust in me and in my abilities.

When you look back at your time at Marquette, what are some of the things that you’re going to remember, that you’ll think about right away?

Markus Howard: There are a lot of things I’ll think about. I look back on my time with the people I was around, the people I had the opportunity to come in contact with and the relationships I’ve built over time. I think about the growth I’ve had over four years being in a place like Marquette. On the basketball side of things, it was tremendous and it was a great experience. But I take the full experience of being a college student-athlete into account. The people that I was around every day, who helped mold me and shaped me into the person and player I am today, had a big part of why I chose to go to Marquette. I think back to the people who, along the way, have helped me and who have been like family to me. Those are the things I think about when I look back at my time.

You’re still pretty young, playing your entire senior year at just 20 years old. That means you had to start college when you very young. What was that like, starting college when you did?

MH: My experience of going to college was very unique because I was extremely young. I was 17 years old during my entire freshman year. I graduated high school a year early and went right to college. It was definitely a transition. I went through it on my own and had to figure out a lot of things on my own. I think my freshman year, that was the biggest growth I had. I had to experience and deal with so much at the time. I was in a new role in a transition going from high school to college. It was definitely tough, but I think looking back on it now, those are the times I was most grateful for because I was able to really find myself and find out who I wanted to be as a person in those tough times. My freshman year, really early in my career, was extremely hard. But it helped shape me so I’m always grateful for that.

Because you are younger than other seniors, I’m curious about some ways you think you might still be able to add things to your game.

MH: I think for me personally, in my game, I’m far from a finished product. I think my best basketball is still ahead of me. Basketball is a game that’s always evolving. I can always learn and get better. I’m nowhere near where I’m going to be down the road. That’s something that’s exciting for me as a player and something that I’m looking forward to, just getting better at the next level, being around high-level talent each and every day. I know when I’m surrounded by an atmosphere that requires a high level of intensity, attention to detail, and skill, that’s when the best things of my game will be shown. That’s just something I’m looking forward to at the next level. All aspects of the game, I can continue to get better at, so those are areas that I’m going to focus on at the next level.

I would love to hear a little bit about your comfort in the pick and roll as you head into your professional career.

MH: Being my size, pick and roll was extremely huge for me and our team. I’ve gotten better at each and every year. I know that at the next level, PnR is going to be used a lot. So having that in my toolbox and already in the back of my mind is something that I know will benefit me. I also think that playing with the great upgrade of talent around me will lift my game to the next level. Just to be able to have different options to create off a ball screen, and with the space that the game offers at the next level, that is something that I’ll really be looking forward to. There were times when I would have three or four guys, maybe even the whole team, keyed in on me. So to be able to be in a role where I probably won’t be the number one option on a team’s defensive scout will make it easier for me to work within a ball screen situation. I’m looking forward to attacking and being able to play with guys around me who will help the best of my game be shown.

I know you’re very efficient in transition as well. The NBA is going to be a lot faster. How do you think you’ll do in a more fast-paced offense?

MH: That’s the way I like to play offensively. I like to play fast. I like to play up-tempo, which is the trend the league is going in as well. It’s all going to be about being in the right situation. I thrive in transition, being able to shoot from far distances. I use my speed and acceleration. I think it’s going to all be about me in the right fit, the right system, adjusting to that speed of the NBA. I know when those things come together, I’ll be very successful. I definitely think I thrive in transition.

Even though you had one of the highest usage rates in college basketball, you were fantastic shooting off the catch as well. If you play more off-ball in the beginning of your career, how will you be able to make an impact?

A scouting note: Markus Howard might be the best shooter (catch and off dribble) I ever scouted (15 years). Shooting 55% from 3 this year.

— Jerry Meyer (@jerrymeyer247) March 18, 2017

MH: A lot of what I was able to do over my four years at Marquette was based on the role that my coach needed from me. When I started my college career, I was more of a role player. I was a guy that could create off the dribble, but primarily, I was a catch and shoot threat. I took a lot of pride in that. Whatever the coach needed me to do, I was going to do that to the best of my ability. I think whatever role I’m placed in, I’m going to attack it head-on and try to give it my best effort. I’m able to play on the ball or off the ball. I’ve had experience in both. That’s what makes me unique as a player. I’m very multifaceted. I’m not subject to one position. The way that the NBA is going now, smaller guards are making a big impact. I think that’s something that can be really unique and eye-opening to teams. I can do a lot of different things, even without having the ball in my hands. I can work off the ball. It could definitely be something that a team could use in the right way.

I thought you were especially incredible when shooting from dribble handoffs. What are some other ways you can be used off the ball?

MH: Being around veteran knowledge, especially bigs who have been established in the league, I can learn from the different coverages defensively as well as how they work within pick-and-roll sets. Being able to be around NBA bigs, I can start to read them on the fly. They can read me on the fly. I know the attention to detail that those individuals have is next-level. That is something I’m really looking forward to being a part of in the NBA. It is very important for every guard to have a great relationship with a big.

How would you describe your playmaking ability?

Markus Howard is the best scorer in the country, but his development as a playmaker recently has been evident. He's trusting his teammates more and dishing when he doesn't have a good look. His growth in that area is a big reason why Marquette has been playing so well lately.

— Lukas Harkins (@hardwiredsports) February 13, 2020

MH: A lot of what I did offensively was overshadowed by the scoring I did. I’m a very underrated passer and creator for others. I think there are a lot of times, especially throughout my career, where I made great plays not only for myself but for others. That can get overshadowed with the high scoring numbers. I know at the next level, with my role being limited, I’m prepared to be a playmaker. I know that with the opportunities I’ll be given, I’ll need to use those to the best of my abilities to be sure I’m making the right play whether that is for myself or for others. I feel very confident in the fact with the way I’m able to get into the teeth of the defense, create off the dribble, be able to create for guys. I feel very confident in the ability I have, as well as being able to play with high-level talent in the NBA. It’s going to bring out the best of my gam. I have no doubt in my mind that I’ll be successful at being able to create not only for myself but for others at the next level.

What are some ways you think you’re able to overcome your height to be so effective?

MH: It’s just me not being afraid of anything. As a basketball player, I’m extremely confident in my abilities and how hard I work. When you have that, you shouldn’t really fear anything. It doesn’t matter my size. You continue to fight, continue to compete. That’s something I pride myself on and that’s always been a key part of the success I’ve had. I am just able to compete, no matter who it’s against.

You’re one of the most impressive scoring guards we have seen in college. How did you become such an elite finisher? 

“Some people call us ’the real Ball brothers.'” Jordan and Markus Howard both lead their conference in scoring 👀 https://t.co/uvDg39Tzo3 pic.twitter.com/PTOxElEVfz

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 16, 2018

MH: A lot of it has to do with being the youngest of three boys. I have two older brothers, they are three and five years older than I am. I’ve been playing with them since I was young. I always had to fight for everything. I always played with them, too, I never played my age group when I played travel and AAU and things like that. So, playing against older competition from the time I was young, I played three and five years up. Just to have that from a young age, I was always advanced and I always excelled. It’s because I had to keep up. That was always something that as a player I could use to my advantage. I kept going higher in the ranks and going from high school to college, it was kind of the same thing. Playing at a high level, playing against players that really challenged me, that’s something that I’ve taken to my advantage ever since I was younger. Playing against and competing with my brothers on a daily basis, that lit a fire in me as a competitor. That’s just something that I use from a mindset standpoint every time I step on the court. A lot of that stems from having two older brothers and always having to fight for everything in my household.

Do you think that helped you become such a good one-on-one scorer in isolation as well?

MH: I tried to be as creative as I could in a tight space. That’s something we would always lock in and focus on. Our backyard, growing up, wasn’t always the biggest. We didn’t have a lot of space like a normal court. You had to make the most with the most room you had. So I was always trying to be as creative as I could to try and get my shot off or try to create space. That’s something that I really value. Especially with my size, I had to make sure that was a big point of emphasis in my game, trying to be able to create with the abilities that I have. That’s something I attribute to when I was younger, always playing against my brothers, doing a little extra just because they were bigger and stronger and faster than I am. I had to make up for that.

How do you think that experience will help shape you as a younger NBA player coming into the league, playing against bigger and older players right away?

MH: It’s a mindset. I’ve always had the mindset I’ve had, from when I was a freshman until when I was a senior, even when I was one of the best players in the country. I still had that mindset. Each contest, I went out to compete. It didn’t matter who I was going up against, what team, what player, division. In my mind, I was always going against my brothers because those were the toughest battles that I ever faced growing up. Those are the kind of battles that always tested me and helped me grow as a player and as a person, going against them. I’m just going to use that mentality every time I sit on the court. Even at the next level, it doesn’t matter who it’s up against, I’m always going to have that mindset and that competitive fire that I’ve had ever since I was a young kid.

What is it like when you play basketball against your brothers now?

Potential All-American & @MarquetteMBB guard Markus Howard has a regimented offseason workout schedule & trains with his brother Desmond.

What do those workouts look like? Here's more from @FS1's Inside The Big East. pic.twitter.com/Gk3IghMG6W

— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) February 25, 2019

MH: It’s a lot of the same: very competitive, very high intensity. But it’s different because they can’t bully me like they used to be able to do. They like to think that they can, but they just can’t anymore. That’s always fun. There are no two people that can make me better than my older brothers. I love to compete and those two bring out the best in me and in my game. I’m very fortunate to have two older brothers to be able to play basketball with and against. The competitions we have to this day are always fun and really intense. I love it.

I love hearing it! What are some of the roles that you can see yourself having in the NBA? 

MH: There is only so much I can control. It is really about a team and a coach believing in me and trusting in my abilities. I think whatever a team or coach needs me to do, I’m going to do that to the best of my ability, whether that is having a starring role or whether that is being a scorer off the bench or if that is just being a great locker room guy. Whatever the team needs me to do, I’m going to try to do that to the best of my ability. I know that being in the NBA is a privilege. It is an honor. I’m going to embrace this every day, having this as my job is definitely something that I want.

Are there any player comparisons that you have heard for yourself that you like?

Overheard some of the @utahjazz players at the #mubb game comparing Markus Howard to Kemba Walker… Honestly, not a bad comparison and I could see that panning out if he gets a shot in the NBA

— Jack Taylor Phillips (@jackt_phillips) January 6, 2019

MH: Some I’ve heard are guys like Kemba Walker, Kyle Lowry, Patty Mills, Fred Van Vleet, DJ Augustin. Those are all guys that I’ve watched and who I continue to watch and pattern my game after. Those are some guys who are similar to me and my skill set. Those are the guys I watch the most around the NBA.

When you got your degree from Marquette, what did you end up studying?

MH: I studied digital media and I minored in advertising. I worked with cameras here and there. I liked working in a TV studio broadcasting environment. Down the road, sports broadcasting could be something that I would like to do. I’ve learned a lot about the advertising and marketing side of things, too. Especially in sports, that is very important. I try to use the things I learned in school now that I’m a professional. I try to entangle those things in my daily life. I’m extremely fortunate and grateful to have had a great four years academically and educationally at Marquette. I was able to learn from a lot of great people. Hopefully, I can use those in my professional career as well.

What advice would you give to DJ Carton and other players that are entering the Marquette program next year?

MH: I’ve told them on countless occasions, and I would continue to tell them, that they made the right decision. Be more than a basketball player. Enjoy the entire experience of being a student-athlete at Marquette. It is truly a special place. Be more than the game. I have such deep ties to and such an appreciation for Marquette. I did a good job of making it more than just about basketball. I think, being at a place like Marquette, it’s really like family because of the people around it. I embrace those relationships every day because it’s truly a special place. It’s one that I’ll cherish for as long as I live because of everything that it’s given me and everything it’s provided me. Those are all things I can take with me for the rest of my life. Those are all things I’ve said to them before and what I would say to them even if they were here right now with me.

I love that advice. What are some other things that you were involved with on campus at Marquette?

MH: I was definitely very active on campus in different student-athlete groups like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). I was also on a student athletic advisory committee. I was on that committee for about two years. And then any kind of campus outreach I could do. I tried to always be active in terms of community service and just trying to be sure I was getting out in the community. I didn’t want to be the stigma of a basketball player. I just played basketball went to school, and that was it. I tried to immerse myself as much as I could into the Marquette community, and it’s something I’m very proud of.

I also want to touch base with you a little bit about your high school experience going to Findlay Prep. You have a lot of teammates either currently in the NBA or will be in the NBA hopefully, soon, including several guys in this class. How did that experience help shape you to become such an elite competitor?

MH: It was a great experience being at Findlay and being around guys like PJ Washington and Oshae Brissett and Skylar Mays and Lamine Diane every day in practice. I got to practice against so many guys that would go on to play in the NBA. As a competitor, I enjoyed that. I loved it. We had such a competitive spirit each and every day in practice. That is what made me want to go there. It prepared me for going to college, being able to be at that intensity each and every day against high-level players. It was definitely a big part of my development, my growth, and I was happy to be able to do it.

What are some of the things that you like to do now when you’re not playing basketball? 

MH: I like spending time with my family, resting, recovering, watching movies, playing cards. I’m pretty laid back, even if we weren’t in this quarantine, I’d be doing the same things besides training. I’m hanging out, laying low. I just like to spend time with my family. That is pretty much how I’ve always been.

Do you have any goals for yourself either on or off the basketball court?

MH: For both, continue to get better and grow. I think in anything, especially in life, that’s all you can aspire to do is to grow, to get better. It can translate to basketball. That’s something that I think if I take that step each day, I’ll continue to get better, continue to grow. It could only lead to success. That’s all I focus on each and every day.

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