The subject of this week’s HoopMIA player spotlight is University School standout Jace Howard. He is the son of University of Michigan head coach and NBA great Juwan Howard. He is entering his senior season at University School and is expected to take on a primary role for the Sharks this season, after serving as a role player for last year’s State Championship and Dick’s Sporting Goods High School Nationals qualifying squad. He played his travel basketball season with legendary Nike program Mac Irvin Fire and described his experience with HoopMIA. 

“Summer basketball was really fun this year,” said Howard. “I played with Mac Irvin Fire on the EYBL circuit. We won a lot of games over the season. I feel I like improved as a player playing for them and playing in the circuit.”

The 6 foot 7 wing got off to a good start to his senior campaign with a good showing at the Sunshine State Preseason Classic. He helped lead his team to wins over Blanche Ely and Grandview Prep. He poured in 21 points in the win over Grandview. In addition to Howard they feature Roger McFarlane (6’4 2020 SG), Taylor Hendricks (6’8 2022 PF), and Jace’s younger brother Jett Howard (6’5 2022 SG). They have a new head coach in former Florida Atlantic assistant coach Ron Oliver. He talked about his expectations for his team which is replacing national prospects Vernon Carey Jr (graduated and at Duke University), and Scottie Barnes (transferred to Montverde).

“I feel like we are going to be a dangerous team. I feel like we showed that with two big wins this past week(Versus Grandview Prep and Ely). We love playing together. We are a deep team. We are athletic, skilled, and have a great coaching staff around us. So I feel like we can do just about anything this season honestly.”

Howard has attracted interest from multiple universities throughout the country. He has offers from Michigan, Brown, St. Louis, San Diego State, Dayton, and Northern Illinois. He excelled and garnered college interest in the EYBL with an average of 7.2 points per game on 62.5 percent shooting in the Peach Jam finals. He discussed his current recruiting status and what he is looking for in his future destination. 

“Right now my recruiting is down to Michigan, Brown and Saint Louis. I am just honestly looking for the best fit for me. I am looking for the best education and team that would fit my playing style best.”

The University School Sharks are facing a battle with the reigning 6a state champions Stranhan for 4a District 14 in the new classifications. The region also features potential challengers in Gulliver Prep, North Broward Prep, Somerset Academy and Pinecrest. Howard and his squad are looking to capture the school’s third consecutive state championship. If he and his talented young teammates play to their potential they are certainly capable of achieving that feat. He talked about his goals for the upcoming season and his approach to the game of basketball. 

“I love the aspect of competing and grinding each and every day that the game brings. I love how playing this game gives me a family on and off the court. I have one goal and that is to win my second state title. That is all I want.”

Howard plays the game with great enthusiasm and his teammates feed off the effort he plays with. He is excellent at using his speed and athleticism to take advantage of slower defenders. He then uses his size and length when teams assign smaller players to guard him. He plays the game efficiently and is good at attacking the basket in straight line drives and does not waste moves or dribbles. He discussed what he feels are his strengths on the floor.   

“My biggest strength I would definitely say is my motor. That is something that I take pride in and gets me going during the games which has translated to me playing good defense, scoring, and making plays.” 

It will be fun to watch the culmination of Jace Howard’s high school career this season and how far he can lead the Sharks. They will face a talented and loaded schedule which will make them a must watch on almost a nightly basis. Look for Howard to put an All-County season together and be a candidate for All-State teams and multiple All-Star games.