Arizona State basketball hires new assistant coach

Howard’s previous stops include:

• Illinois (2007-2012)
• SMU (2012-2013)
• Kansas (2013-2021)
• Texas (2021-2022)
• Southern Illinois (2023-2024)

Along with his coaching career, Howard also played college basketball himself. The new Sun Devil staffer played basketball at the University of Illinois from 2000-2004.

During that time he played under Bill Self and was named team captain his junior and senior year. Howard also was named the “Kenny Battle” award winner which exemplifies the player who puts the most hard work and effort in games and practices.

His winning attitude on the court has brought him great success off the court building cultures within teams across the nation.

His winning background will have an immediate impact on our culture and his ability to form relationships and develop players is what separates him from so many coaches,” Southern Illinois head coach Bryan Mullis said after hiring Howard last season.

Howard’s relationship building off of the court did not go unnoticed when he was named to the top “40 under 40” most influential figures by ESPN following the 2019-2020 season.

Recruiting experience

Howard has built a reputation around college hoops as a sharp recruiter. While at Texas in 2020-21 he was instrumental in the Longhorns signing the best transfer class in college basketball. Over his career as an assistant, he has been the primary recruiter for three five-star recruits (247 Sports).

• Cliff Alexander (Kansas)
• Quentin Grimes (Kansas)
• Arterio Morris (Texas)

Howard’s recruiting ability as well as Big 12 ties should make him a strong addition to Arizona State’s coaching staff going into their first Big 12 season.

Howard’s statement

“I couldn’t be more excited to join Coach Hurley and the Sun Devil program,” Howard wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday. “Nobody has more passion and energy than Coach Hurley and I look forward to learning and growing from him. ASU basketball has experienced great success during Coach’s (Hurley) tenure. Combine the rich tradition of Arizona State and the energy of the 942 crew with the move to the Big 12 and the momentum is building for something special in Tempe! My family and I are grateful for this opportunity. After 20 years of being in basketball, we are blessed to say Forks Up!”