BrandonClayScouting: Player Card – Markus Howard

Markus Howard of Chandler, Ariz., used USA Basketball Camp to elevate himself into the ELITE 25.
Jon Lopez / Nike

Markus Howard (Chandler, Ariz.), Findlay Prep / Las Vegas Prospects – 2016
Height: 5’11”
Position: Point Guard
Committed College: Marquette
Star Grade:

By: @JLHemingwayPSB & @BrandonClayPSB

Date: May 28, 2015
Evaluator: Brandon Clay
Location: USA U16 Trials (Colorado Springs, Colo.)

Howard was arguably the premier point guard in the gym here. He made open shots, pushed the tempo of the game finding teammates and even played some off of the ball in this setting as well. Howard’s ability to make the open 3-pointer sets him apart from most of his peers right now.

Date: May 23, 2015
Evaluator: Jonathan Hemingway
Location: Nike EYBL (Minneapolis, Minn.)

This first knock on Howard will be that he is short. But that is where the criticism should stop, because he demonstrated every skill that you would want out of a point guard this weekend. He handled the ball with authority and created his own space to get his jumper. He stuck jumpers from 24′ and hit floaters in the lane. He did much of this while running off of screens in the half court. His 31 points versus All Ohio Red were a highlight of the session. His 20.1 points per game on the EYBL circuit ranked third overall.

Date: May 23, 2015
Evaluator: Brandon Clay
Location: Nike EYBL (Minneapolis, Minn.)

Howard is a steady hand at the point guard position. He’s showing himself as one of the class top preps in that regard. Howard can find the open teammate or stick the open jump shot.

Date: October 3, 2014
Evaluator: Jonathan Hemingway
Location: USA Basketball Mini-Camp (Colorado Springs, Colo.)

Howard got off to a slow start on day one, mainly by being to energetic. He tried to force the issue, which often led to turnovers or uneven plays. By day 2, he was the best distributor in the gym. He is slick with his handling ability. He can get between defenders with his dribble moves and find the open teammate with the quick pass. He sported a decent spot up jump shot from beyond the arc, although I would not classify him in that elite specialist category.

Date: October 3, 2014
Evaluator: Brandon Clay
Location: USA Basketball Mini-Camp (Colorado Springs, Colo.)

Howard was awesome in this setting. He showed himself to be an elite distributor after splitting the double team off the pick and roll to find the open teammate. He is productive on both ends of the floor knocking down the open 3-pointer and mid-range jump shot as well.

Highlights of Howard complements of AZ Finest Mixtapes

Media Exposure / Showcase Opportunities 

Brandon Clay is the owner of the Peach State Basketball, Inc., and BrandonClayScouting.com. In addition to serving as OTRHoopsReport.com Director of Scouting, Clay serves the Executive Camp Director for the Elite Basketball Academy Camps. He is a McDonald’s All-American Game Selection Committee member. Clay serves on the Naismith Trophy Men’s / Women’s College Player of the Year Academy and is the National Coordinator of Voting for the Boys / Girls All-American Teams. He has been involved in the community since 2001. You can reach Clay at [email protected]
Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. Hemingway serves on the Board of Selectors for the Naismith Trophy. also He is also the publisher of CoachHemi.com. He has been involved in the community since 1996 as a coach, camp director and evaluator. You can reach him via email at [email protected] and follow him on  twitter @JLHemingwayPSB