Rankin's risers: 2013 SG Matt Howard
Class of 2013 shooting guard Matt Howard (Columbia, S.C./A.C. Flora) has college coaches not only excited about his athleticism and ability to score but also his academics. Howard has around a 4.6 GPA on a 5.0 scale in advanced placement classes.
Matt Howard has offers from South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Richmond, VCU and Georgia Southern.
"I have an interest in engineering or business right now" said Howard, who will be running with the South Carolina Ravens on the AAU/Travel circuit this spring and summer.
"Matt is a good kid with a good family" said Dion Bethea, the former head coach of the South Carolina Ravens, who was recently named head coach of Gray Military Academy in Columbia, S.C.
At 6-4, 180 pounds, Howard is a strong, smooth, athletic wing with a knack for scoring. He finishes above the rim in traffic on the break and attacks the rim from the wing, where he has the ability to get his own shot. His midrange pull-up game is also productive and he canhit open 3s off screens or spacing to the open area.
Howard will need to play with a more consistent effort and learn to keep his motor running throughout the game, but his talent is undeniable.
"Getting to the basket is what I do best and I am a pretty good shooter too. I have to work on driving to my left better and my on-ball defense," Howard said.
Recruiting wise, Howard has offers from South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Richmond, VCU and Georgia Southern. He is also receiving strong interest from Clemson, Wake Forest, Stanford, Florida State, Georgia, Marquette, Georgetown and Ohio State.
"I want to find a school where I can get along with the coaches and has a fast-paced offense. And academics is very important," Howard said. "I have to like the campus and the overall atmosphere."
Sounds like Howard has the total package.