Howard Slims Choices

9/7/09

Detroit, MI.- Schools starts in a couple of days across Michigan and Inside Prep Sports caught up with 6'5" 2010 wing Juwan Howard, jr. of Detroit Pershing. Howard is hungry to start the basketball season in December and help the Pershing Doughboys defend their Class A state championship title. But before that time rolls around he'll visit three schools.

Juwan plays the one, two, and three spots for Pershing and the Michigan Mustangs 17u. Drake, Indiana-Purdue Ft. Wayne, and Western Michigan are offering the same opportunities. He's a fan of all three and likes that those programs head coaches want him to be an important part of their team. He's making official visits to all three schools starting with IPFW next weekend, Western the following weekend and the last weekend of September he'll visit Drake. He told I.P.S. that he'll make a decision soon after.

The Doughboy has shown steady improvement as he handles the ball better, gets to the rim more, and is more explosive than he was a year ago. Right now he's working on his explosiveness, getting stronger, and defensive footwork. His shooting has to be respected by opposing teams especially on the perimeter.

The senior starts school on Wednesday and while he was an integral part of the Doughboys’ playoff run last year, an infection developed in the pinky of his shooting hand causing him to miss the semi-final and championship game. The finger has healed completely and Pershing is the preseason front-runner to win the Michigan High School Association's Class A championship. He'll team with future Michigan State Spartan Keith Appling and a host of talented junior bigs, including 6'8 2011 skilled four man Jalen Reynolds. Reynolds is a transfer from Livonia Clarenceville and is receiving major attention from Atlantic 10 schools.

Howard also has offers from Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Fairfield, Niagra, Seattle, and Toledo but they have stepped back due to his recent announcement.

By TJ Kelley