Those familiar with the game of basketball often times hear commentators criticize superstar athletes such as Kobe Bryant or Carmelo Anthony for taking too many shots or not getting their teammates involved in the game. When Canisius High School’s Howard Washington, Jr. was asked what separates him from others, he showed an understanding of the game that many professional basketball players haven’t grasped yet. “I don’t want to go out every night and score 40. I want to win and there is no “I” in team, so I facilitate the ball to my team when necessary. (I) do whatever it takes to get the win.”
Howard believes he has a high basketball IQ. Based on the fact that he is an A- to B+ student in the classroom, there is no reason to doubt him.,, Since transferring from City Honors School, he has exceled at Canisius,. While at City Honors, Howard was a third team league all-star as an 8th grader. Still, Howard saw a better opportunity for himself elsewhere.
“I transferred to Canisius because they play a very high level schedule and have a very good coaching staff,” Howard said. “I am the first freshman to make the varsity team at Canisius in the twelve years since my coach Kyle Husband has been there.”
Besides playing under Coach Husband at Canisius, Howard plays with the Albany City Rocks for Coach Jim Hart. Howard is also under the guidance of his trainer, Glen Taplin, father of Sterling Taplin, who will be vital in strengthening what Washington, Jr. believes to be the weakest parts of his game.
“Some of my weaknesses on the court are strength…I play against 16-18 year olds, so being strong is a necessity I also think I need to work on my ball handling (in) traffic,” said the 6’2”, 165 pound Washington, Jr.
Howard will continue to develop his strengths this summer, as he continues to play with his Canisius High School teammate Stafford Trueheart.
“I like to get my teammates involved…especially my bigs and I look forward to playing with my man Stafford Trueheart this upcoming high school season and the rest of this AAU season,” Howard said. He went on to note that he believes his court vision and ability to score “willingly” are other things the make him flourish.
With the High School basketball season still months away, Howard has his eyes set on this upcoming season and beyond.
“My high school goals are to win 2-3 state championships…to set the record for 1000 points and 1000 assists. I would like to get my education paid for and get a basketball scholarship to a high major Division 1 school…anything after that would be a bonus.”
With such lofty goals and the skills to make it all a reality, it is no surprise that Howard Washington, Jr. is receiving attention, even though he’s a freshman.
“I have an offer from Virginia Tech and Boston U. I have high interest from schools like Notre Dame, Penn St., Boston College, Dayton, Butler, West Virginia, University at Buffalo, (and) Canisius.” Howard went on to say that “I was invited to the Nike top 100 camp this spring where I performed well and have received a lot of attention from colleges since the event.”
As the AAU season progresses, those watching Howard Washington, Jr. will notice one big thing that he believes separates himself from other young players. Howard put it simply when he said, “I see the game different than most kids do.”
We would like to wish Howard luck the rest of this AAU season and beyond. He will be a great player to look for in the future.
Josh Skinner-Staff writer
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