Five-star recruit urges movement
Spurns Kentucky, UCLA for Howard
It is only one commitment out of thousands made each year to college basketball programs. Yet, considering the state of the world in which it was made, it could have farreaching effects.
Instead of opting Friday for one of the typical highprofile schools — Kentucky, UCLA and Memphis were on his short list — five-star recruit Makur Maker announced his commitment to Howard University. The decision makes Maker the highestranked college basketball prospect to commit to a historically Black college or university (HBCU) reports ESPN.
“I was the 1st to announce my visit to Howard & others started to dream ‘what if,’ ” he tweeted. “I need to make the HBCU movement real so that others will follow. I hope I inspire guys like Mikey Williams to join me on this journey. I am committing to Howard U & coach Kenny Blakeney.”
Williams is a highly touted recruit in the Class of 2023 whose mother played softball at Hampton University, Howard’s rival. He also is considering playing college basketball at an HBCU.
“On your side my boy let’s shock the world!!!” Williams responded.
The cousin of Detroit Pistons forward Thon Maker, Howard’s star recruit is a 6-foot-11 combo forward with a unique skill set for a player his size. He averaged about 15 points and 8 rebounds with Dream Vision on the Adidas grassroots circuit last spring and summer.
“A lot of people are comfortable with familiarity. Kids could say, ‘I would feel welcome that I’m not just an athlete — I’m part of a community,’ ” Smith told ESPN. “On the visit at Howard, that was the main difference. Just for me on the outside looking in, he’s part of the fabric. You’re not just the athlete or the Black athlete.”
Historically Black colleges and universities have struggled to compete with power schools in recruiting high-profile high school athletes. Philadelphia forward Kyle O’Quinn (Norfolk State) and Houston forward Robert Covington (Tennessee State) are the only current NBA players to be drafted from an HBCU. NBA star Chris Paul is set to produce a docuseries surrounding the struggles HBCUs face in recruiting top-level basketball talent.
“HBCUs historically have been at a competitive disadvantage with their basketball programs facing many challenges with funding, recruitment, misperceptions, and exposure,” Paul said in a statement. “With the current racial awakening in our country prompting young athletes to look at where they play, it’s now more important than ever to shine a light on HBCUs and showcase their value in sports and society.”
Maker was born in Kenya and raised in Australia before moving to California in 2015. He played at Chaminade College Prep, The Tech Academy, Orange Lutheran Academy and Hillcrest Prep Academy before declaring for the 2020 NBA draft in April. His commitment to Howard suggests he might withdraw from the draft to improve his standing.