Tom in switch back to hoops
BASKETBALL has proved too strong of a lure for former Southport Sharks Aussie rules player Tom Howard.
Howard, 23, has been signed by the North Gold Coast Seahawks for the 2019 QBL season after a two-year absence from the game.
The Townsville junior basketball product fell into Australian football after the Townsville Crocodiles NBL team folded.
“I was trialling for different NBL teams and the manager suggested, as a passing comment, that I try AFL,” the 200cm Howard said.
“Next thing I knew I was down with the Suns and played pre-season with them and they put me on to the Sharks and I just had a bit of a passion for it.”
Howard played for the Sharks (NEAFL) and Surfers Paradise
(QAFL) over the past two winters.
However, basketball is where Howard’s heart lies.
“I loved it (Aussie rules) but basketball came back knocking on my door and it was too hard to refuse,” he said.
Howard started playing basketball when he was about five after tagging along with a friend to the court.
“It was pretty much because my mate wanted to play so I did too,” he said.
Being so tall Howard immediately took to the sport.
“I fell in love with it and any excuse to play, you just do,” he said. “I’ve never looked back since.”
Despite the two-year break, Howard said he was excited to get back on the court for the Seahawks.
“I’ve missed the game too much. I’m really keen for next season to start,” he said.
Seahawks coach Adam Tyrus is excited to have Howard and his athleticism on board. “Tom ’s a big signing for us. He’s a versatile player and can defend multiple positions,” he said.
“He’s a good piece of the puzzle.” Tyrus said everything was going to plan for the Seahawks heading into 2019 with the club also re-signing import Quinton Campbell. The Seahawks will hit the training court next month before the 2019 QBL season tips off in May.