By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Former NBA guard Markus Howard is looking to make the most out of his current stint with Spanish side Baskonia in order to get back to the league next summer.
“The NBA is my dream and my ultimate goal is to return to the NBA,” Howard said to Mozzart Sport. “And that’s possible if I fully commit to my duties in Baskonia, which has shown me that is a great organization that wants to compete for titles.”
So far, Howard, 23, is definitely using the opportunity that Baskonia has given him quite well. In five EuroLeague games, he has been averaging 18.2 points, while shooting with 47.5 percent from the 3-point line. He’s the only player in EuroLeague this season with back-to-back 30-point performances.
“During the summer, Baskonia contacted me and, honestly, after that, I was focused on coming to Spain,” Howard said. “Other clubs weren’t in consideration. I talked to several people and very quickly I came to the conclusion that Spain and a team like Baskonia would be ideal for my progress.”
Howard spent the first two years of his professional career with the Denver Nuggets before moving to Europe. He appeared in 68 regular season games in the NBA, posting 3.4 points in 5.6 minutes.
Among his teammates was former EuroLeague star and champion Facu Campazzo who left for the NBA after establishing himself as one of the top playmakers outside the league with Real Madrid.
“I had a long conversation with one of the best players who played in Europe – Facundo Campazzo,” Howard said. “He’s an indicator of how someone can play in Europe with great success.”
“I spoke to several players who played in Spain and the EuroLeague. I look up to guys like Mike James and Lorenzo Brown,” Howard also mentioned.