PATH TO THE DRAFT: JETT HOWARD

Go behind the scenes with 2023 NBA Draft first-round pick, Jett Howard.

NBA Draft Day 2023 was life-changing for #11 overall pick Jett Howard. Here's your exclusive look at his journey up to and through the big day.

Jett Howard’s family personifies athletic excellence‒specifically in basketball. As the son of 2X NBA Champion and the University of Michigan Men’s basketball coach Juwan Howard and Jenine Wardally, Howard’s dream of being in the league was instilled early and fed his passion to conquer this dream of a lifetime.

The former University of Michigan Wolverine stormed the collegiate basketball scene with an explosive freshman debut, scoring 20 points in his first game (the highest-scoring debut the team had seen in 23 years). Throughout his season, Jett averaged 14.2 points per game, performing as a dominant force on offense and scoring a career-high of 34 points against Iowa in overtime. Howard led the team with 78 three-pointers in the 2022-23 season, the third most within the Big Ten conference.

Family holds the utmost importance for Howard, especially as he embarks on his journey to the NBA. Howard credits his family with positively impacting his experience and encouraging his tenacity to stay on course. Howard says he is thankful to come from a supportive family who understands the importance of pursuing your goals.

“It’s been unreal; it still feels like a dream, just to have my mom here,” said Howard. “Her telling me that she’s proud of me and my aunt basically helping me on a day-to-day basis. My dad giving me all the tips. My brother working out with me. It’s like a dream, honestly. I couldn't have imagined this.”

The projected first-round pick wants to give special recognition to his mother, Jenine Wardally, to whom he credits most of his success. “My mother has so much to do with my success in terms of basketball. A lot of mothers get overshadowed by the dads when it comes to basketball at this level. They do all the little things to help you get here. And I feel like that's very important in a young dude's life. And it means a lot.”

Howard’s confidence in his skills translates into his game through his dedication to hard work. Thinking about the bigger picture has allowed Howard’s mind to feel at ease about facing the NBA draft and finding enjoyment throughout this process.

SPENDING THE DAY WITH WILSON BASKETBALL

The Wilson Basketball family had a chance to spend the day with Howard at the famous 167 Green Street Gym and Wilson store in Chicago, Illinois, then ended the day throwing the first pitch at the White Sox baseball game.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES Q&A WITH JETT HOWARD

Here’s what we asked the rising star:

Wilson: What is your earliest and fondest memory of Wilson?

Howard: “Man, for sure. I've always loved the Wilson basketball. I'm not just saying that because I'm obviously a part of the Wilson family now. And I always got my best work in and my best handle with the basketball. I always felt like everything was smooth on the basketball. It was like, I feel like a lot of people feel that way in terms of the Wilson basketball. And I just want to thank the Wilson family for being such a good representation for the younger community and making the basketball so good and so easy to play with.”

Wilson: Where does your passion for Alzheimer’s advocacy come from?

Howard: Seeing the progression of how that affected my family, it hits home obviously when stuff happens to your family. I think people should look into it and donate to find a cure for it.

Howard will be wearing a purple suit for the NBA Draft in support of Alzheimer’s Awareness

Wilson: Can you describe what your NBA Draft process and experience has been like for you ?

Howard: So far, it's been a bunch of hard work. Back in LA, I'm working with Dom McLean. It's just based on getting in the best shape. Once we get in the best shape, it's easy to make shots through all the little things. It has been smooth. My family has been with me most of the way.It has been a good experience.

Wilson: Throughout the NBA Draft process, what has stood out the most to you?

Howard: I’d probably say just how fun it is. Even though it's still hard work, I didn't understand you could still hang out with your friends that you grew up with and just build that camaraderie. Most of these guys in the draft you grew up playing with or against.

Wilson: Have you envisioned what that moment would be like when your name is being called in the NBA Draft?

Howard: I’m going to try to hold it in and just feel relief. I'm gonna try to hold in my emotions. It’s big, I know how much we've been through to get here. How many workouts I did, how many times I've been cursed out. It's gonna be dope. I think it's gonna be a good experience.

Wilson: Any advice for young players with hopes and dreams of being drafted?

Howard: Stay the course, honestly. We need to get the bigger picture before anything else. And just continue to be consistent with your work, and you'll see yourself surpassing your peers. Look at the big picture. If you're not ranked where you want to be, college is really where you get it done. Focus on that and focus on getting better.

Check out Jett Howard’s instagram to follow his Path to the Draft, and be sure to follow @wilsonbasketball to keep up with all things #TeamWilson!