Makur Maker, five-star center in the high school Class of 2020 has committed to play basketball at historically-Black, Howard University. Maker is a 7-foot, 235-pound man out of Phoenix, AZ’s Hillcrest Prep. Right now, Maker is the 17th ranked college basketball prospect.
“I was the 1st to announce my visit to Howard & other started to dream “what if”. 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.”
Maker’s guardian Ed Smith, discussed how Maker arrived at his decision, from his final four choices:
Kentucky: “Kentucky’s history as a blue blood. We like the strength of their development of pros at his position. They have a track record of that.
UCLA: “I think UCLA also has a strong history. Coach Cronin has a senior laden team so there are good veterans. It’s in his backyard so he has access to family and friends.”
Memphis: “Memphis with Penny Hardaway, he’s a pro. He was a big guard so he understands big players with skills. He did a great job with Precious Achiuwa. He has a feel for NBA, college and high schools.”
Howard: “He visited Howard. He felt like it was a family atmosphere there. It was his only official visit. They’re building a great program there. It’s a winning program. It’s an HBCU so there’s an opportunity to make a difference.”
In the uprising following George Floyd’s racist murder at the hands of police, many Black people have been re-evaluating where and how they spend their time, with predominantly white schools being a hot topic of reconsideration. Top recruits like Mikey Williams and Trace Young (committed to Alabama State University) have been very vocal about college life at a Black institution.
Mo Williams, former National Basketball Association (NBA) player announced earlier this year that he would be taking on a new role as the men’s head basketball coach at Alabama State University tweeted his thoughts on how to “#ChangeTheGame,” saying Power 5 conferences is only power 5 because we give them the power. Let’s not talk about it, be about it. We can actually make a real change. #hbcuonly
Welcome to the Black college family Makur! Check out his recent Instagram post:
