Jace Howard, more than just Juwan’s son

Jace Howard made the inevitable official on Monday, tweeting out a graphic of him in Michigan uniform with Kanye West’s “Homecoming” blaring in the background.

The text read: “I’m coming home”, the M’s replaced with emojis.

It was a simple culmination in a process that was all but a foregone conclusion. Howard, a top-200 national recruit according to 247sports’ composite rankings, coming to play for his father in Juwan’s first full recruiting class. 

The storylines practically wrote themselves. Jace, who grew up living and dreaming maize and blue, fulfilling his destiny. Juwan getting the chance to work with his son. The most cynical among them perhaps crying nepotism. It all revolves around a central theme.

The lone bulletin under Jace’s profile on 247 Sports reads: “PERSONAL: Is the son of former NBA standout Juwan Howard.”

Ask Ron Oliver, Jace’s coach at University School in Miami, and he’ll paint a picture independent of Juwan. He’ll tell the stories of an intelligent young man — one who’s taking Chinese right now out of sheer interest. He’ll recall the multiple instances Jace has received stitches mid-game as a consequence of his unceasing motor, and the kind of work ethic coaches dream to work with.