BREAKING: Class of 2024 4-star forward Jahki Howard commits, signs with Auburn
Class of 2024 four-star forward Jahki Howard has committed to Auburn basketball, he announced on Wednesday.
Howard, who is ranked the No. 80 overall recruit in the ’24 class, chose the Tigers over Arkansas, Arizona State and Georgia Tech, among others. His decision comes just three days after leaving an official visit to Auburn.
“Everything was great,” he said after the visit. “Bruce Pearl is a different kind. The way he talks to people and the way he cares about people, I really love it. He’s a very excitable coach and likes energy. That’s how I am. I’m an energy player and bring energy to a team.”
Howard, who is originally from Boston, Mass., attends Overtime Elite in Atlanta, Ga. He signed a National Letter of Intent with the Tigers following his commitment, he told Auburn Live.
He is the second signee for Auburn in the class. Point guard Tahaad Pettiford signed with Auburn earlier in the day. Howard and Pettiford are friends and are looking forward to reuniting on the Plains.
“We are really close,” Howard said.
The two are expected to be the only signees for the Tigers during the week-long early signing period, which began on Wednesday.
Bowman played big roles for Pettiford, Howard
Assistant Ira Bowman played a big role in Howard choosing the Tigers. Bowman was the lead recruiter for both Pettiford and Howard.
“(Bowman has) been recruiting me since my freshman year at Norcross,” Howard said. “Me and him have had a connection for a long period of time. He started recruiting me a little more this year with my teammate being Tahaad and him being committed (to Auburn).”
Howard is listed at 6-foot-6 and 180 pounds. He’s open to playing whatever position Pearl sees fit.
“BP is a great coach, so whatever (position) he thinks is where I want to play,” he said. “But I think it’s more of an Isaac Okoro role.”
The On3 Industry Ranking, which is a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, ranks Howard the No. 28 strong forward in the country.
On3 Scouting Report
Howard has a great frame with good length. The explosive athleticism is the take him with him. Howard plays above the rim in transition and is a vertical spacing threat in the half court. There is upside on defense, he is aggressive in the passing lanes.
During the summer his jump shot because a weapon, providing spacing from the corners. Needs to develop the handle, at all levels, and build up a middle game. Some real physical attributes are in play.
