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Herb Sendek has landed his next elite recruit, as local point guard Markus Howard has committed to the Sun Devils according to ASUDevils.com.
Elite 2017 in-state hoops prospect Markus Howard @markushoward11 tell us he has committed to Arizona State. Huge development. More to follow
— ASUDevils.com (@ASUDevilscom) August 28, 2014
Fans will have to wait a while to see Howard play, as the 5-foo-10 guard isn't set to graduate high school until 2017, however Howard should be worth the wait. Despite his size, he averaged 23 points per game as a freshman last season for Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona leading the Pumas to a 26-6 season record and a trip to the state semifinals.
Howard has a smooth stroke from the outside and has the ability to attack the basket with either hand. He put up 34 points in a loss to eventual state champion Corona del Sol and scored 40 points Dobson, a team that featured two Division 1 guards including Sun Devil commit Kodi Justice.
Blessed beyond belief to be a Sun Devil thank you to everyone who's supported me in this process ❤️ #FORKUP pic.twitter.com/I0XtxXm4cJ
— Markus Howard (@markushoward11) August 28, 2014
Howard is seen by most as a top 100 national recruit and maybe even higher than that.
Howard is an elite prospect, I can't emphasize that enough. Possible Top-50 recruit in 2017 class.
— ASUDevils.com (@ASUDevilscom) August 28, 2014
Our national analyst @ebosshoops says Markus Howard will be among 35-40 2017 recruits given 4-star status when rankings unveiled.
— ASUDevils.com (@ASUDevilscom) August 28, 2014
Arizona Republic sports columnist Scott Bordow compared Howard to past Arizona greats such as Mike Bibby, Jared Bayless and Jahii Carson, and that was before he led the Pumas further in the state tournament then they had every gone before.
It is still very early in Howard's recruitment and there is always a chance that he changes his mind. But as of now the Sun Devils have a commitment from the state's top player and one of the best prospects in the nation for the class of 2017.
Here are some highlights of Howard's freshman season.