Ronald Howard (181-PG-1984, college: Mayville St.) is an ex player that spent many years overseas and since retiring has focused his energy on helping unknown players get exposure by organizing games and in many cases helping them find professional jobs. He founded Howard Hoops in 2013 where he brought numerous players overseas to help them find jobs and since 2018 has started the Howard Hoops academy where he helps train unknown players and help find basketball jobs. He started Revizion Sports International which helps players get placed on professional clubs. He brought the Howard Hoops Pro Combine to Milan Italy last summer and will do it again this summer. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Ron for talking with germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at the moment?

At the moment, I’m at my daughter Salma’s AAU tournament in Ames, Iowa were her team just won the championship for 6th grade. Basketball has been treating me well at the moment getting ready, especially for my new combines taking place June 22 in Hopkins, Minnesota and July 5 through the 19th in Milan, Italy.

How are you able to shuffle so much in your professional life and still be the best father to your kids with time and love?

Balancing various roles can be challenging, but having a supportive family and structuring my time wisely enables me to navigate my professional and personal commitments effectively.

What makes coaching young girls fulfilling compared to coaching young boys and men?

While coaching both genders presents unique challenges and rewards, I find coaching girls immensely fulfilling. When young female athletes believe in themselves and their training, and are eager to compete, it’s incredibly gratifying.

Is it easier or more difficult to recognize talent in a girl compared to a boy or a man?

Recognizing talent is a subjective and holistic process, and I don’t differentiate based on gender. I assess each individual’s skills, potential, and commitment, irrespective of gender.

How have you been following the Caitlan Clark controversy? Has that given woman´s basketball the needed push for more publicity?

I love the Caitlin Clark controversy, especially how she’s been able to singly handedly put NCAA women’s basketball on the map and now be able to showcase her abilities at the top level for women in the W Is exciting to see even if she’s having her moments right now she understands her areas of opportunity for growth and I guarantee after this first season she’s going to be a top five player next season.

You developed Hoop Spot 3 years ago. How has you seen the development of this in the last year?

We’ve taken a break from Hoop spot at the moment and will be back 2025.

A new pro Combine is coming up in Minnesota in a few weeks. What tweaks will you put into this one that will improve it from the last one?

Won’t be any tweaks, just some underrated and undiscovered talent that will have the opportunity to showcase their abilities and work out sessions and live games. Live streamed with coaches viewing in from over 12 + countries.

How will the upcoming combine in Minnesota differ from the last one, and will it primarily feature local talent?

The upcoming combine seeks to discover hidden talent from all over the United States, providing an opportunity for underrated players to showcase their abilities through sessions and live games, attracting coaches from various countries.

Why have you moved your base of operations from Germany to Italy?

Italy presents an exciting opportunity due to strong connections and relationships with individuals deeply rooted in the Italian basketball scene, offering a gateway to a wealth of basketball opportunities and resources.

Talk a little about the highlights of this years combine in Italy. I believe it will feature even more guys from countries in Europe then ever before?

Yes, this year‘s combine will have a few players representing Italy. They will join my American players in one of Italy’s top basketball tournaments called master cage tournament.

You’re the ambassador of helping unproven and long shot players fulfill their dreams of making a career overseas. How do you see the job market for 2024.

So I’ve been doing this for a long time and I love to see players fulfill their dreams and make their career overseas happen. The job market has gotten tough for players, especially ones wanting the jobs that’s Paying big time salaries. Big-time salaries requires big-time resumes and experiences, but this particular setting we have players wanting and needing a start or what I like to call a foot in the door opportunities and for those the market has openings all the time you just have to know the right people and be able to play.

Do you see the hunger of guys as big as usual or are times coming where Americans can calculate their own reality or do you believe once a big heart and drive to make it than forever for the majority of guys?

This year I do see a hunger in guys and I believe because we have a mixture of European and Americans. I think Americans have big dreams as anyone in the world does. I’m always rooting for my guys to make it.

Which player is the biggest prospect this summer from your player pool? You know that guy who will more than likely get a job no matter what?

Right now it’s pretty tough to say I want to be able to see them all in person and see them really play and showcase what they can do. I have some good guards coming and tournaments like these guards are extremely important so I can’t wait to see!

Will Lebron and Co finally show the world who is boss at the Olympics or will Germany or another country win Gold again?

Oh, you know this is the Olympics here. It’s USA all the way.

Thanks Ron for the chat.