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 organized the RSI Las Vegas Overseas Combine in July 2026 and spoke to germanhoops.com about that experience.

Thanks Ron for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment?

Thanks for having me back. I’m currently home in Minnesota after an incredible summer in Las Vegas, where we hosted our RSI Overseas Combine during NBA Summer League. Since returning, my days have been filled with evaluating players, speaking with clubs, agents, and general managers throughout Europe, and preparing for what I’m really excited about nextour Howard Hoops International Pro Exposure Tour in Germany and Belgium from August 26–31. We’ll be taking a select group of players overseas to compete against professional clubs, train with European teams, and build relationships that can lead to professional contracts. I truly believe it’s one of the best opportunities we’ve ever offered for players looking to begin their careers in Europe, especially in Germany.

Our last interview was 7 months ago. Then you told me you were coaching your eldest daughter’s AAU team. Plus you have so much other things in your life concerning basketball. When do you believe did you become infected with basketball?

Honestly, basketball has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, it was more than just a sportit became my purpose. As a player, it gave me opportunities I never imagined. Now, as a coach, trainer, scout, and mentor, I get that same excitement helping someone else chase their dream. The game has simply evolved for me from playing professionally to serving others through basketball.

You coached in Ireland some years ago and continue to let Hoopspot thrive. What kind of further development have you seen with it in the last 7 months including the influx of guys overseas taking the NIL advantage?

The basketball landscape has changed dramatically. NIL has created more opportunities for college athletes, but it has also made the overseas market more competitive. Many players are staying in college longer, while others are entering the professional market with more experience. Howard Hoops has continued to grow because we’ve built genuine relationships throughout Europe. We focus on finding the right fit for players rather than simply placing them anywhere. Clubs appreciate honesty and professionalism, and players appreciate having someone who is truly advocating for them.

How does a former hooper now see the whole NIL development? Does it make a guy jealous how guys now earn money playing college hoops?

Not at all. I’m genuinely happy for today’s athletes. Every generation has different opportunities. We didn’t have NIL, but we had our own journey that shaped us. My focus now is helping players maximize every opportunity available to them while making smart decisions that will benefit them long after basketball.

How do you see the whole NIL saga continue to develop in the next years? Do you see the money continuing to climb?

I think NIL will continue evolving and become more structured over time. The money at the highest levels will likely continue to increase, but I also believe there will be more regulations to create balance between college athletics, education, and player development.

You told me in the last interview that you planned to host another combine in Germany in January 2026. Did that take place and how was it?

Plans shifted, which is common in international basketball, but during that time we strengthened relationships with clubs throughout Germany and neighboring countries. Now all of that work has led to something I’m extremely excited about. From August 26–31, Howard Hoops will host our International Pro Exposure Tour in Germany and Belgium. Players will compete against professional clubs, train with European teams, and have direct exposure to coaches and decision-makers. I believe it’s one of the best opportunities we’ve ever created for players looking to earn their first professional contract in Europe.

You recently held the RSI Las Vegas Overseas Combine. How cool was that being held in Las Vegas? What was your summary of it?

Las Vegas is one of the best basketball environments in the world during the summer. The level of competition was outstanding, and our players competed against talented athletes from around the world. More importantly, we created meaningful exposure. We connected with coaches, agents, and general managers while providing every player with honest evaluations and valuable networking opportunities. Overall, it was a very successful event.

It was during the NBA Summer League. Was there a special reason why it was held then?

Absolutely. Basketball decision-makers from all over the world are already in Las Vegas during NBA Summer League. It creates an incredible networking environment. Even if someone isn’t specifically attending our event, they’re already in the city, making it much easier to build relationships and introduce players to the right people.

You have hosted so many of these combines in the last decade. Does it ever get old?

Never. Every event is different because every player has a different story. Watching someone earn an opportunity they’ve worked years for never gets old. That’s what continues to motivate me.

What was your personal highlight of the Combine in Las Vegas?

For me, it wasn’t just one game or one player. It was watching players grow throughout the week, seeing them compete at a high level, and building stronger relationships with clubs throughout Europe. Every connection we make creates more opportunities for players in the future.

One of my favorite parts of the interviews is asking the guys their opinions about you. Every answer is always so positive. Is this the ultimate satisfaction and drive to continue to grind and help these guys move forward as players and men?

It truly is. Comments like that mean more to me than any championship or personal accomplishment because they remind me that this is about much more than basketball. I genuinely care about developing people first and players second. Basketball eventually ends, but the relationships and the impact you make on someone’s life can last forever. This year has also been especially emotional for me because I recently lost my father. He was one of my biggest supporters and someone who believed in everything I was building with Howard Hoops. One of the greatest memories I’ll always cherish is that he was able to attend one of our Howard Hoops international exposure events in Europe and experience it firsthand. To see him watching players chase their dreams overseas and witness the vision come to life is something I’ll never forget. That memory gives me even more motivation to continue building opportunities for players. Every player I help earn a contract or take a step closer to their dream is another reminder of why I continue doing this. It’s about opening doors, building relationships, and leaving a positive impact that extends far beyond basketball.

There were many really talented guys at the combine. Which player made the biggest impact on you concerning the whole package?

There were several players who impressed me, and I don’t like singling out just one because everyone brought something different. Some stood out because of their athleticism, others because of their leadership, toughness, or coachability. Ultimately, the players who consistently competed, communicated, and accepted coaching made the biggest impression.

Have you gotten any tryouts or even gigs lined up for guys that took place?

Yes. We’ve already had positive conversations with several clubs throughout Europe. Some players are currently being evaluated by teams, while others are being considered for preseason opportunities and training camp invitations. The goal has always been to create real opportunities that continue long after the combine ends.

What are next steps for you coming up? Any new projects or gigs lined up in 2026?

The immediate focus is our Howard Hoops International Pro Exposure Tour in Germany and Belgium from August 26–31. We’ll be taking a select group of players overseas to compete against professional clubs, train with teams, and build relationships that can lead directly to professional contracts. I believe this will be one of the best opportunities we’ve offered for players looking to begin their careers in Europe, particularly in Germany. Beyond that, my goal is to continue expanding Howard Hoops throughout Europe by strengthening relationships with clubs, coaches, agents, and general managers while creating even more pathways for players to earn professional opportunities. On a personal level, this year has reminded me how precious life is. After recently losing my father, I’ve gained an even greater appreciation for making every opportunity count. He believed in what I was building from the very beginning, and one of the greatest blessings of my life was having him attend one of our Howard Hoops international exposure events in Europe and see our vision come to life firsthand. I’ll carry that memory with me forever. As I move forward, I want to continue honoring his legacy by helping as many players as I can achieve their dream of playing professional basketball. That’s what drives me every day, and I truly believe the best is still ahead for Howard Hoops.

Did you have the New York Knicks on your radar winning the NBA title? Was it a little surprise and how scary will the Spurs be in the next years?

The Knicks had a tremendous season and earned it. They built a tough, disciplined identity and played together all year. As for San Antonio, they have one of the brightest futures in the NBA. With Victor Wembanyama leading the way and the organization continuing to build around him, they’re going to be a serious contender for years to come.

Did you follow any of the football World Cup in the States? Or is football not so your cup of tea?

I followed it a little. Basketball will always be my first love, but I have tremendous respect for what football does around the world. It’s amazing to see how sports can bring people from different countries and cultures together. Events like the World Cup remind us of the power sports have to unite people, and that’s something I really appreciate.

Thanks Ron for the chat.