Howard noticed Laso's ability to connect with players right away. Contrary to last year, the guard was cautious in predicting the upcoming season.
After winning the Alphonso Ford EuroLeague Top Scorer Trophy last season, Markus Howard is set to lead Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in the upcoming 2024-25 EuroLeague season.
Markus Howard
| Position: | PG |
| Age: | 25 |
| Height: | 180 cm |
| Weight: | 79 kg |
| Birth place: | New Jersey, United States of America |
This offseason was different for Howard as he welcomed his first child into the world. Arriving at the practice with the team, Howard sat down for an interview with Ivan Benito from El Correo and described this summer as the best two months of his life.
"There have been many changes from this year to last year, but that always happens. At the same time, it's very exciting. We have a lot of talent, and I'm excited to have a coach like [Pablo] Laso. I know I'm going to learn a lot from him. I feel like I'm going to improve a lot," Howard said.
The signing of head coach Pablo Laso was a surprising move by Baskonia. After working for Real Madrid for 11 seasons, the Spaniard joined FC Bayern Munich just to come back to Spain a year later.
Even though Howard has only had a couple of practices with the new coach, he has already noticed one distinct quality from Laso.
"The conversations we've had have been very brief. But I know he expects us to work hard every day. The way he coaches will also help us. He understands the players. And I've noticed it in the last two days," Howard said. "I know that he will be a great asset in placing us in the right position."
Howard was ambitious before the previous season, saying that winning the Spanish Liga Endesa (ACB) and getting to the EuroLeague Final Four was the goal of the year. Baskonia ultimately didn't even play in the ACB playoffs.
"I think last year, a lot of people dreamed big. But I think it's going to be important for us to take it day by day. I'm not going to sit here and tell you that, you know, we will be champions at the end of the year because it's very unlikely since there are many good teams in both leagues," he now said.
"Last year, we didn't have the season we expected in the ACB. The guys who come back have that bad taste in their mouths about that," the star guard continued. "But I think each and every day, especially without the number of new guys coming in, we have to focus on not taking any day for granted. Try to improve every day. And when the time comes, you know, the result we want will happen."
His child's birth forced Howard to miss the possibility of playing in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Although he had acquired the required clearance, the Baskonia star did not represent the Puerto Rican national team either in the Olympic Qualifiers or the Olympics.
"We've been in contact for the last two years, and I have every intention of playing for Puerto Rico as soon as I can," he said about the national team.
"I wouldn't say it was a regret. They had an incredible team. [Team manager] Carlos Arroyo must be recognized for the merit of the team that he and the Federation have formed. The moment was a little difficult due to the proximity of the birth of my son, and they perfectly understood my position on the matter. But at the same time, that door is not closed in any way," Howard concluded.
