Recruiting Report: Joel Howren (2016)
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Keokuk’s 6-foot-6 forward Joel Howren has made a smooth transition from steady role-player, to team leader, and area college programs have taken notice. The talented 2016 averaged 6.7 points and 5 rebounds per game last season with a senior-laden…
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Continue ReadingKeokuk’s 6-foot-6 forward Joel Howren has made a smooth transition from steady role-player, to team leader, and area college programs have taken notice.
The talented 2016 averaged 6.7 points and 5 rebounds per game last season with a senior-laden Chiefs squad, but has upped his numbers to 14.3 points, and 8.3 rebounds per game this season.
He’s just recently begun to hear from college recruiters.
“I’ve been talking to McCook Community College in Nebraska a little bit, and I’ve spoken with Grand View in Des Moines a little bit,” said Howren. “And recently Luther College and Upper Iowa have gotten a hold of me. And then most recently I’ve heard from Iowa Wesleyan.”
The Division II, Division III, and NAIA interest has all come suddenly, and Howren says he didn’t start hearing from college coaches until early January.
“This is the first year I’ve heard from any colleges about playing basketball,” he said. “Since Christmas Break is when my recruitment has really taken off.”
Howren’s strengths lie with his versatility, a trait that could translate well to the college game.
“I can play anything from one through five, my coach does a good job at getting me a feel at every position, and knowing what I’m doing at every position,” he said.
“I’m most comfortable at the four, where I can go in and post up, and then I can pop out and hit a mid-range every so often.”
He added: “I’m really long so I can get tips of balls, and I can crash the boards well when rebounding. And I really love the 15-foot jump-shot, right off the left side of the elbow on the right side.”
After learning from last year’s senior class on what it is to be a leader, Howren is now confident in his ability to lead this season’s group of guys.
“We had five really good seniors last year who just helped me become a better basketball player,” he said. “And this year my coach just asked me to take on more of a leadership role. I try to go 110 percent for my guys every game.”