Chicago Maroon: How old were you when you started playing basketball?

Tyler Howard: When I was like five or six.

CM: Were you just playing at that point, or competing, too?

TH: My mom played college basketball, so she got me playing in a league when I was like five or six. I was competing ever since then.

CM: Where did she play?

TH: She played at South Dakota State.

CM: Did you play any other sports when you were in elementary, middle or high school?

TH: Yeah, I did soccer and football in middle school. In high school I did track and field, I long and triple jumped in high school.

CM: How did basketball end up being the sport you focused on for college?

TH: That’s what I was most talented at growing up, the one I enjoyed the most. All my friends played basketball, too. So, it was just something that I did my whole life and just focused on that.

CM: When did you realize you’d be able to play in college?

TH: Probably in high school. When I was playing AAU basketball. Having coaches contact you via email or in letters, you realize that you can play in college.

CM: What has your experience been with the team so far? How did it alter your transition to college last year?

TH: Last year was the first year in my career where I didn’t actually play at all, really. I didn’t really play…And then it was kind of a learning experience. I played a different role. And then this year I’ve gotten to start and play more, so it was a good learning experience my first year, observing and watching.

CM: Do you watch the NBA?

TH: Yeah, I do.

CM: Who do you root for?

TH: I’m a Miami Heat fan, still, even though LeBron is gone. I’m from South Dakota, so I didn’t really have a NBA team growing up, so I always rooted for the Heat.