Former UCA basketball player representing Puerto Rico on the Olympic stage

CONWAY, Ark.- A former University of Central Arkansas basketball player is going for gold at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Jordan Howard came to UCA from Arizona to play four years of college basketball and now competes in the Olympics on Team Puerto Rico.

“Opportunities appear sometimes in the craziest moments of when you don’t expect them or believe they’re going to happen,” Jordan Howard said.

Howard said UCA took a chance on him as the only college that offered him a spot after a high school injury, adding that he is forever thankful for that.

“I’m just grateful for Arkansas and UCA,” he said. “Go Bears forever, of course. I can’t wait to come back and visit.”

Howard graduated from UCA in 2018, playing under former coach Russ Pennell. He is also the school’s all-time leading scorer and three-point shooter.

“For me, UCA has a special place in my heart and became a second home to me,” Howard said.

Since finishing college, Howard has played professionally in the NBA G League, the Korean Basketball League, and leagues in Italy, Spain and Puerto Rico.

“I never realized or came to the conclusion that I would play for a national team at some point,” Howard said.

He said playing for Puerto Rico was a special moment as his mom’s family is originally from Puerto Rico.

“Knowing I get to experience my family’s and of course, my mom’s heritage, and just knowing how special that is to her makes it so worth it,” Howard said.

Howard said it’s been an amazing decision and experience competing for Puerto Rico, getting to compete at the Basketball World Cup and qualifying for the Olympics.

“To be at this stage with the greatest athletes in the world all in one place, it’s truly amazing,” Howard said.

He said that all the hard work, dedication, and consistency have been worth it, as he has reached this point.

“I didn’t expect or have the thought that I would be here today at the Olympics,” Howard said. “Had you asked me a couple of years ago, I would have never expected this.”

The moment that finally led him to believe he was an Olympic athlete was during the opening ceremony.

“You know, this year in Paris, they had the boats go through the river, go through the city of Paris, and end at the Eiffel Tower. It was amazing, just amazing,” Howard said.

He said it’s unreal to walk around Paris and meet so many athletes, to be on an “equal” field with them.

“I just thank God for the opportunity and UCA for also giving me the platform to be able to build something from my freshman year to my senior year that also helped elevate my career in basketball,” Howard said.

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