The Rebirth of Howard Basketball Continues

The new-look Howard Bison displayed physical prowess in a gritty win over the University of the District of Columbia.

Ray Rogers | Nov 10, 2022

The Howard Bison defeated the Firebirds of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) 87-74 in the team’s home opener at Burr Gymnasium on Wednesday Night.

Howard Basketball — Credit: Howard Athletics

The new-look Howard Bison displayed physical prowess in a gritty win over the University of the District of Columbia.

The Bison sought to impose their will from the opening tip by feeding 6-9 transfer big man Koby Dickson while allowing him to work around the rim and create for teammates.

Unfortunately, the Bison failed to knock down perimeter shots, including 1-10 shooting on three-point attempts in the first half.

UDC, a relatively unknown in college athletics, seemed unfazed by the aura of Howard University and its new-look basketball team. Dickson headlined who joined the Bison after starting his collegiate career at Cornell University.

The Bison trailed at the half 37-36, finishing an overall 12 - 31 from the field.

A Tale of Two Halves

The second half was different as the Bison took control early, led by Junior guard Jordan Wood. He scored eight quick points to give Howard a 10-point advantage with just over 14:00 minutes left in the half.

During this stretch, the Bison shot 7 of 13 from the floor, including two 3-pointers eclipsing their total from the last half.

The Bison finally began showcasing their size while utilizing a lineup of three players 6-9 and over, including 6-10’ redshirt junior, Steve Settle.

Howard used their length and physicality to overwhelm the smaller UDC team with smothering defense and consistent looks around the rim offensively. The second-half surge proved the difference as the physically inferior UDC team failed to recover.

Howard head coach Kenneth Blakeney envisions the new physical dimensions of this year’s team as its identity.

“I love our length,” declared Blakeney, who believes this bigger Bison team can compete for a MEAC title and beyond.

Jordan Wood led Howard in scoring with 19 points as the Bison improved to 1 - 1 on the season.

Overall, Howard University is riding a wave of momentum that includes a million-dollar donation from hip hop mogul and alum Sean “Love” Combs, record-breaker fundraising, a brand new partnership with Jordan Brand, and the basketball team posting its first winning season in 20 years in 2021.

Tonight’s victory is just another small building block.

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Published Nov 10, 2022

RAY ROGERS

Ray T. Rogers is a proud graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore located in historic Princess Anne, MD. Ray is the Co-Creator, Co-Producer, and On-Air personality for the Urban Sports Scene podcast based out of the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. Ray helped to create the segment known as “HBCU Corner” which highlights the excellence of Athletic programs at Historically Black Institutions. Notable guests include Grambling State Head Football Coach Hugh Jackson, Howard University Head Golf Coach Samuel Puryear, South Carolina State Head Football Coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough, and Norfolk State Head Men’s Basketball Coach Robert Jones. Since 2017, Ray has served as Radio Analyst, Writer, and Contributor to WHAP Fox Sports Radio 1340 AM Hopewell, Virginia covering the Washington Commanders and Washington Wizards. Additionally, Ray works as a reporter and studio analyst for the award winning Roundball Report TV show which highlights the exploits of the high school, college, and professional basketball teams in the Washington, DC area including the Bowie State Bulldogs and WNBA’s Washington Mystics. Ray was born in Washington, DC and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Ray also has a background in mental health and substance use recovery; serving the communities of Washington DC as well as Baltimore.