AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn has put together quite the 2024 recruiting class as head coach Bruce Pearl and his staff signed Jahki (pronounced JUH-kai) Howard on Tuesday.
The 6-foot-6, 185-pound forward currently attends Overtime Elite in Atlanta and played AAU basketball for New Heights Lightning on the EYBL circuit alongside fellow signee Tahaad Pettiford.
One of the most athletic players in his class, Howard is a four-star recruit rated No. 85 overall and No. 20 at his position by 247 Sports. Known as the best dunker in high school basketball going viral on social media, he is currently averaging 15.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.5 blocks per game in the preseason for Overtime Elite.
Last year, Howard scored in double figures in five of the eight games he played in for OTE. He was named OTE Player of the Week after scoring 25 points, eight rebounds and five assists at Hillcrest. Howard also played in three playoff games.
"Jahki is one of the most underrated prospects in the 2024 class," Pearl said. "We've been watching and recruiting him since his freshman year – seeing so much growth, maturity and commitment to becoming great. His basketball IQ, his athleticism and his motor make him a great fit for our program."
Howard previously played at Donda Academy during his sophomore year in Valley, Calif., and Norcross High School his freshman year in Norcross, Ga.
Originally from Boston, Mass., he is the son of Alicia Howard. In 2021, he was invited to participate in the USA Basketball Men's U16 National Team Training Camp.
2023-24 AUBURN MEN'S BASKETBALL SIGNING CLASS
Tahaad Pettiford, G, 5-10, 175, Jersey City, N.J. (Hudson Catholic Regional High School)
Jahki Howard, F, 6-6, 185, Boston, Mass. (Overtime Elite)
