Butler Basketball Matt Howard - A Bulldog's Legacy
Humanized Version
For anyone who followed college hoops around the turn of the last decade, the name Matt Howard likely brings back a flood of memories, especially if you were cheering for the Butler Bulldogs. He was a central figure in a time when a smaller school from Indianapolis captured the hearts of many sports fans, making two incredible runs to the national championship contest. His contributions on the court helped put Butler on the map, so to speak, and showed everyone what a team with heart and smart play could achieve.
This isn't just a story about a basketball player, though. It's about someone who embodied the spirit of a team that defied expectations, someone whose effort and skill were key ingredients in a truly special era for Butler. You know, it's pretty amazing to think back on those seasons and remember just how close they came to achieving the ultimate prize in college sports. Matt Howard was right there, a consistent presence, making big plays when they counted most, and really helping to set the tone for the squad.
His impact stretched beyond the stat sheet, you see. He was a player who brought a certain kind of toughness and intelligence to every game, qualities that fans really admired. We're going to take a closer look at the path of this memorable Butler basketball figure, from his college days that earned him widespread recognition to a brief stop in professional play, and even touch on some life lessons that came from observing other coaches. It's a look at a career that, in a way, helped redefine what was possible for a program like Butler.
Table of Contents
- Who is Matt Howard?
- What Made Matt Howard a Butler Basketball Standout?
- How Did Matt Howard Shape Butler Basketball's Golden Era?
- What Was Matt Howard's Role on the Court for Butler Basketball?
- Beyond Butler - Matt Howard's Professional Path
- A Cautionary Story for Butler Basketball Players
- Family Ties and Butler Basketball
- Matt Howard's Lasting Influence on Butler Basketball
Who is Matt Howard?
Matt Howard, born on January 23, 1989, is an American who used to play basketball professionally. He spent his college years playing with the Butler Bulldogs, where he became quite a notable player. His time with the Bulldogs really left a mark, helping the team achieve some of its biggest moments in recent memory. He's probably best known for his college career, which, you know, was pretty special.
Personal Details - Matt Howard
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matt Howard |
| Date of Birth | January 23, 1989 |
| Nationality | American |
| College Team | Butler Bulldogs |
| Last Professional Team | Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israeli Premier League) |
What Made Matt Howard a Butler Basketball Standout?
When you look at the numbers, Matt Howard’s career at Butler was, well, pretty impressive. He really stood out, especially by the time he finished up in 2011. He held the third spot in scoring for the Bulldogs, accumulating 1,939 points, which is a big number for any college player. And, you know, he was also third in total rebounds with 884, showing his consistent presence under the basket. These figures, honestly, tell a story of someone who was a constant contributor on offense and defense.
Beyond the raw statistics, he picked up some significant honors during his college playing days. He was chosen as the most valuable player during the 2011 Horizon League men’s basketball championship, a clear sign of his importance to the team’s success in that particular contest. This kind of recognition, you know, really highlights how much he meant to the squad when it mattered most. He also received the NCAA Elite 88 award in both 2010 and 2011, an honor given to a player who combines academic excellence with athletic achievement. That, basically, tells you he was a smart guy both on the court and in the classroom.
How Did Matt Howard Shape Butler Basketball's Golden Era?
Matt Howard was a key piece, a really central figure, in what many call the "glory days" of Butler basketball. During his time, the team, led by Coach Brad Stevens, made it to two consecutive NCAA championship games in 2010 and 2011. They were, honestly, just a few inches away from taking home the top prize in both years. It's a story that still gets talked about, and Matt Howard was right there in the thick of it all. He was part of a group that included other well-known names like Gordon Hayward and Shelvin Mack.
This group of players, including Matt Howard, really put Butler on the map, bringing the school to the forefront of college basketball conversations. They showed everyone that a smaller institution could compete with the biggest programs in the nation. It was a time when the whole country seemed to be rooting for the underdog, and Butler, with players like Matt Howard, certainly fit that description. Their success, in some respects, changed how people viewed the program, eventually helping Butler move into bigger conferences like the Atlantic 10 and, later, the Big East.
What Was Matt Howard's Role on the Court for Butler Basketball?
Standing at 6’8”, Matt Howard might not have been the most flashy or athletically gifted player out there, but his true strength came from other places. He brought a tremendous amount of grit and a very high basketball IQ to every game. These qualities, you know, were what truly helped him stand out and achieve success. He understood the game deeply, making smart plays and knowing where to be at the right time, which is a skill that's sometimes overlooked.
He often took the court for the Bulldogs as the team’s center, a position that requires both toughness and intelligence. Like his teammates Shelvin Mack and Gordon Hayward, Matt Howard was on the squad during those memorable years of Butler basketball. He was, pretty much, a foundation for Butler’s success during that time. His ability to stay strong, rebound, and score inside, even against bigger opponents, was a big reason why those teams were so hard to beat. He was a consistent presence, a player you could count on, which is really important for any successful team.
Beyond Butler - Matt Howard's Professional Path
After his college career at Butler came to an end, Matt Howard did spend some time playing basketball professionally. His last known team was Hapoel Tel Aviv, which plays in the Israeli Premier League. This move, you know, shows that his skills were recognized beyond the college game, allowing him to continue his career overseas. It's pretty common for talented college players to go play internationally, and Matt Howard was no exception.
While his professional career might not have garnered the same headlines as his college days, it was still a continuation of his passion for the sport. He took his talents to a different country, experiencing a new league and a new culture, which, I mean, is a pretty interesting path for any athlete. Details about his professional stats and highlights are available on various sports information sites, like RealGM.com, if you’re curious to see how he performed in that setting. It’s always good to see how players from your favorite college teams fare after they leave school.
A Cautionary Story for Butler Basketball Players
Matt Howard himself once pointed to the experience of Thad Matta, a former head basketball coach for both Butler and Ohio State, as a bit of a cautionary story. Matta, you see, had a very successful run, becoming the coach with the most victories in Ohio State’s history. Yet, after two seasons where his team didn’t make it into the NCAA tournament, he found himself without a job. This example, Matt Howard suggested, highlights how quickly things can change, even for someone with a long track record of success.
It’s a powerful reminder, really, that in the competitive world of sports, things can shift suddenly, no matter how many wins you’ve accumulated. This perspective, in a way, offers a valuable lesson about the unpredictable nature of high-stakes careers. It shows that even after years of good performance, the pressure to deliver can be intense, and outcomes can be quite unexpected. Matt Howard’s reflection on Matta’s situation, basically, offers a glimpse into the realities faced by those in the sports world, from players to coaches.
Family Ties and Butler Basketball
Matt Howard comes from a family with deep roots in sports, too. His older brother, Lucas Howard, is a Division I baseball umpire and also works as a high school basketball referee. Lucas once asked Matt a pretty interesting question: why did he chat with veteran official Jim Burr before a Butler game? This little story, you know, offers a personal touch and shows the kind of relationships that can form around the game.
It’s a neat detail that, honestly, gives you a sense of the family’s involvement in the sports world. The interaction with the official, as Lucas inquired about, points to the respect and camaraderie that can exist even between players and referees. It’s these small, human moments that often add richness to the broader story of an athlete’s career. The fact that his brother is also so involved in sports, particularly officiating, really highlights a shared family passion for the games.
Matt Howard's Lasting Influence on Butler Basketball
Matt Howard’s time playing for Butler is, in many ways, a clear example of what perseverance can achieve. He might not have been the most naturally athletic player, but his determined spirit and keen understanding of the game pushed him to become a true star. His career with the Bulldogs is often remembered as a period of significant growth and recognition for the school’s basketball program. He was a constant force, someone who showed up ready to compete every single time.
The achievements of those teams, with Matt Howard as a central figure, helped the Butler basketball program gain higher standing. Their success, pretty much, paved the way for Butler to move into more prominent athletic conferences. First, they joined the Atlantic 10, and now, they are part of the Big East, which is a testament to the foundation laid by players like Matt Howard. The impressive achievements and memorable moments created by players like him continue to resonate with fans, inspiring those who follow in their footsteps and leaving a lasting mark on the school’s history. You can still find information about his stats and news on sites like ESPN, which, I mean, just shows how significant his career was.
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