Bob Donnan-USA Today Sports
Name: Richard Howell
Age: 22
Height: 6-foot-8
Position: Power Forward
School/Country: North Carolina State
Latest Stats: 12.7 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.0 spg
Richard Howell has done a lot of the dirty work for the North Carolina State Wolfpack over the past few years and although he has not received the public attention that he has warranted, he still has the makings of a legitimate NBA prospect. After four years in Raleigh, Howell now has the potential to be a second round selection here in 2013. He averaged a double-double during his final season at North Carolina State, scoring 12.7 points and grabbing 10.9 rebounds per game.
Howell is undersized for the NBA at 6-foot-8, but he’s a bruiser, weighing in at 257 lbs. Howell has the strength and power to battle on the glass and that’s the type of aggressiveness and hustle that can warrant a spot on an NBA roster. Howell will look to prove his worth by using that physicality to his strength during pre-draft workouts, but at this point it appears that he could hear his name called in the latter portion of the 2013 NBA Draft.
Strengths: Howell’s best attribute is his overall strength and power inside. At 6-foot-8, Howell makes up for his lack of size by banging down low. He’s not afraid to get physical and that toughness has only aided him in becoming a double-double machine during his final season at North Carolina State.
Weaknesses: Howell uses his physicality to make up for his lack of height at the power forward position, but he could still struggle against taller, more athletic front court players. Howell could benefit from having more of a face-up game, as well.
Draft Projection: Late Second Round
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