CU’s beloved basketball coach and former NBA All Star Josh Howard is departing CU after 4 years to be closer to his family in Texas. CU President Charles Petitt said, “Josh Howard served as Carolina University’s Head Men’s Basketball Coach from 2016 through 2020. His heart for his hometown of Winston-Salem and his desire to inspire young people made him a natural fit for CU. He is one of the most loved and appreciated people in the city from his playing days at Wake Forest University where he was selected to first team All-ACC, led the Demon Deacons in points during his sophomore year, was named ACC Player of the Year (2003), and has since had his number (5) retired at Wake Forest.”
Howard was a first round NBA draft pick for the Dallas Mavericks in 2003. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie second team (2004) and was chosen for the NBA All-Star team in 2007. He started the Josh Howard Foundation to help the youth of Winston-Salem and originally became connected to Carolina University through shared community outreach.
CU Athletic Director Steve Condon noted that CU was “blessed to have a man like Josh Howard represent our university as the basketball presence in our region.” Condon said, “Josh earned his reputation through hard work and high-level performance on the court and off. His passion to lift the hopes and dreams of so many or our youth is evident by his foundation work and daily servant heart. He touches so many through his kindness and patience. He is articulate, thoughtful, highly skilled and respected for his many years of hard work and good faith.”
Adieu Coach Howard!