Markus Howard to play for Puerto Rico, set to join his brother / News - Basketnews.com

Markus Howard's mother is Puerto Rican. The Baskonia guard is now waiting for FIBA's approval to represent Puerto Rico internationally since he has already played for the US in FIBA youth tournaments.

Credit: ACB.com Credit ACB.com

Even though Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz lost to Monbus Obradoiro on Sunday, basketball fans got to witness a unique battle between two brothers - Markus Howard and Jordan Howard - who combined to score 55 points.

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz / Schedule

Olympiacos Piraeus Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz74-75 Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz FC BarcelonaWed19:30 LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne Baskonia Vitoria-GasteizFri19:00

Baskonia's Markus ended the game with 33 points, while his older brother Jordan was victorious with 22 points. At one time during the second overtime, the two Howards scored 14 points straight.

Markus Howard will now get to play alongside his brother more often. According to Ivan Benito from El Correo, Howard is set to join the Puerto Rican national team in international competitions.

According to Tatiana Rivera from El Vocero, Howard is now waiting for FIBA's approval to switch countries in the FIBA system from the US to Puerto Rico. The 24-year-old has already represented the USA in FIBA youth competitions, namely the 2015 FIBA Americas U16 Championship and the 2016 FIBA U17 World Championship.

Both Markus and Jordan, although born in the US, are of Puerto Rican descent since their mother is Puerto Rican. Jordan Howard played for the Puerto Rican national team in this year's 2023 FIBA World Cup and averaged 11.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.

Puerto Rico will play in one of four Olympic Games Qualifying Tournaments this upcoming summer to try and qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The draw to determine the hosts of the four mini-tournaments will be held on November 27th.

The Puerto Rican Basketball Federation has submitted the required documents to be one of the host countries of the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments. If their case is approved by FIBA, Markus Howard will be able to showcase his scoring talent in front of a home crowd next summer.

Since Puerto Rico does not belong to the list of countries that signed the Cotonou Agreement, Markus Howard's status in Liga Endesa will not change - he will remain designated as a non-EU player.

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