Look for Howard story

Mad Antics

The D-League will hold its annual national tryouts June 15 in New York. The one-day event will see 200 hopefuls in full-court games in front of team executives, coaches and scouts.Thursday

Howard, Smith work at Development League camp

Mad Ants guard Ron Howard and center Tommy Smith accepted invitations to the NBA Development League Elite Mini Camp, which started Monday and runs through Tuesday in Chicago.Monday

Record year for D-League

It wasn't only the Mad Ants that made 2012-13 their best season; the rest of the NBA Development League had a record-setting year, as well.May 1, 2013

Just got back from spending about an hour with Mad Ants guard Ron Howard, who will be leaving Fort Wayne on Thursday to play in the NBA D-League All-Star Game in Houston on Saturday.

Due to the light schedule for the NBA and D-League All-Star week, the Ants have the week off. The Ants' next game will be Feb. 22 at Erie.

Howard and I met at the Concordia Seminary gym for the interview, so look for the story from that conversation Friday.

But when the tape recorder was off, and just two guys sitting there talking about basketball and life, Howard remained thoughtful and entertaining.

He emphasized that, even though he is 30, is a long way from retirement as a player; that he is playing his best basketball of his career. But he said that when his playing days are behind him, he, his wife and their two daughters plan on making Fort Wayne their home.

To this day, Eddie Long still remains "Mr. Komet" - a title well-earned and well-worn through the years. Same goes for "Mr. Mad Ant" Howard.

I don't know if he'll ever make it to the NBA. Let's hope so. If not, and remains in town, he will still be one of the city's treasured resources.