DALLAS – A look on the University of North Texas Dallas men's basketball coaching staff page and a recognizable name appears. For many spectators,
Josh Howard stands out as a leader of the program due to his basketball pedigree. A former first round selection of the NBA Dallas Mavericks in 2003, Howard helped the Mavs reach the 2006 NBA finals and spent his career for over decade with the Mavs, Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Howard's stardom does not outshine his heart for giving and leaving an impact with others. He began the
Josh Howard Foundation, has been the only coach to lead the men's basketball program at UNT Dallas, and is watching his influence reach several communities and individuals.
"I started the
Josh Howard Foundation because my vision was to help my community and others like mine," Howard stated. "Partnership with other foundations helped the dream come true. Mentoring gave me an opportunity to help others through their journey."
The
Josh Howard Foundation is dedicated to helping to improve the quality of life of economical challenged communities by utilizing programs and other services that fucus on academic improvement, community outreach, and athletic and fitness training.
"We are committed to having an active role in uplifting the community. Our innovative programs will help youth to become well-rounded citizens and enhance the quality of life of our senior citizens and the community as a whole," Howard described the
Josh Howard Foundation Vision.
Programs include: After-School Program in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Afterschool At-Risk and Summer Meals Program in Dallas, Texas, The
Josh Howard Trash Pick-Up, Health and Fitness Program, and No EXCUSES Program. Some other examples of types of programs Howard has been part of are Thanksgiving and Christmas drives and donations, feeding program, basketball camps, and scholarship opportunities. Coach Howard is always on the move seeking new ways to uplift others. He has taken that attitude toward reaching his student-athletes at UNT Dallas.
"I used my platform to give student-athletes a professional athlete view on how to handle situations on and off the court," Howard said. "Staying humble, gaining knowledge and applying it correctly is how I stayed focused on any goal."
A local in the area, Howard looked to UNTD at starting a basketball program and building a strong culture is what he wanted for the university. He hopes this gives administration, students, and the community a sense of pride. Knowing that they can believe in us and we can believe in them. Producing great student-athletes that can go out in the world to do amazing things and represent UNTD!
The Trailblazers began their athletic department in 2020-21 and Howard has been at the helm from the start of building the program. He continues to stick with his moto of "reach one, teach one" and staying consistent with his message and hoping these student-athletes receive it. His biggest goal for the basketball program is to graduate every athlete that plays for me.
Howard is a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and was an All-Star selection while attending Glenn High School in Kernersville, N.C. and twice received the Frank Spencer Award given to the top prep player in Northwest North Carolina. At Wake Forest, Howard was a consensus All-America selection and Atlantic Coach Conference Player of the Year in 2003 as he led the Demons to their first outright conference championship in 41 years.
Howard was invited to training camp with the U.S. Olympic team prior to the 2008 Games but turned down the offer, choosing instead to return to Winston-Salem and oversee his annual youth camp.
Howard describes his biggest memory in serving as "seeing the gratitude given and received from genuine people!" Howard believes that the greatest success means to "Stay humble, stay confident and always treat people how you want to be treated!"
