Athlete of the Week: Howie Fleming Jr.

Howie Fleming Jr., a multidisciplinary studies junior from Louisville, Kentucky, is a point guard for the UTRGV Men’s Basketball Team. Fleming Jr. scored 18 points and made the last 4 points on March 3 against the Southeastern Louisiana University Lions. 

Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?

A: “I can give two, actually. I like cooking and I also like playing video games.”

Q: Who got you started in basketball?

A: “Basketball was kind of one of those things that I just kind of gravitated to. I started off at the YMCA, stuff like that. So, it wasn’t much minor league stuff and a whole bunch of different sports that came with that. So eventually, basketball [was] just … the one I ran with.”

Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration/role model?

A: “I would say my auntie and my mother. Those two women are the ones who raised me. I was raised by mostly women and just to see the things that they went through, how they persevered, relied on their faith to get them through a lot of the hardships through life.”

Q: Who is your favorite basketball player?

A: “LeBron.”

Q: What kind of music do you listen to?

A: “I listen to rap. I like listening to a lot of rap, but I also switch it up. I listen to a little R&B and stuff like that and it just depends on the vibe.”

Q: Which shows/movies do you like to watch?

A: “So, there was this new one that just came out not too long ago. I think it was called ‘The Penguin.’ I’m not much of a movie guy, man. I have ADHD, so I tend to tune out of those.”

Q: Do you have any hobbies?

A: “Just basketball. Like I said, playing video games. I also like cooking as well in my spare time. So that’s something that I’m very interested in.”

Q: What is your biggest motivation?

A: “My family. I think just seeing the things that my family’s been through and just being able to have the opportunity to make their situations better. I think that just motivates me to the core.”

Q: What do you like most about UTRGV?

A: “The hospitality, how nice people are here. I’ve been to some places where people are very rude, disrespectful and mean. It’s a very loving and family atmosphere out here.”

Q: What are your biggest goals?

A: “Something big for me is just graduating. I know, as far as my family and stuff, I’ll be like one of the very few to graduate from college, including the men and women in my family. So, graduating is a big thing to me. That’s the goal, getting to play at the highest level. That’s something that I always dreamed of as a kid. And, you know, being in the position I’m in now to make it achievable, I think I owe it to myself to just continue with that. And then lastly, just continuing my faith with God, just getting a close relationship with Him and just relying on Him and appreciating all the things that He’s done for me in my life.”