Howard Bison Men’s Basketball Welcomes Five New Players for 2024-25 Season

As the summer progresses, the buzz around the Howard Bison men’s basketball team is palpable, especially with the announcement of five new recruits poised to make an impact in the upcoming season. Head Coach Kenneth Blakeney has once again hit the ground running, bringing in talent from across the nation and beyond. It’s an exciting time for Bison fans, and here’s a closer look at these fresh faces.

New Additions to the Roster

Antonio Chol - Forward - 6'9" - Redshirt Sophomore

* *Origin: Buffalo, N.Y. / Minnesota Prep / Rutgers*  

Antonio Chol is a name you’ll want to remember. After spending two years at Rutgers, where he played sparingly, Chol is now ready to unleash his potential at Howard. As a high school standout, he was ranked fifth in New York and made waves as a top 75 recruit nationally.

“Chol’s NBA-level skill set will elevate this program to the next level. We need him to embrace our culture of hard work and winning mentality,” Coach Blakeney stated, highlighting the importance of Chol’s adaptation to the team ethos.

Chol is expected to bring his elite skills to the Bison.

Anwar Gill - Guard - 6'4" - Graduate Student

* *Origin: Washington D.C. / Gonzaga H.S. / LaSalle*  

Welcome back to D.C.! Anwar Gill has returned home after four seasons with LaSalle. In his final year, he achieved personal bests with an average of 9.3 points per game. His experience and success at Gonzaga highlight the competitive spirit he will bring to Howard.

“I’ve probably watched Anwar more than any other college basketball player. His drive to win and competitive spirit are key parts of our culture, which has allowed us to capture back-to-back MEAC championships,” Blakeney praised Gill’s fit with the team.

Gill’s competitive spirit is unmatched.

Jaren Johnson - Guard - 6'5" - Graduate Student

* *Origin: Lynwood, Calif. / Lynwood / Dartmouth*  

Jaren Johnson brings experience from Dartmouth, where his free-throw percentage was stellar—hovering near 92%! Blakeney acknowledges the impact of having a seasoned guard to stabilize the team’s play.

“A veteran like Jaren, who possesses that length at 6'5”, will introduce versatility to our defensive strategy and elevate our overall efficiency on the court,” Blakeney shared.

Johnson’s shooting prowess will be an asset.

Mounir Hima - Center - 6'11" - Senior

* *Origin: Tillaberi, Niger / St. Benedict’s H.S. [N.J.] / Duquesne / Syracuse*  

Hima arrives from Syracuse with noteworthy stats, shooting 67% from the field in the previous season. His presence adds a crucial piece to the Bison’s defense.

“I’m thrilled to have Hima in the middle bringing defensive stops. For the first time, we have a player who can dominate that five position,” Blakeney emphasized, suggesting Hima’s role will be pivotal.

Hima is set to be a game changer defensively.

Cameron Shockley-Okeke - Wing - 6'6" - Graduate Student

* *Origin: Norwalk, Conn. / Milton Academy [N.Y.] / Columbia / Embry-Riddle Aeronautical*  

Shockley-Okeke joins the Bison after a standout season at Embry-Riddle. His return to Howard signals a reunion with Blakeney, who first recruited him during his time at Columbia.

“Reuniting with Cam at Howard is special. His versatility will allow us to deploy him in numerous roles, enhancing our game plan,” Blakeney stated.

Shockley-Okeke brings added depth to the roster.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Season

With the addition of these five talented players, the future looks bright for Howard Bison basketball. Coach Blakeney’s mentorship is crucial as the team prepares for a season that aims not just to compete but to thrive at the highest levels of college basketball. With the right blend of skill, experience, and competitive drive, these newcomers are ready to help the Bison launch into a new era of success.

For the latest updates, stay tuned to the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.