Five questions with new Lobo Chris Howell

While fans continue to try to get to know more about what Lobo basketball will be under new coach Eric Olen, the team has landed a commitment from someone with plenty of firsthand knowledge.

Chris Howell, a 6-foot-6 guard who played this past season at UC San Diego after two seasons at Saint Mary’s, committed to the UNM Lobos on Sunday, following Olen from La Jolla to Albuquerque.

Howell, who started 35 games for the NCAA Tournament-qualifying Tritons this past season, has known Olen for much longer than just the past season.

The defensive stopper is the younger brother of Mikey Howell, an assistant at UCSD the past few years and now one of three new UNM assistants. Mikey Howell played for Olen at UCSD and is the program’s all-time leader in assists.

The Howells, from San Diego, and Olen have known each other for nearly a decade and have referred to the other as “family.”

The Journal caught up with Chris Howell on Sunday night and, via text message, asked him five questions hoping to give Lobo fans a little bit of the unique insight he has to Olen, shed some light on his decision to become a Lobo and more.

Journal: What made you decide you wanted to follow Olen and the staff to UNM for your final season?

Chris Howell: “I decided to follow Olen because he’s like extended family, an amazing guy that is genuine and trustworthy, on top of being an elite coach.”

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Journal: What are Lobo fans going to learn about Coach Olen?

Chris Howell: “Fans are going to learn that Olen is a competitor that loves to win and knows how to do it.”

Journal: What are Lobo fans going to learn about what type of person you are and what type of player you are on the court?

Chris Howell: “Overall, I am someone striving to live out my faith in God in everything I do.

“On the court I love to have fun with competing. Don’t let the smiles fool you from thinking I’m not a competitor.

“Off the court I am just like anyone else. Fun, lighthearted, and always looking to make others smile.”

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Journal: Do you know much about UNM?

Chris Howell: “Honestly don’t know too much about UNM but I can’t wait to learn and experience not only the university but the community first hand.”

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Journal: Game to 11 right now, who wins: Chris Howell or Mikey Howell?

Chris Howell: “Any brother will say themself, but any wise man will say Chris Howell. HAHA. Honestly will be a good game but I can get him. He probably would say otherwise.”

(Note: Mikey Howell did say otherwise.)