Markus Howard Leaves Baskonia to Sign with Zenit Saint Petersburg

Markus Howard has officially left Kosner Baskonia after four seasons to sign with Zenit Saint Petersburg, where he will play under coach Dusko Ivanovic. The American guard departs Vitoria-Gasteiz following a tenure that included 244 official appearances and a Copa del Rey title last season.

From Vitoria to Saint Petersburg Under Ivanovic

The transfer brings Howard back under the direction of Ivanovic, the coach with whom the sharp-shooter previously flourished in the EuroLeague. Howard arrived in the Basque capital in the summer of 2022 and quickly established himself as a primary offensive weapon. Across his four-year stint with the club, he played 130 EuroLeague games, 109 Liga Endesa contests, and five matches across the Copa del Rey and Supercopa, while also serving as a team captain during his final two campaigns.

Scoring Records and Historic Three-Point Shooting

Howard leaves Baskonia carrying significant individual milestones. During the 2023-24 season, he led both the EuroLeague and the Liga Endesa in scoring. He departs the club as the second-highest three-point scorer in Baskonia’s Liga Endesa history, trailing only Mirza Teletovic, and holds the record for the most triples converted in a single season in the history of the competition. While his offensive production dipped notably over his final two campaigns compared to his first two stellar years, he continued to display intermittent flashes of his elite shooting range.

Emotional Social Media Farewell to the Fans

Following the confirmation of his move to the Russian club, Howard published a farewell message on social media addressed to the Baskonia supporters and the city of Vitoria. The guard reflected on his arrival, stating he came to the city como un extraño and was leaving with the city en el corazón para siempre after four seasons. Gracias por acogerme, por animarme en los buenos momentos y por sostenerme con vuestras oraciones y apoyo en los difíciles, expressed Howard. He added that los lazos que construimos fuera de las canchas son lo que más atesoraré and that habéis seguido siendo mi paz, mi comunidad y una parte esencial y fundamental de este proceso para mí. Miro atrás a estos cuatro años con sincera gratitud, said Howard to the fans, concluding by giving all the glory to God for ordering his steps.

Official Club Legacy and Tribute

In its official departure announcement, Baskonia praised the player’s dedication and competitive impact. The club stated that the name of Markus Howard is written already forever in the history books of this club, wishing him success in his personal and professional future as he prepares for his next chapter in Saint Petersburg.

More on this story: Shane Larkin Misses Panathinaikos Game for Strength Training, Eurohoops Reports · Kosner Baskonia Defeats Asisa Joventut 93-73 in Liga Endesa