Maryland women's basketball profiles in Terpage: Malina Howard

Malina Howard, senior, center, No. 5

Stats: 105 games, 20.5 mpg, 5.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.1 apg

Height: 6'4"

Twitter: @malinahoward5

High School: Twinsburg

Hometown: Twinsburg, Oh.

How'd She Get to College Park?

Malina was the top post player (No. 6 overall) in the 2012 recruiting class, and she was named an All-American out of high school. She chose Maryland over several top programs, such as UConn and Notre Dame, because of the staff and people, as well as the family environment.

Career Highlight

Recorded her second career double-double in last year's Big Ten title game against Ohio State, racking up 12 points, a career-high 12 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Dream Season

Howard plays big minutes as a part of one of the nation's best post rotations, which also includes fellow seniors Brionna Jones and Tierney Pfirman, as well as freshmen Kiah Gillespie and Brianna Fraser.

2015-16 Prospectus

Howard hasn't exactly dominated in her time as a Terp; she was a backup to Tianna Hawkins (picked sixth in the loaded 2013 WNBA Draft, now with the Washington Mystics) as a freshman and has been splitting minutes with Brionna Jones over the past two years. However, she still makes her presence felt whenever she steps on the court. She started every game last season, and though she came off the bench in Saturday's Goldey-Beacom scrimmage, don't be surprised if she's on the court when it matters most this year.

Up next

Our next player hopes to make a big leap forward in her sophomore season, at a position where Maryland needs it.

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