I wanted to speak with Butler’s versatile senior forward Matt Howard Thursday, but ESPN’s Andy Katz beat me to the punch and was able to get his interview with Howard before I could. When I tried to chime in with my questions, men in suits escorted Howard away so he could get taped up before practice. I would I would have to save my curiosity for at least another day.
Friday, after Butler’s open practice at Reliant Stadium I followed the Bulldogs as they made their way back to the locker room. I camped outside for a few minutes until Howard emerged. After trailing him for a few seconds, I gathered my bravery and inquired if I could ask him a quick question.
“It depends on what the question is,” Howard said jokingly.
In three consecutive tournament appearances, Howard has been a consistent performer. He is a recognizable face across the country, and that is despite his uncanny resemblance to actor Jesse Eisenberg
Though Butler is a small liberal arts school with approximately 5,000 students, an outsider like myself would assume that Howard is bombarded by fans wherever he goes. Apparently, that assumption is incorrect.
“It’s actually really laid back on Butler’s campus,” he said. “People don’t bother you. It’s really nice, it’s a small campus and everybody knows each other pretty much. It’s not even weird at all, I think you’d be surprised.”
After he answered my question, I thanked him for his time and extended my arm to him for a handshake. His hands were full with bags and half-eaten apple. He thought I was reaching for his food and asked:
“What? Do you want it?”
-John Brannen
