Markus Howard played with the USA Basketball U16 National Team in the FIBA Americas Championship in 2015. Credit: USA Basketball

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A year ago, neither Markus Howard nor Katin Reinhardt had any idea they'd play college basketball at Marquette, but on Wednesday that's exactly what they signed up to do.

Marquette announced the additions of Howard, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound guard from Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nev., and Reinhardt, a 6-foot-6, 220-pound graduate transfer from USC, on Wednesday morning, the first day of the spring signing period.

"(Howard) has shown the ability to be a dynamic scorer, as well as an outstanding leader both on and off the court," head coach Steve Wojciechowski said. "We can't wait for him to get to campus.

"Katin is a terrific addition to our program," he added. "He has shown the ability to be an impact player at the high major level and his experience, versatility and ability to score will be a valuable asset to our program."

Last year, Howard had just reopened his recruitment after a coaching change at Arizona State led him to reconsider his commitment. Assistant coach Stan Johnson, who was the main coach recruiting Howard, then left for Marquette and encouraged Howard to take a look at the Golden Eagles, telling him he would love Wojciechowski.

Johnson was right, which is how Howard went from not having Marquette on his radar to signing with the Golden Eagles.

"Coach Johnson and I have always kept a close relationship," Howard said. "I consider him like family; he's really like an older brother to me."

Originally a class of 2017 recruit, Howard has a 4.0 GPA and will graduate from high school early to join Marquette's 2016 recruiting class. The early exit has been part of Howard's plan since he started high school, and he's taken an accelerated course load to make that happen.

On the court, the Chandler, Ariz., native is a consensus top-50 recruit. He averaged 18.6 points, 3.4 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game in his one season at Findlay Prep after playing two years at Perry High School in Gilbert, Ariz., where he scored more than 1,500 points.

Howard is not daunted by being the youngest player headed to Marquette, but he knows his work is cut out for him.

"I know, first and foremost, nothing's going to be given," said Howard, who said the coaching staff wants him to mostly play point guard. "I'm going to have to go in right away and really solidify myself as the player I've been advertised as being. Just go in, really make an impact right way, work really hard, really make sure I'm connected with all the guys and just be whatever the team needs me to be."

Reinhardt committed Saturday to transfer to Marquette and will have one year of eligibility. He is due to arrive on campus during the summer and will be able to play right away.

After transferring from UNLV after his freshman year, Reinhardt started 40 of the 65 games he appeared in for the Trojans and helped USC reach the NCAA Tournament this past season. Last season he contributed 11.4 points and 2.8 rebounds per game in 34 games. As a sophomore, he chipped in a team-high 12.5 points per game while also leading in three-pointers made (61) and free-throw percentage (81.5%).

With Howard and Reinhardt, Marquette has all 13 of its scholarships spoken for. However, only two have been claimed by traditional post players (returning centers Luke Fischer and Matt Heldt).

The upside, though, is the Golden Eagles will add plenty of outside shooting. Howard and Reinhardt are both high-percentage three-point shooters, as is transfer guard Andrew Rowsey, who shot 39.3% in two years at UNC Asheville.

Incoming freshman Sam Hauser from Stevens Point participated in the national high school three-point contest at the Final Four.

"All those weapons we're going to have on the perimeter, I think we're going to be a tough team to guard," Howard said. "I know Wojo and how he is and his personality; he's going to make us the toughest team out there. What we may lack in size we're going to have in heart."

The two new signees join Hauser and Brendan Bailey (American Fork, Utah) in Marquette's 2016 recruiting class. Entering Wednesday, Marquette's incoming freshmen ranked 15th in the country and first in the Big East, according to 247 Sports.

Bailey left Wednesday for a two-year Mormon mission and will join Marquette in 2018 as a freshman with four years of eligibility.