Kniko Howard Keeps a Low Profile as a College Student - Meet Draya Michele’s Son
Former "Basketball Wives" reality star Draya Michele's eldest son, Kniko Howard, has embarked on a new chapter in his life, making his mom—and his mom's fans—emotional.
Reality TV star turned entrepreneur Draya Michele has been savoring the joys of parenthood on a deeper level, which includes not meddling in her son Kniko Howard's life.
Howard has frequently appeared with his mother at various events in recent years, but nowadays, he is concentrating on his new life as a college student.
Kniko Howard and Draya Michele arrive at the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards at The Forum on March 11, 2018, in Inglewood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Kniko Howard Has Been Admitted To A University In Atlanta
Howard has recently been enrolled at Georga State University. His proud mom could not contain her emotions as she celebrated her son's significant milestone on Instagram. Her post read:
"Well. It's official. I'm a college mom. I'm so proud of you son!!!!!! College whew 😥 I mean I knew you'd make it here."
Kniko Howard and his mother Draya Michele attend the premiere of Universal Pictures And Illumination Entertainment's "Despicable Me 3" at The Shrine Auditorium on June 24, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The TV star's Instagram followers expressed surprise upon learning that her son has grown into a young adult. Fans shared their admiration for his development, recalling how little Howard was in his early years on social media.
Some even remarked on his height; he is now taller than his mother. Meanwhile, another fan congratulated Howard on his college journey, expressing well-wishes for his future.
Kniko Howard & His Mom Navigate Blended Family Life
In a 2019 interview on "Nick Cannon Mornings" with host Nick Cannon, Michele shared a glimpse of her family life. Despite having a nanny, she emphasized her commitment to being present for her kids in the morning.
The doting mom also revealed that Howard drives himself to school, often asking for money for gas and other expenses. This required her to wake up early, even though she was not a morning person.
Howard is Michele's son from a previous relationship and the stepbrother of Jru, his mom's son with former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick. Jru was born in 2016 in Burbank, California.
Draya Michele attends the Premiere Of STX Films' "I Feel Pretty" at Westwood Village Theatre on April 17, 2018, in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Howard has been a constant presence in Jru's life. His famous mother revealed how much assistance and support she received from her oldest son following Jru's birth.
The identity of Howard's father once sparked public curiosity after "Basketball Wives" co-star Jennifer Williams claimed that former basketball player Gilbert Arenas was his dad.
In a now-inaccessible Instagram post, Howard's mom clarified the situation by revealing that she got pregnant at 17 years old by a man who later went to jail for ten years when she was seven months pregnant.
Draya Michele attends the 2019 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 1, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
"My son's father lives in PA and makes an honest living being a barber," her post read. Michele also stressed she had never received any child support and had never falsely claimed anyone as her son's father.
Howard's mom does not share details about her children on social media.
She pointed out that having a child with an athlete in 2002 was impossible, given her age, location, and circumstances. She expressed her desire to put the issue to rest and urged everyone to refrain from involving her kids.
Draya Michele attends the premiere Of "The Harder They Fall" at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on October 13, 2021, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Kniko Howard Keeps His Mom Off His Social Media
As Howard has grown older, he has become less visible in the public eye, but he made a few notable red-carpet appearances alongside his mother. One of their most memorable mother-son appearances was at the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
They also attended the premiere of the animated film "Despicable Me 3" in 2017 in Los Angeles, California. The film's voice actors include Steve Carell, Kirsten Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, and Julie Andrews.
Recently, Howard has chosen to keep his life more private, a decision his mother fully supports. Howard's mom does not share details about her children on social media.
Now in his twenties, Howard's desire for independence and personal identity on social platforms has become evident. His mother deeply respects his need for privacy and commends his growing self-sufficiency.
Michele said she feels blessed to have raised well-behaved children and believes she has had a relatively easy experience in parenting. She also maintains positive and friendly relationships with the fathers of her two sons.
While she already has two children, Michele has expressed her desire to expand her family in the future. She also embraces a "non-traditional" approach, being open to co-parenting without necessarily being in a romantic relationship.