The National Basketball League-United States (NBL-US) witnessed history on Championship Saturday as Xavier Howard, one of the league’s most decorated players, added yet another milestone to his illustrious career—his first NBL-US Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Howard, the veteran point guard of the Gueydan Flying Ducks, completed an undefeated season with the expansion franchise by delivering a dominant performance throughout the year, leading his team to the NBL-US Championship in front of an electrified crowd in Gueydan, Louisiana.
Since the league’s inception in 2020, Xavier Howard has been a cornerstone of the NBL-US. As the starting point guard for East Houston United, Howard established himself as one of the league’s elite, winning four championships with United and earning All-NBL-US honors twice in his first four seasons. However, his journey took an unexpected turn in 2024 when he was drafted by the expansion Eastside Netz. That season was marked by adversity, including a nagging groin injury that hindered his performance, culminating in a disappointing semifinal loss to the Woodland Warhawks. Determined to reclaim his championship form, Howard dedicated the offseason to intense training, knowing that his best basketball was still ahead of him.
Fast forward to 2025, Howard found himself at a pivotal crossroads. The opportunity to reunite with his former coach, Kevin Williams Sr., was too good to pass up. Williams, the architect of East Houston United’s dynasty, had left the franchise in 2024 to lead the HBCU Movement—an expansion team composed entirely of HBCU alumni. Under Williams’ leadership, the Movement won the 2024 NBL-US Championship, leaving Howard to wonder what could have been if their United squad had stayed intact. That uncertainty, however, soon turned into clarity. Howard made a decisive call to Williams, stating, “Wherever you go to coach, I’m coming to play.”
The team was the Gueydan Flying Ducks, an expansion franchise with championship aspirations in its inaugural season. Howard fulfilled his promise and signed with the Flying Ducks, immediately making an impact both as a leader and a playmaker. He delivered an exceptional season, averaging 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2.3 steals per game, while shooting 52% from the field and a career-best 42% from three-point range. His relentless drive and leadership propelled the Flying Ducks to a perfect season, culminating in an NBL-US Championship—his fifth overall and the first in franchise history.
The MVP award had long eluded Howard, despite his championship pedigree. But this season, he left no doubt. His stellar all-around play and ability to deliver in crucial moments solidified his status as the league’s best player, and when the MVP announcement was made, it was merely a formality. Howard had checked off the final achievement missing from his NBL-US resume.
Statement from Head Coach Kevin Williams Sr.:
“Coaching Xavier Howard again was a full-circle moment for me. From the very first season of the NBL-US, I knew he was special. His leadership, work ethic, and ability to control the game from the point guard position made him the heart and soul of our championship teams with East Houston United. When we went our separate ways in 2024, I knew he had more left to accomplish, and when he reached out to me about playing in Gueydan, I knew he was on a mission. What he did this season was nothing short of remarkable. He came back stronger, more focused, and played the best basketball of his career. Winning our fifth championship together was an incredible moment, and to see him finally earn his first MVP award was the perfect ending to a legendary season. Xavier Howard is the definition of a champion, and he has cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats in the NBL-US.”
Statement from Xavier Howard, 2025 NBL-US MVP:
“Winning this MVP award means everything to me. For years, I’ve focused on winning championships, being a leader, and doing whatever it takes to help my teams succeed. But deep down, I always wanted to be recognized as the best player in the league. After the way last season ended, I knew I had to get in the gym and prove to myself that I could get back to that level. Signing with the Gueydan Flying Ducks was the best decision I could have made. Coach Williams has always believed in me, and playing for him again in a town with such deep basketball roots made this season even more special.
I gave everything I had this season—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Leading this team to an undefeated season and winning my fifth championship was already a dream come true, but being named MVP is the ultimate validation of the work I put in. My legacy in the NBL-US is something I take great pride in. I’ve been here since day one, and to now be a five-time champion and an MVP is something I will cherish forever. I hope my journey inspires the next generation of players in the NBL-US to push themselves to greatness.”
About the NBL-US:
The National Basketball League-United States (NBL-US) is a premier professional basketball league dedicated to providing opportunities for aspiring athletes to showcase their talent at a high level of competition. With a strong commitment to community engagement, player development, and expanding the reach of professional basketball, the NBL-US continues to be a platform for elite players to transition into international and higher-level professional opportunities.
The league’s vision is to create an inclusive, competitive environment where athletes can develop their skills, compete at a high level, and grow their careers both on and off the court. The NBL-US mission is to provide a professional platform that bridges the gap between amateur and professional basketball, offering a pathway for athletes to achieve their dreams while making a positive impact in their communities.