Antoine Howard (1975-2004) began playing basketball in the underprivileged areas of Chicago. In 2001, he was picked up by the And 1 team when touring New York on their Mixtape Tour. Nicknamed "Flash" because of his electric pace and dribbling skills, he became a hit with fans all over the world, and was quickly becoming And 1's star player. Howard was renowned for his "web-Swinging" ability; when a player scores a slam dunk, and swings from the rim of the basket. Howard was always seen as a level-headed player, and never let go of his poor background; growing up in the slums of southside Chicago. In 2004, "Flash" was withdrawn from the And 1 team after an apparent mysterious illness. Fans all over the world were puzzled over what had happened to Howard, but the And 1 team kept silent. On the third of October 2004, it was confirmed that Antoine Howard, aged 29, had died of a brain tumor. According to his family and friends, Howard had been diagnosed with a tumor in the early 80's, and had successfully recovered. However, in 2004, he was once again diagnosed, and aggressive therapy ensued. This time, however, Howard succumbed to the tumor.
Howard has remained in streetball fans' hearts, and a shrine on the New York court in Brooklyn proves the impact he had on the game during his shortened playing career.