Many people know Draya Michele as a reality TV star, model, and businesswoman. But fewer people know about her oldest child, Kniko Howard. He grew up close to fame, yet he chose to live a quiet life.
Kniko Howard has stayed mostly out of the public eye. Still, his name comes up often because of his mother’s fame. Fans want to know his age, his father, and how he lives today.
In this article, we will cover his early life, his family, his time in college, and his bond with his mother. We will also look at his siblings and his low-key lifestyle.
Kniko Howard: Quick Facts
- Full name: Kniko Howard
- Born: December 29, 2002
- Age: 23 years old (2026)
- Zodiac sign: Capricorn
- Birthplace: United States
- Nationality: American
- Mother: Draya Michele (model, actress, reality TV star)
- Father: Kniko Howard Sr. (barber, Pennsylvania)
- Mother’s age at his birth: 17 years old
- Siblings: Jru Scandrick (b. 2016, father: Orlando Scandrick) and a baby sister (b. 2024, father: Jalen Green)
- Education: Georgia State University, Atlanta (started 2021)
- Height: About 5 feet 11 inches (179 cm)
- Hair/Eyes: Black hair, dark brown eyes
- Religion: Christian
- Social media: Small, private presence; not very active
- Known for: Being Draya Michele’s eldest son and living a private, low-key life
- Public appearances: Despicable Me 3 premiere (2017), iHeartRadio Music Awards (2018), NBA games supporting Jalen Green
- Career: Not publicly confirmed; focused on college and education
Who Is Kniko Howard?
Kniko Howard is an American man best known as the eldest son of Draya Michele. His mother is a well-known actress, model, and TV personality. She rose to fame on Basketball Wives LA.
Kniko was born when Draya was still a teenager. Even so, she worked hard to give him a stable home. He grew up watching his mother build a strong career from nothing.
Unlike many children of famous parents, Kniko does not chase attention. He prefers privacy over public life. This choice has made him even more interesting to fans who follow his mother’s story.
Kniko Howard’s Age and Birthday
Kniko Howard was born on December 29, 2002. This makes him 23 years old as of 2026. His zodiac sign is Capricorn.
Draya Michele was only 17 years old when she gave birth to him. She has spoken openly about how young she was at the time. Being a teen mom was not easy, but she found the strength to push through.
Draya once said her own mother helped her believe she could handle anything. That support gave her the confidence to raise Kniko with love and care. This early bond between mother and son has stayed strong ever since.
Kniko Howard’s Father
Many fans have asked one big question: who is Kniko Howard’s dad? His father is Kniko Howard Sr., a barber who lives in Pennsylvania. He has always kept a low profile and stayed away from the spotlight.
For years, rumors spread online. Some people claimed that former NBA player Gilbert Arenas was Kniko’s real father. This rumor grew so big that Draya finally had to speak up.
In 2016, Draya shared a post to clear up the confusion. She explained that she got pregnant at 17 by a man who later went to prison. She said there was no way a basketball player could have been the father, since she was a young girl living in a small Pennsylvania town at the time.
When she was seven months pregnant, Kniko Howard Sr. was incarcerated for ten years. This left Draya to raise Kniko almost entirely alone during his early years.
Kniko Howard’s Mother, Draya Michele
Draya Michele is Kniko’s mother and one of the biggest reasons people search his name. She was born on January 23, 1985, in Reading, Pennsylvania. She built her career step by step, starting with modeling and reality TV.
Draya became famous on Basketball Wives LA, joining the show in 2011. She stayed on the series until season four in 2015. She later appeared on TV One’s Will to Love and had a supporting role in the film The Perfect Match.
Beyond acting, Draya also became a successful businesswoman. She started brands like Mint Swim and Beige & Coco. Her drive to build a better life for Kniko played a big part in her early hustle.
Draya often talks about Kniko with pride. She has called herself a proud “college mom” and shares small moments of his life online, even though he stays private himself.
Kniko Howard’s Siblings
Kniko is the oldest child in a blended family. He has two younger half-siblings from different relationships his mother had over the years.
- Jru Scandrick – born April 8, 2016, son of former NFL cornerback Orlando Scandrick
- A baby sister – born May 12, 2024, on Mother’s Day, daughter of NBA player Jalen Green
Even though his siblings have different fathers, the family stays close. Kniko has shown a lot of care as the big brother in the house. When Draya first felt sick during her pregnancy with his sister, she told Kniko early, and he was excited to one day teach his little brother soccer.
This kind of bond shows a softer side of Kniko. He may live privately, but within his family, he plays an active and loving role.
Kniko Howard’s Education
Education has been one of the most important parts of Kniko’s story. In 2021, he began his freshman year at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Draya was thrilled about this milestone. She shared a photo online and proudly called herself a “college mom.” For her, this moment showed how far she and her son had come together.
Kniko’s exact area of study has not been shared publicly. Still, his choice to focus on college instead of chasing fame says a lot about his character. He seems more interested in building his own future than living off his mother’s spotlight.
Kniko Howard’s Height and Look
Fans often ask about Kniko’s height and appearance. He stands at about 5 feet 11 inches, or around 179 centimeters tall. He has black hair, dark brown eyes, and a calm, mature look.
People who have seen him describe him as grounded and easygoing. He also follows the Christian faith, which is common in his family. These small details help fans feel a little closer to someone who mostly stays out of view.
Kniko Howard’s Public Appearances
Even though Kniko prefers privacy, he has joined his mother at a few public events over the years. These rare appearances give fans a small glimpse into his life.
- He walked the red carpet with Draya at the Despicable Me 3 premiere in 2017
- He attended the iHeartRadio Music Awards in 2018
- He was seen at NBA games supporting Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green, his mother’s partner
These moments show that Kniko supports his family, even if he does not seek attention for himself. He shows up when it matters, then steps back into his quiet routine.
Is Kniko Howard on Social Media?
Kniko Howard keeps a very small presence online. Some reports say he has an Instagram account with only a small number of followers, where he shares casual photos with friends.
This is very different from his mother, who has over 9.6 million followers on Instagram. The contrast between them shows just how much Kniko values a private life.
He does not post often, and he does not try to build a public image. For someone connected to a famous family, this choice stands out.
Kniko Howard’s Personality
People who know the family describe Kniko as mature, calm, and family-focused. Growing up with a young single mother taught him to appreciate hard work early on.
His personality traits include:
- Private – he avoids the spotlight whenever possible
- Family-oriented – he stays close to his mother and siblings
- Education-focused – he prioritizes college and personal growth
- Grounded – he handles public attention with a calm attitude
These traits paint a picture of a young man who values substance over show. He seems more interested in building a real life than chasing likes or headlines.
Kniko Howard’s Future
As of now, Kniko has not shared any public plans about his career. His time at Georgia State University suggests he is focused on finishing his studies first.
Because he has connections to sports, fashion, and entertainment through his family, many paths could open up for him. Still, his quiet nature makes it hard to predict what he will choose next.
What is clear is that Kniko values privacy over fame. Whatever path he picks, he seems likely to walk it on his own terms, not under the weight of his mother’s spotlight.
Final Thoughts
Kniko Howard’s story is more than just being Draya Michele’s son. It is a story about growing up fast, staying grounded, and choosing privacy in a world full of noise.
He was born to a teenage mother who fought hard to build a better life. He has watched that same mother rise to fame, all while staying humble himself. His focus on college and family shows real maturity for someone his age.
In the end, Kniko Howard proves that not every child of a celebrity wants the spotlight. Some, like him, simply want a quiet life built on their own effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Kniko Howard?
He was born on December 29, 2002, making him 23 years old in 2026.
Who is Kniko Howard’s father?
His father is Kniko Howard Sr., a barber from Pennsylvania.
Who is Kniko Howard’s mother?
His mother is Draya Michele, a reality TV star, model, and businesswoman.
Does Kniko Howard have siblings?
Yes. He has a younger half-brother, Jru Scandrick, and a younger half-sister born in 2024.
Where did Kniko Howard go to college?
He joined Georgia State University in Atlanta in 2021.
Is Kniko Howard on social media?
He keeps a very small and private online presence, unlike his mother.
What is Kniko Howard known for?
He is best known as the eldest son of Draya Michele, and for keeping a private, education-focused life.
