Kniko Howard enrolled at Georgia State University in Atlanta during 2021. His mother Draya Michele celebrated this milestone publicly on social media. She called herself a proud college mom.
Most people know Kniko only because his mother became famous on reality television. Draya appeared on Basketball Wives LA from 2011 to 2015. She later built successful fashion brands and an acting career.
Kniko chose a different path. He maintains minimal social media presence. He focuses on education rather than entertainment industry connections.
Quick Bio Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kniko Howard |
| Born | 2002 (exact date varies by source: January 8 or December 29) |
| Age (2026) | 23-24 years old |
| Birthplace | Pennsylvania, United States |
| Parents | Draya Michele (mother), Kniko Howard Sr. (father) |
| Mother’s Age at Birth | 17 years old |
| Father’s Occupation | Barber in Pennsylvania |
| Siblings | Jru Scandrick (half-brother, born 2016), unnamed half-sister (born May 12, 2024) |
| Half-Brother’s Father | Orlando Scandrick (former NFL player) |
| Half-Sister’s Father | Jalen Green (NBA player) |
| Education | Georgia State University (enrolled 2021) |
| @afariiface (approximately 2,000 followers) | |
| Known For | Being Draya Michele’s oldest son; maintaining privacy despite celebrity connection |
| Public Appearances | Despicable Me 3 premiere, iHeartRadio Music Awards, NBA games |
| Current Status | College student living privately |
Birth When Mother Was Seventeen
Kniko was born in 2002 in Pennsylvania. His mother Draya Michele was only 17 years old at the time. She became a teenage mother facing significant challenges.
Draya’s full name is Andraya Michelle Howard. She was born January 23, 1985, in Reading, Pennsylvania. She had Kniko approximately 17 years after her own birth.
Being a teenage parent meant limited resources and experience. Draya relied heavily on her own mother for support during this period.
Father’s Incarceration During Pregnancy
When Draya was seven months pregnant with Kniko, his father faced legal trouble. Kniko Howard Sr. was sentenced to ten years in prison.
This left Draya to raise her son essentially as a single parent. She worked various jobs to support them both during these early years.
Kniko Sr. worked as a barber in Pennsylvania. After serving his sentence, he returned to this profession. He maintains a private life away from media attention.
The Gilbert Arenas Rumor
For many years, false rumors circulated about Kniko’s father. Some people claimed NBA player Gilbert Arenas was his biological father.
These rumors started because Draya briefly dated Arenas in 2008. Jennifer Williams, another Basketball Wives cast member, suggested this connection publicly.
The speculation continued for years. Fans questioned the identity of Kniko’s father repeatedly.
Draya’s Public Clarification
In 2016, Draya finally addressed the rumors directly on social media. She stated clearly that Kniko Howard Sr. is her son’s father.
She explained that his father lives in Pennsylvania and works honestly as a barber. She asked people to stop spreading false information.
Draya wrote: “My son’s father lives in PA and makes an honest living being a barber. I’ve been quiet too long. I’ve also let people tell ‘my story’ on TV too many times. I’ll speak my truths.”
She also mentioned that Kniko Sr. was incarcerated when she was pregnant. This addressed questions about his absence from Kniko’s early life.
Growing Up With Famous Mother
Draya’s career took off when Kniko was still a child. She appeared on Basketball Wives LA starting in 2011. This brought cameras and public attention into their lives.
Draya also gained fame through her connection to singer Chris Brown. They dated briefly, which increased media interest in her personal life.
She launched fashion brands including Mint Swim and Beige & Coco. These businesses became successful and added to her public profile.
Throughout this period, Draya shared some moments with Kniko on social media. However, she was selective about what she posted regarding her children.
Education Priority
Draya emphasized education for Kniko from an early age. She wanted him to have opportunities she did not have as a teenage mother.
Reports indicate Kniko maintained strong academic focus throughout school. He took his studies seriously despite his mother’s growing fame.
In 2020, Draya announced that Kniko had been accepted into college. This represented a major milestone for their family.
The following year in 2021, Kniko enrolled at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. The specific field of study has not been publicly disclosed.
Minimal Social Media Presence
Unlike many children of celebrities, Kniko does not seek online attention. His Instagram account @afariiface has approximately 2,000 followers.
He posts occasionally but maintains privacy. His content includes some photos with friends and basketball games he has attended.
He does not promote products or build influencer status. His social media use appears personal rather than commercial.
This approach contrasts sharply with his mother’s active online presence. Draya has millions of followers across platforms.
Public Appearances With Mother
Kniko has attended some high-profile events alongside Draya. In 2017, he walked the red carpet at the Despicable Me 3 movie premiere.
He also appeared with her at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Photos from these events show him looking comfortable but reserved.
He has been spotted courtside at NBA games. Draya took him to watch Jalen Green play for the Houston Rockets before she and Jalen began dating.
After these appearances, Kniko returns to his private routine. He does not seek continued media attention from these moments.
Relationship With Half-Siblings
Kniko has two younger half-siblings from his mother’s other relationships. His half-brother Jru Scandrick was born April 8, 2016.
Jru’s father is Orlando Scandrick, a former NFL cornerback. Orlando and Draya were engaged from 2015 until their relationship ended in 2019.
In May 2024, Draya gave birth to a daughter with NBA player Jalen Green. This made Kniko a big brother for the second time.
Despite different fathers, Kniko maintains connections with his siblings. He has been photographed at family gatherings and events.
Mother’s Controversial Relationship
In 2024, Draya’s relationship with Jalen Green attracted significant public attention. Draya is 17 years older than Jalen, who was born in 2002.
This means Jalen and Kniko are the same age. This age dynamic became a topic of intense online discussion and criticism.
Kniko has not commented publicly on his mother’s relationship. He maintains his private approach to family matters.
Physical Appearance and Personality
Kniko is described as tall with an athletic build. His exact height and weight have not been publicly documented.
People who have observed him at events describe him as calm and composed. He appears confident without seeking attention.
His demeanor suggests maturity beyond his years. Growing up with a celebrity mother may have contributed to this grounded personality.
Career Aspirations Unknown
Kniko has not publicly shared his career goals or professional plans. His college major and future intentions remain private.
Some reports suggest interest in athletics, particularly basketball. However, no confirmed information exists about pursuing sports professionally.
He may follow a completely different path from entertainment or athletics. His privacy makes it difficult to know his actual interests.
Mother’s Influence
Draya frequently praises Kniko in interviews and social media posts. She describes him as disciplined, hardworking, and mature.
She credits raising him with teaching her resilience and responsibility. Becoming a mother at 17 forced her to grow up quickly.
Draya has stated that her experiences shaped her career choices. She wanted to provide Kniko with stability and opportunities.
The values she instilled include independence, education, and maintaining boundaries with public life.
Contrast With Celebrity Culture
Kniko’s approach stands out in today’s celebrity environment. Many children of famous parents pursue influencer careers or reality television.
Kniko rejected these paths. He enrolled in college, maintained privacy, and built life separate from his mother’s fame.
This choice requires discipline. Turning down opportunities connected to celebrity takes strength.
His example shows alternative paths exist for children connected to fame.
Current Life in 2026
As of 2026, Kniko is 23-24 years old. He may have completed his undergraduate studies or is finishing his degree.
His current location and activities remain private. He has successfully avoided paparazzi and tabloid coverage.
His relationship status is unknown. He does not share personal life details publicly.
He continues maintaining boundaries between his identity and his mother’s public persona.
Lessons From His Story
Kniko Howard’s story demonstrates that privacy is achievable even with celebrity connections. It requires consistent commitment to boundaries.
His focus on education shows alternative priorities to fame and attention. Academic achievement matters regardless of family background.
His relationship with his mother appears strong despite her career demands. They balance public and private aspects of family life.
His example offers hope for other children of celebrities seeking normal lives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Kniko Howard?
Kniko Howard is the oldest son of reality TV star and entrepreneur Draya Michele. He was born in 2002 and is known for maintaining a private life despite his mother’s fame.
2. How old is Kniko Howard?
He was born in 2002, making him 23-24 years old as of 2026.
3. Who is Kniko Howard’s father?
His father is Kniko Howard Sr., a barber who lives in Pennsylvania. His father was incarcerated for 10 years when Draya was seven months pregnant.
4. Was Gilbert Arenas Kniko Howard’s father?
No. This was a false rumor that circulated for years. Draya Michele publicly clarified in 2016 that Kniko Howard Sr. is her son’s biological father.
5. Does Kniko Howard have siblings?
Yes, he has two younger half-siblings: Jru Scandrick (born 2016, father Orlando Scandrick) and a half-sister (born May 2024, father Jalen Green).
6. Where did Kniko Howard go to college?
He enrolled at Georgia State University in Atlanta in 2021.
7. Does Kniko Howard have social media?
Yes, he has an Instagram account (@afariiface) with approximately 2,000 followers, but he maintains minimal presence and posts infrequently.
8. How old was Draya Michele when she had Kniko?
Draya was 17 years old when Kniko was born in 2002.
9. Has Kniko Howard appeared at public events?
Yes, he has attended some events with his mother including the Despicable Me 3 premiere, iHeartRadio Music Awards, and NBA games, but he maintains a low profile.
10. What does Kniko Howard do?
He is a college student focused on his education. His specific career plans or field of study have not been publicly disclosed.
11. Why was there controversy about Draya Michele’s relationship with Jalen Green? Jalen Green and Kniko Howard are both born in 2002 (same age). Draya is 17 years older than Jalen, creating an unusual family dynamic that sparked public discussion.
12. Does Kniko Howard want to be famous?
No evidence suggests he seeks fame. His minimal social media presence and private lifestyle indicate he prefers staying out of the spotlight despite his mother’s celebrity status.