Former HBCU Basketball Star Lands NBA Contract With Miami Heat

Howard University graduate and former star Steve Settle III agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract with the Miami Heat following the conclusion of the 2025 NBA Draft, according to a report from Jon Chepkevich of DraftExpress.

The 6-foot-11 forward is a native of Glenarden, Maryland, who began his collegiate career with the Bison's basketball team. During the 2022–23 season, he started all 32 games, averaging 11.1 points and leading the team with 5.7 rebounds per game.

Settle was a key player as Howard secured the 2022-23 MEAC regular season and tournament championships, earning him All-MEAC Second Team honors that season.

Steve Settle III at Howard — Jan 17, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Howard Bison forward Steve Settle III (2) shoots over Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Prentiss Hubb (3) during the second half at Burr Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images | Brad Mills-Imagn Images

Settle transferred to Temple for his final two seasons of eligibility. With the Owls, he averaged 12.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game during the 2024–25 season. Also, he shot at a 41.6% rate from beyond the arc. His ability to space the floor and contribute defensively made him an intriguing prospect for NBA teams.

What Is an Exhibit-10 Contract?

An NBA Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, minimum-salary NBA deal that allows teams to convert the contract to a two-way contract or provide a bonus (up to $75,000) if the player is waived and then spends at least 60 days with the team's G League affiliate.

This structure gives Settle a chance to prove himself during training camp and earn a roster spot or a two-way deal with the Heat.

Outlook

Settle will join the Heat for Summer League play, allowing him to showcase his skills and potentially secure a longer-term position with the organization.

His path from Howard University to Temple University and now to the NBA illustrates that, given the opportunity, HBCU athletes can make their mark as professional basketball players.

HBCU BASKETBALL NEWS

Published Jun 28, 2025

KYLE MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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