Kniko Howard is the first son of Draya Michele, who is a famous TV star, model, fashion designer, and businesswoman.
Born in 2002, Kniko grew up in the shadow of his mother’s fame but has stayed mostly out of the spotlight.
Recently, people have noticed Kniko sitting courtside with Draya at NBA games to support Houston Rockets player Jalen Green. This has drawn attention because Draya is dating Jalen, and Kniko and Jalen are the same age!
Early Life: Growing Up with a Young Mom
Kniko Howard was born on January 8, 2002, in Reading, Pennsylvania. His mom, Draya Michele, was only 17 years old at the time, just a teenager figuring out life.
Draya faced big hurdles raising Kniko alone. At 17, she was still growing up herself, but she had a baby to care for. Money was tight, and she didn’t have a partner to lean on. Her mom’s support was a lifeline, who offered a place to live and help with childcare.
Draya has shared how those struggles built her strength. She wanted Kniko to see her hustle, to know that hard work could open doors. That lesson stuck with Kniko, who grew up respecting his mom’s drive.
Education
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Kniko is a bright young man who values education. In August 2021, Draya shared exciting news on Instagram: Kniko had been accepted into college. She called herself a “college mom,” bursting with pride.
Fans were amazed at how fast Kniko had grown. From the picture she posted, we know Kniko was enrolled at Georgia State University in Atlanta.
Who is Kniko’s Father?
One of the biggest questions about Kniko is: Who is his dad? For years, fans speculated, with rumors pointing to former NBA star Gilbert Arenas. The gossip started when Draya’s “Basketball Wives LA” co-star, Jennifer Williams, hinted at a connection.
But Draya shut it down in 2016 with a candid Instagram post, now deleted. She explained that Kniko’s father is Kniko Howard Sr., who was a barber from Pennsylvania.
The Gilbert Arenas rumor frustrated Draya because it painted a false picture. She was upset that people assumed she’d been supported by a wealthy athlete. In her 2016 post, she wrote, “I worked in the club for seven years. If I had child support from an NBA player, I wouldn’t have needed to.”
Kniko, named after his dad, carries his father’s name but seems closer to his mom’s side of the family.
Kniko Sr. is not a celebrity. He’s a regular guy who works as a barber and keeps a low profile. Draya shared that when she was seven months pregnant, Kniko Sr. was incarcerated for a decade. That left her to raise Kniko alone, with no child support. She’s been open about the struggle, saying she never relied on anyone else to provide for her son.
Today, Kniko Sr. lives in Pennsylvania, but it’s unclear if he has a close relationship with Kniko. Draya respects his privacy and doesn’t share much about him.
Relationship with Draya Michele: A Strong Bond
Kniko and Draya Michele share a deep, unbreakable bond. She was a young mom, and he was her first baby, so they grew up together in many ways. Draya often says Kniko is her motivation, the reason she pushed through tough times.
Their closeness shines through in small moments, like when they dressed up for Halloween or walked the red carpet together.
Red Carpet Moments
Kniko has joined Draya at a few high-profile events. In 2017, they attended the “Despicable Me 3” premiere in Los Angeles, smiling for cameras. The next year, they hit the iHeartRadio Music Awards, looking stylish and happy. These rare public outings show Kniko’s comfort with his mom, even in the spotlight.
Draya’s Pride as a Mom
Draya’s love for Kniko is clear in her words. In a 2019 E! News interview, she shared how her mom’s strength inspired her to be fearless as a young parent. She wanted Kniko to feel that same support.
When Kniko started college, Draya posted, “I’m so proud of you, son!” Her joy was contagious, and fans could feel her excitement.
Draya Michele and Jalen Green
Draya’s relationship with NBA star Jalen Green has brought Kniko into the headlines. The couple started dating in August 2023, when Draya was 39 and Jalen was 22, the same age as Kniko.
Their 17-year age gap sparked chatter online, but Draya and Jalen stayed focused on their love. In May 2024, they welcomed a daughter, Kniko’s baby sister, named Peace Moira.
Courtside with Kniko
In January 2025, Kniko and Draya made waves when they sat courtside atolarity: 171 at a Houston Rockets game to cheer for Jalen.
The moment went viral, with over 40 million views on X, though some fans criticized the age gap between Draya and Jalen. Comments like “Having a stepdad the same age as you is weird” popped up.
Draya Michele (39) took her son Kniko (22) to see his stepdad Jalen Green (22) courtside at his game 🏀 pic.twitter.com/bUstL73pt6
— Kollege Kidd (@KollegeKidd) January 5, 2025
But Kniko seemed unfazed, enjoying the game and supporting his mom’s partner. I bet he and Jalen bond over basketball, maybe even playing one-on-one at home.
A Growing Family
Draya and Jalen’s daughter, born on Mother’s Day 2024, added a new layer to their family. Draya shared how special the day was, especially after losing her dad on Mother’s Day in 2021.
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She wrote on Instagram, “My daughter was safely brought into this world, and I’m forever grateful.” Kniko, now a big brother to two siblings (including Jru Scandrick, born in 2016), seems to embrace his role.
Handle the Spotlight
Draya and Jalen have faced scrutiny over their age difference, but they brush it off. In a TMZ interview, Draya said, “We try to stay off the internet and not listen to that stuff. Love is love.” Kniko, too, seems to ignore the noise, focusing on his own life.
He’s part of a blended family now, with Jalen as a stepdad and a new sister. It’s not always easy, but Draya’s openness about love and family sets a strong example for Kniko.
Recent Events: Kniko in the Public Eye
Lately, Kniko has stepped into the spotlight more, due to his mom’s high-profile romance. The courtside moment at the Rockets game was a big deal, indicating Kniko as a young adult supporting his family.
