Dwight Howard

Up Close & PersonalDwight D. Howard, II was born on December 8, 1985 in Atlanta, Georgia. Dwight’s father, Howard Senior is a former Georgia State trooper and served as Athletic Director for Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy. His mother Sheryl attended Morris Brown College where she was captain and played on the first inaugural women’s basketball team.In his down time, Dwight enjoys going to the movies and bowling. He has two dogs named Gunner and Nemo. When Dwight was in eighth grade he wrote down several goals including leading his high school team to the state championship and become the first overall selection in the NBA Draft. His favorite players are Michael Jordan and Kevin Garnett.As an early entry candidate in the 2004 NBA Draft, Dwight was chosen number one overall by the Orlando Magic. Dwight was a unanimous selection to the NBA’s All-Rookie First Team, and finished third in voting for NBA Rookie of the Year. He played and started in all 82 games for Orlando, averaging 12.0 points per game. One of only eight players in the NBA to average a double-double and the first rookie (along with Charlotte’s Emeka Okafor) to average a double-double since Shaquille O’Neal and Alonzo Mourning accomplished the feat in 1992-93.Dwight became the first player in NBA history directly out of high school to start in all 82 games during his rookie season. Dwight participated in the “2005 Got Milk?” Rookie Challenge at NBA All-Star Weekend and tallied 14 points, five rebounds, one assist, a game-high three blocks and one steal in 19 minutes. He made his NBA regular season debut on Nov. 3, 2004 vs. Milwaukee and tallied 12 points, a game-high-tying 10 rebounds, two assists, four blocks and three steals in 38 minutes.When he’s home in Atlanta, he attends the Fellowship of Faith Church, International in East Point, Georgia. Dwight is still involved and active with the youth programs at the church. Children and family relationships are very important to him. Dwight believes that without the Lord in your life, you cannot fulfill your dreams.Dwight was the 2005 recipient of the Rich and Helen De Vos Community Enrichment Award for his outstanding efforts in the Central Florida community. Dwight has participated in several NBA “Read to Achieve” assemblies encouraging children to make reading a priority.