Less than 1% percent of NCAA basketball players make the NBA. The percentage is even lower for high school graduates who choose to forego college to enter the NBA draft. However, Dwight D. Howard was one of the lucky ones who dreamed big and was able to see his dreams realize. He showed what persistence, hardwork, and believing in yourself could do. In 2004, the 6’11” Howard fulfill two of his childhood goals by entering the NBA draft and becoming the first round #1 draft pick overall.
He was #1 for a reason. Bursting on the NBA scene, he brought new life to a struggling Orlando Magic and set some major records in his rookie year. Howard is the youngest player in the history of the NBA to average a double double in a regular season and average at least 10 rebounds in a season. He also holds the title as the youngest in NBA history to record at least 20 rebounds in a game. If that wasn’t enough Howard is the first player in NBA history out of high school to start all 82 games during his rookie season. Thus at the conclusion of his rookie year he was selected for the 2005 NBA Rookie Challenge and was picked for the All-Rookie Team. Later, he was named third runner up to Rookie of the Year; right behind Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon. Saying Howard is one bad man on the court is such an understatement. He is a beast on the court!
Now at 28 years of age and with ten years in the game Howard is one of the biggest names in the league and Houston is proud to call him our own. As the center for the Houston Rockets Howard continues to receive accolades and awards for his talent, dedication, and drive. He is a stellar example of a man who exhibits model behavior that doesn’t just stop on the court. The Atlanta native is a huge philanthropist off the court.
“I was always taught to give with an open heart. If you give with an open heart you’ll be received with a warm one. That’s something that’s stayed with me and allowed me to meet some great people through the years,” said Howard in a recent interview with Houston Style Magazine.
The same year he was drafted, Howard joined forces with his parents to create the Dwight D. Howard Foundation, Inc. now called the Dwight D. and Sheryl Howard Foundation. This foundation not only host basketball camps, but more importantly provides scholarships for students attending his alma mater (Southwest Christian Academy), provides grants to Lovell Elementary School, and Memorial Middle School in Orlando, FL. Howard has said that he wants his legacy to be “bigger and better off the court than it is on court.”
Seven years after starting his first foundation, he established another one. In 2011, Howard launched The D12 Foundation, which maintains four pillars when implementing projects: 1. To promote education; 2. To sow seeds of generosity; 3. To champion leadership and inspire dreams; and 4. To inspire hope and recovery in unexpected times.
“I’ve had to deal with many different challenges throughout my career. I’ve tried to learn and grow from them all and try to offer my experiences to any one that needs a little direction or a few encouraging words,” expressed Howard.
Howard’s giving spirit and love for community is the reason why Houston Style Magazine will honor him at the 25th anniversary reception on Friday, October 3rd at Del Frisco’s Steakhouse in the Galleria at 6pm. Howard will received the Champion of Change Community Award. “It’s great to receive this award. It’s always been important to me to use this platform I’ve been blessed with to help inspire people in any way I can. The city of Houston has really embraced me and I’m happy to contribute to helping this city grow any way I can,” an appreciate Howard said.
For more information about Dwight Howard, visit dwighthoward.com.
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